Where in the World…

(this blog post first appeared over at Heroines With Hearts...)

So you’ve decided to write a science fiction romance. Or a fantasy…or paranormal. Whatever the case,you’re about to step into a world where the rules are about to change. More importantly, you’re about to make the rules. All by yourself…

World building can be a daunting undertaking, but there are a few simple tricks you can try to simplify the process. Whether you’re writing about a pod of vampires in New Hampshire or a reptilian alien society in outer space, you need to outline the basic rules of existence, not only of the culture and characters, but of the basic environment in which they live.

Some writers start with a map. They look at the big picture, creating continents, islands, sites and streets. From there, they move to culture and personality. While this sounds like overkill, environment can affect the personality and physical characteristics of a society. What do the people look like? Do they have physical features that differ from that of humans? What caused them to develop that way? That same question relates to the environment. If the sky is rainbow colored or flowers are true black, be prepared with an explanation. How does their world and environment affect their personalities as a species?

In the Belle Starr science fiction universe, I developed several alien species that were featured in minor roles in the story. Each species is the product of their society and world and a lot went into their creation. For example, the Somians are a sensual twin species. They are born in same sex pairs, grow up together, and in adulthood, mate another twin pair. Every twin pair is essentially one person split into two bodies. Somians are frequently sex workers and take pride in that profession. Their planet is lush and fragrant; they love beautiful colors, fabrics and delicious food. Since their culture is all about happiness, they have advanced studies in mental health beyond any other known species.

The Valorans are their polar opposite. The Valoran species comes from a dry, less tropical environment. The entire species are intersexed, but have fallen into a natural division of those who consider themselves male, and those who consider themselves female. They are prudish, not given to emotional display and specialize in sciences based in mathematics. There is a minority of the population who consider themselves gender neutral, and they suffer some discrimination from other Valorans.

Somians think that Valorans are in denial of their innate sensual and dual nature. Valorans think Somians are frivolous and foolish. When a Somian and a Valoran come together romantically…the results are intriguing!

As you can see, a lot of work went into developing two alien cultures that really don’t take center stage in the stories they appear in. But since they’re so well developed, they enhance any story they appear in.

Back to rules. Be careful if you decide to outline a set of rules for your culture. A popular author created a species that by nature could not produce homosexuality. She put those rules into writing in a glossary and locked herself in. Imagine how interesting it was when homoerotic elements began to emerge in her stories! So know your rules, and know how to break them.

It’s a big job, wrangling an entire universe. I generally keep a page open on my computer to take notes as I write. I jot down names, places, even sounds. All this gets transferred into a ‘bible’ for that universe. Since the Belle Starr and the Uncommon Whore series share a universe, they also share a bible. I make sure to note what character originated where, as some do cross over. There are also software programs that you can use to take notes and collect photos, music and videos that influence you in the creation of your world. You can also use an external method, such as white boards (which I use) and sticky notes.

So, are you ready? Or are you lost? Best of luck on your journey, and Happy Tails!

Stargazing with Anne Kane

When I was young, I used to wish I had special powers. I devoured fantasy and science fiction novels from the local library faster than they could get them in stock. I especially loved the “historical fantasies.” You know the kind, set back in the days of knights and kings and druids and witches. And dragons, but then that’s a whole other topic. LOL. Several times, I ran across references to the powers of the Earth’s ley lines. I didn’t quite understand what they were, but the thought of bands of power running from point to point beneath the surface of the earth always intrigued me. I wondered if there was some truth to the stories. I imagined how the witches would be able to sense the ley lines and use them. Perhaps because I wished I were one of them, I assumed that the people who would have this awesome talent would be female.

The last time Halley’s Comet made it’s once –in-a-lifetime approach to earth, my husband and I got up in the middle of the night and drove to our favorite lookout point at the summit of a local mountain. As I stood there, wrapped in a blanket against the cold, I looked up in awe at the vast array of stars twinkling above me. Watching the comet streak across the night sky with its tail blazing out behind it, I was reminded of how small and insignificant we are in the vastness of the universe. It was an amazing night; one I’ll never forget.

