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!

Black Planet: Little Foxes!

Coming July 16!

BLURB:

There's no doubt in Kitsune Jung's mind that he deserves the hellish punishment he receives at the hands of the Nephris. After betraying Rose Lee, he expects no less. He planned his own capture in a daring mission that went sadly awry. Now all he has to look forward to are long days of hard labor and the occasional appearance of Jahn, the handsome young employee of a powerful Nephris general.

Hu Fei Lee has gone undercover to rescue Kit Jung from imprisonment on the Black Planet. She knows about his past with Rose, but somehow the quiet, courageous slave just doesn't seem to be the venal, cowardly man she expected. Succumbing to a powerful attraction, she seduces Kit, but keeps her true identity a secret.

When the truth comes out, will Kit Jung be able to forgive Hu Fei Lee? And will his own secrets destroy the fragile bond of their love?

EXCERPT:

Hu Fei Lee never realized silence had a texture, especially silence as uneasy as this one. She stood in the center of the studio, still as a statue, with one arm extended before her, the other down by her belly in a block. One foot was out to the front, and most of her weight was on the rear foot. Sweat trickled down her forehead.

"Pull."

She moved, gliding through Pi Chuan, freezing as her weight shifted to the other foot.

"Uncle Milo, you can't possibly be serious!" Rose Lee's voice cut through the air like a whip.

"Pull. Chaun Sen."

She shifted into the water element, giving a graceful curve to the wrist; her weight more forward now. As before, she froze, focusing everything into perfecting that stance. Mentally, she reviewed her position, and then remembered to put the tip of her tongue to the roof of her mouth.

"I'm completely serious, Rose. Those are the orders from higher up."

"Kit Jung can just roast in whatever Nephris hellhole they've stuck him in."

Hu Fei glanced from the corner of her eye, watching the small cluster of her relatives argue in hushed voices.

"Pull."

She moved through, changing sides. Regardless of how distracting she found the conversation, her grandfather's focus never wavered. A gentle hand on the chin moved her attention forward.

"Kit was..."

"Under orders when he tried to seduce me in front of a camera? Or how 'bout when he pissed his pants on the bridge?"

"Rose, I think every person in this room has either wet their pants or lost their lunch when they've flown with you."

Hu Fei bit the inside of her cheek at her father's words. Rose's piloting skills were phenomenal indeed, but it took a certain fortitude to fly as her co-pilot.

"Thank you, Uncle Aiden. That completely absolves him." Rose's words dripped with sarcasm. "Now there's just that little matter of smuggling the crown jewels of Parsis and drugging me. Oh... and contacting the Nephris ship. No offence, baby, but he didn't know you weren't one of them."

Hu Fei heard Arad's gentle murmur of reassurance.

"Pull."

Absently, she stepped through to the other side.

"There are a few things we need to tell you about Kit Jung. You might not forgive him, but perhaps you'll at least consider helping us plan his extraction."

"Look, Uncle Milo, Uncle Darah, you guys handle the undercover part of this operation. Arad here teaches the recruits what they need to know about Nephris culture. I teach them to fight and take a punch. That's all."

"Pull."

She stepped through, made her turn, and faced the small group that was assembled at the front of the school. Hu Fei focused on her fingertips, but opened her vision so she could watch the action in front of her. Rose sat on the floor, her knees drawn up to her chest. Arad squatted on the floor next to her. His great black wings were extended protectively over her shoulders. Hu Fei's parents were also seated on the floor. Annie Tanaka sat cross-legged. Aiden Chen Lee was seated behind her, allowing her to lean against him. Milo Greene and Darah Lash leaned against the wall, facing the others.

"Kit is there undercover. We... they were hoping he'd eventually win the trust of those in power and move into their scientific community."

Once again, the room went silent. It was broken by Rose's laughter. "