Last Halloween the weather was clear and chilly out here in the mountains. I stood on my deck, gazing up at the stars, and remembered that night. I recalled my meager science lessons from high school, and how the gravitational pulls of the planets and stars affected the orbits of each other and all the heavenly bodies. The kids running around in their witches costumes reminded me of those long ago stories of witches and ley lines, and I wondered about the planets and stars. Do invisible lines of power connect them? What were the chances that a female born in Earths distant future, would have the ability to see those lines, to tap into their energy and use it? What would that woman be like? It would take a strong person to harness that kind of power. What type of man would she love, and what male would be confident enough in his own power to love such a woman? Thus was born my new series with Changeling Press – Stargazers.

Currently I have four books contracted- Wanton, Willful, Wild and Wayward. Wanton was released March 13th 2009. Willful will be out on May 15th. Wild and Wayward are scheduled to be released in July and September, respectively.



In honor of Belinda’s Halfway to Halloween celebration, I’ll give a free PDF copy of Stargazers 2- Willful to one lucky reader. To enter, all you have to do is comment on this Blog post.

Happy Reading!
Anne Kane
http://www.annekane.literalseduction.net/
Sci –Fi and Fantasy with a sensual twist!

ISBN (13): 978-1-60521-180-0
Genres: Futuristic, Paranormal, Sci-Fi
Themes: Menage, Magic and Mayhem
Release Date: May 15, 2009
Author: Anne Kane
http://www.annekane.literalseduction.net
Publisher URL Changeling Press - Erotic Fiction

BLURB:
Born both a Stargazer and Daughter-Heir to the throne of New Zanadles, Jazlyn is used to a life of pampered luxury. But when the planet runs into financial trouble, her father agrees to bind her to a five-year term of service aboard a vessel with two very virile interplanetary merchants.
Her leisurely life is replaced by a whirlwind of Intergalactic Council intrigues and the lusty attentions of her new employers, but when space pirates attack, a routine delivery turns into a deadly struggle for control of the ship.



EXCERPT:
Closing her eyes, she tilted her head back. She let her consciousness expand out into the cold void of space, seeking the brilliant energy that signified the ley lines. Behind her closed lids, the lines shimmered into view, their seductive energy calling to her. The blues and green were darker in this quadrant, clearer in the absence of man-made clutter, but they still formed that glittering maze that tempted her to immerse herself in its power. She ignored the temptation, searching amongst the strands for the one she needed to follow to reach their destination. She examined each, discarding one after the other. Instinct would tell her when she’d found what she needed. Greens. Golds. Blues. The lines were seductive, tempting her to lose herself in their beauty. Still, she searched.

And then she found it. The line that would lead her to the Globar system. She narrowed her focus, concentrating on that one line, drawing the twinkling energy into herself, and using her hands to direct it to the massive engines of the ship. Dimly, she felt the vibrations as the ship began to move through space, picking up speed as she strengthened the flow of power, acting as a human conductor.

She reveled in the feel of the energy coursing through her body, captured by her, controlled by her. The temptation was there, always at the back of her mind, to draw more and more power until there was no going back. She’d merge completely with the brilliant energy of the lines, become one with that incredible maze. It became harder and harder to resist. Every time she channeled the power, she hesitated just a fraction of a second longer before letting it go. She’d always used her father to anchor her to this life -- to reach out to if the temptation were too great.

But he wasn’t here.

Time had no meaning in her trance. The power flowed through her to the engines in a steady stream, and she remained passive, letting it use her. Dimly, she was aware of planets, stars and the other heavenly bodies as they came within range, only to disappear as the ship hurtled toward its destination.

It could have been nanosecs or whole solar days before she sensed her destination approaching. Reluctantly, she let some of the power slip away, loosening her hold on the line. She could feel the engine slow as she came out of the trance. Her body sagged against the harness as fatigue overtook her. When the auxiliary power kicked in, she emerged completely, and exhaustion slammed into her. She opened her eyes to find Bryce striding toward her, concern plowing deep furrows into his handsome brow.

“How long...” Her voice cracked and she couldn’t finish. She must have held the power longer than she’d intended. She felt spent, every last ounce of her reserves drained.
“Too long. Why the hell didn’t you let go before this?” Bryce’s hands were gentle as he unbuckled the restraints. When she would have fallen, he lifted her in his arms and dragged a blanket over her naked body. “You scared the hell out of me. Don’t you ever do that again!”
Jazlyn smiled weakly at the rough affection in his voice. Typical male, he seemed to think he had the right to give her orders. “I’m a Stargazer. I don’t take orders from merchant captains.”
“So this is what you do when I’m not around.” Jazlyn started as Tyler’s deep voice boomed out cheerfully from the far side of the bridge. She peeked over Bryce’s shoulder. Tyler had one arm draped possessively around her cousin.

Mika smiled up at him with adoring eyes, before she turned a concerned look in Jazlyn’s direction. “Did you overdo it? You know your tutor warned you. Those lines can devour you whole if you’re not careful.”

“I’m fine.” She felt silly, held in Bryce’s arms like a small child while her cousin lectured her. “Just a little tired.”
“You can rest for a cycle before the next jump.” Tyler looked at the dark red planet visible on the observation screen. “That’s Makus 1 off to our left. We stocked up on supplies before we left New Zanadles, so we don’t need to dock.” He glanced at his partner. “No need to alert any Council spies that we have a Stargazer on board.”

Bryce nodded. “I agree. I’ll take Jazlyn down to her cabin so she can get some rest. You secure the bridge and make sure we’re ready in case we have to power up in a hurry.”
“You two are so paranoid.” Mika ducked out from under Tyler’s arm. “I’ll come and take care of Jazlyn.”

“Not necessary.” Bryce met Jazlyn’s gaze, and she felt her cheeks go red. “I can take care of her.”

“She needs rest, my friend.” Tyler grinned. “Not your amorous attention.”

“And she’ll get it.” Bryce strode toward the doorway. “If you want to take care of someone, Mika, Tyler’s in need of some supervision.”

Mika laughed, the sound cheerful in the confines of the bridge. “Let him go, Tyler. I told you he’s smitten. My darling cousin has him wrapped around her little finger.”

Bryce threw the pair a quelling look and strode out the doorway, Jazlyn held firmly against his heart.

Belle Starr Teaser!

I had so much fun making this trailer! Enjoy!

The Man of my Dreams

It seems logical to write about Dorian and Phaedre, the two lead characters from Soul Keeper. However, logic is something I am rarely afflicted with, so, I’m actually going to tell you about a very minor character from the story, and how he ended up making his presence known to me.

First off, Soul Keeper wasn’t the first book I sat down to write, but it was the first that I finished. I didn’t have a particularly clear outline of the book, so I suppose that’s why the door was left open for Roman to enter. I knew the plot, the ending and pretty much how they got there, but I guess my subconscious decided that something was missing.

One night, I had one of those short, vivid dreams that literally bring you out of the bed. In the dream, I was riding a bus. We were on a route that wound through San Francisco’s Presidio, near Baker Beach. The bus stopped and I get on. (That’s the odd logic of dreams…) I took a seat next to the doors and looked at the man sitting across from me.

He was frightening. He was dark, but I was unable to decide what his ethnicity was. His hair was shaved close to his scalp, and he wore a dark, expensive suit. He wore sunglasses, so I couldn’t see his eyes, but I knew they were silvery-green. He was huge. Even sitting, his knees pushed out into the aisle. He was handsome in his way, but very, very intimidating. He then smiled at me, and with that smile, I knew this was a good, safe person.

We got off the bus at the same stop, and he paused as though he didn’t recognize where he was. I realized that he was lost. He gave me a slip of paper with an address on it, and we walked to that address together. He knew that his name was Roman, and he knew his home was nearby, but he couldn’t remember how to get there.

Roman was brain-injured.

He might have been inspired by someone I’d met a few years back. Perhaps he represented the head injury I’d suffered myself years ago. Whatever the case, Roman very quickly found his place in Soul Keeper. For me, he represents things lost and gained. For Phaedre and Danae, he is safety in a very real and literal sense. For Kaine and Dorian, he represents the failure of the Equis to take care of their own.

Every character in the book is reflected by how they dealt with Roman’s injury.

What I found most interesting about the character is his grace. Roman carries a heavy burden, but never grieves over the loss of the person he once was. His family and friends grieve for him. Roman simply moves on. He has a very real appreciation for his life in spite of the hardships that he experiences. Roman can’t read well, but has discovered a genius for computer skills. He can’t handle a pencil or tell his left from his right, but earned a living as a bodyguard and security expert. Sometimes the frustration is there, but he always manages to set it aside and adapt.

Roman reminds me of patience and persistence. He reminds me not to judge others. Roman reminds me to listen to my inner voice.

I’m not quite certain which direction Roman will travel, but I have every intention of going along for the ride. Literally. Did I mention that he’s a shape-shifting centaur?

You can read about Roman, and all the other magical creatures in Soul Keeper, coming very soon to New Concepts Publishing.

If you’d like to know more about me, please come and visit!

www.belindamcbride.com

www.belindam.blogspot.com

www.myspace.com/belindamcbride

October Release! IMPERATIVE: ALWAYS YOU

New at Changeling Press!

The concept of the Imperative series is freedom of choice. Is such freedom desirable? Beneficial? If so, why do we always seem to screw things up?

Years ago, there was a song with an interesting lyric: Freedom of choice is what we've got; Freedom from choice is what we want.

After reading romances for quite some time, I noticed a trend; people who are bound to one another by outside forces. Life mates, soul mates, bound by magic, nature or or a biological mating. Since most women's romance is a fantasy for the female reader, what are we looking for on a gut level? A man who will never cheat, will never leave us. A relationship that is perfect, that was meant to be.

Happily ever after. Of course.

Well, at least that's my interpretation.

That irked me, and when something irks me, I generally confront the issue and put my own spin on it. Thus came Nature's Imperative.

Couples are pulled together, sometimes unwillingly. The Imperative can strike anytime, anywhere. Con Montgomery is literally hanging upsidedown on the side of a building when he feels it.

The Imperative is not comfortable, it causes nausea, vertigo, and a major sense of undefined horniness. If you don't connect with your Imperative mate, bad things happen, and your life will never be whole. Without your mate, you are condemned to a half-life of sorts, without the comfort of a lover, children, or sexual satisfaction.

The characters in this universe are human, they mess up. In Missing You, Con and Duncan literally miss Marina, who is intended by Nature to be their third, and as a result, their idyllic love for one another goes awry, resulting in infidelity. (Well, not really, since the "other woman" was really Marina, thier mate.)

In Always You, Neil and Marilyn are futuristic yuppies, up and comers in their corner of the business world. Their relationship is abrasive and tense. When Nature finally butts her nose into the situation, things don't improve a great deal. After all, Neil has lived his entire adult life as a gay man and is comfortable with his sexuality. He is still deeply in love with Jase, the lover he just broke up with. Marilyn still carries her anger toward Neil, as well as a deep lack of self-confidence. Just because an outside force compels this couple to be together doesn't make them suddenly perfect.

What's next in the series? Well, I'm currently working on Saving You, the story of Jase. Its coming slow, because of all the characters I've ever written, Jase is truly sad, truly disturbed, and in spite of a miracle, he isn't going to just "get over" all the pain in his psyche. I want his story to be just right, after all, he plays an important role in Neil and Marilyn's story.

Another important factor in Saving You is Nature herself; she decides that Jase is important enough that she's actually personified in this book. Jase asks for peace, and she decides to grant him his wish. And peace is certainly not what Jason Anders thinks it will be!

Anyhow, I hope you read and enjoy this series. Number Three may be the end, but who knows, maybe Nature will come knocking on my imagnation one again, giving me some new ideas for the Imperative!


TITLE: IMPERATIVE: ALWAYS YOU
AUTHOR: Belinda McBride
AUTHOR URL: http://www.belindamcbride.com/
GENRE/THEME: Futuristic, Fantasy, Bisexual
PUBLISHER: Changeling Press
RELEASE DATE: October 24, 2008
URL TO THE BUYING PAGE: http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1021
EXCERPT RATING: NC17
WARNINGS: Sexual Situation
*****

BLURB

In the future, we don't choose our mates; Nature chooses for us. Nature doesn't make mistakes. And if you don't pay attention to Nature's Imperative, you suffer.

She could always get under his skin. He could always send her spinning into fury. Marilyn and Neil aren’t like oil and water, they’re like dynamite and a fuse! Not only do these co-workers hate each other, but Mari’s still in love with her ex-husband, and Neil? Well, Neil is gay.

Nature’s got some explaining to do.


EXCERPT:

He pushed her to the top of the bed, overwhelmed by softness; soft skin, soft muscle, soft hair. He ran his hands over her body, rough and hard, hands clasping her small breasts, listening to her gasp as he bent down, tasted her nipples. A hand dropped between her legs and Marilyn opened gladly, more than ready to take him.

His hand groped, a bit clumsy, finally a finger slipped within her folds, probing, dipping into her wet channel. Neil pushed himself up, away from her breast and watched his hand, looked at what he was doing.. Her hips thrust against his hand, as though silently urging him on, and her hand dropped to his cock, stroking firmly, with an expert touch. She squeezed, her thumb catching a pearl of pre-come, spreading it over his cock head.

Unable to wait, Neil shifted into position, letting her take his cock, sliding it into her wet, glistening folds.

And then he was inside her body.
* * *
He froze atop her. Marilyn pumped her hips, trying to urge him into movement. He was large, as large as she’d suspected, judging by her covert glimpses of him in the past. He’d been nearly shaking in eagerness, sweat blooming over his skin, his muscles taut and rigid. His cock was so hard, so hot she’d been unable to wait.

And now he hovered there, inches above her body, buried deep within her channel.

“Neil?” She shifted her hips, trying to provoke him to movement. She shivered in frustration. This was the most wildly arousing moment of her life. He’d been rough, and it had felt good, so incredibly good. He’d been awkward, but that wasn’t unusual, some men she’d been with had been much more so.

He was hard inside of her, but suddenly, she felt a sense of disconnection. Isolation.

“Neil?”

He blinked in the darkness, and looked down at her. To her dismay, he backed out, sliding to a kneeling position.

“I can’t.”

Nausea bloomed, the sweat on her skin suddenly chilled, and the little bit she’d eaten threatened to come back up.

Marilyn carefully scooted up in the bed, cautious to not brush his skin, to not make any contact at all.

She slid off the bed, glancing at Neil, he still knelt, eyes closed, cock jutting from his body.

“I’m sorry, Mari, don’t leave… please… I just…”

She fished her clothing from the floor, piece by piece, following the trail to the door.

“Mari…”

He’d followed her to the living room. He was naked, and Marilyn thought she’d never seen such a beautiful body before. He was tanned and muscled, the result of hours on a rowing team. His cock was still full and hard, jutting from a nest of dark curls. His long legs were muscular and as perfect as she’d ever seen.

“That’s okay, Neil. I do understand, really.” She pulled her sweater over her head and quickly tied the drawstring on her pants. She picked up her shoes, not bothering to put them on.

“I’ll go home now. If it’s too hard to be apart, I’ll just… maybe take your spare room. I’m not really interested in relationships, but maybe you and Jase…”

Her gaze swept the room and she spotted her tote. She scooped it from the floor.

“Marilyn, it’s not what you…”

The door shut behind her.

“…think.”

He squeezed his eyes closed and turned back to the bedroom. Neil’s cock ached unbearably, and he fell face first onto the neatly made bed.

The pressure of the mattress on his cock was overwhelming.. He thrust once, twice, imagining that he was back inside that incredible, wet, tight passage. Once more and he shuddered in climax. The climax he’d been trying to delay when he’d pulled out of her body. He’d been completely overwhelmed by the foreign nature of the act, the unfamiliar curves and planes of a female body.

He’d found himself lost in an incipient climax before he’d even thrust into her once. His brain had shut down completely, unable to process what the hell was happening.

And then she was gone.

Neil rolled to his back, the buzzing in his head had returned, his stomach gripped with pain. He rolled to his feet and rushed to the bathroom, just in time to make it to the toilet before being sick.

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1021

http://www.belindamcbride.com/
http://www.belindam.blogspot.com/

BLACK PLANET: DRAGON'S BLOOD Now Available!

It's always so much fun when a book releases...all that hard work and angst finally comes to fruition. Dragon's Blood is no different, its a book that in many ways came easy to me. In fact, much of the story came to me as I sat in the chair at the blood center, making my regular donation. But still, I worried about this one...will readers understand the cultural references that play such an important part of the story? Will they accept the racial differences between the hero and heroine?

Yes, blood plays a major role in the story, or rather, a creature that craves blood. A vampire? Maybe. A monster? Absolutely. And what exactly is "Dragon's Blood?" No, its not a mythical creature, but rather an insidious disease that kills randomly.

In my opinion, this is probably my best book (thus far!) and I'm really quite proud of it. So read on for a blurb and a racy excerpt about Annie Tanaka and Aiden Chen, the newest heros in the world of the Black Planet.

While this story isn't a sequel to Little Dragon, it takes place in the same universe, but in a different time. You will find some similarities, the Nephris are mentioned, and we meet the Thalians for the first time. And Grandfather Guo Lee makes an appearance...

And by the way, I'm celebrating the release of the book with a contest, read on, and then visit www.belindamcbride.com for details!

Title: Dragon’s Blood

Genre/Line: Sci Fi, Futuristic, Interracial, Cyber Punk

Author: Belinda McBride
Author URL: www.belindamcbride.com
Release Date September 12, 2008

Publisher: Changeling PressPublisher URL: http://www.changelingpress.com/
BUY LINK: http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=986

Content Warning: Contains sexual situations, which may offend some readers.

* * * *
BLURB:
San Francisco, 2183 CESan Francisco was never the same after the Great Shake of ‘08. On the ruins of Fisherman’s Wharf, a ramshackle city rose like a mushroom, a strange dichotomy of safety and corruption. In this forbidden city, a monster prowls the corridors and alleys, seeking the nanite-enhanced flesh and blood of underground cage fighters.

Detective Annie Tanaka once survived an encounter with the monster. The attack left her clinging to life and riddled with fear. Now the monster has returned, and is hunting in her territory. She will need every weapon in her arsenal to face this enemy and prevail.

Unfortunately for Annie, her partner hates her and is next on the monster’s menu. And Annie’s mentor is a legendary fight master who hasn’t been seen in decades.

As she closes in on the creature, Annie Tanaka quickly discovers that her real enemy isn’t the monster, but her own fear. And against that fear, Annie must stand alone.

Note: The events in this story take place thirty years prior to Little Dragon.

EXCERPT: Adult
She broke the kiss. “Wait…”

She pushed back, standing, and unbelted his robe, letting it fall away from his body. He was muscular but lean. It amazed her that this beautiful body of his took so much punishment. There was a small scar over his hip; that had come from a domestic disturbance call. The victim had suddenly turned on her rescuers, attacking Annie with a knife as she cuffed the woman’s drunken husband. Aiden had saved her life that night, intercepting the attack, getting cut himself.

She surveyed his body, seeing the small scars of youth and childhood, but nothing newer. Nothing recent to mark the ugly turn his life had taken. His cock rose long and dark from a thatch of black hair, his balls dropped heavily beneath the shaft. Annie carefully drew his legs apart and knelt between them, exquisitely aware of the supplicant posture she assumed.

Aiden’s body grew rigid, his dark eyes fairly blazed with heat. When she took his shaft in hand, he shivered.

“My God, Annie!” He jumped when her mouth slid over the head of his cock. Inwardly, Annie smiled. She was in the pose of submission, but held all the power at this moment.

He was big, bigger than she could comfortably take in, so Annie clasped his shaft, giving long, smooth strokes as she suckled and licked at the head of his cock. She tasted the salty tang of pre-come, smelled the musk of his arousal as he became more excited. Aiden slid forward in the hard wooden chair, giving her more access to his body.

Annie fondled his balls with her free hand, teasing up behind the delicate orbs, the tips of her fingers pressing his anus. He flinched, and gasped, and she pulled her head back, looking up at him.

“Is this okay?” The tip of her finger pressed in a tiny bit, playing with that tight circle of muscle. He nodded.

“Not too much though, just there…“ His words trailed off on a sigh as she pressed a moist finger to his back entrance, her mouth returning to his balls. Annie felt his muscles contract on her finger rhythmically, his balls began to grow tight to his body. Annie looked up, the expression on his face made her heart stand still. Lust and want, certainly, but a look of wonderment and love had settled over his face. Love for her.

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=986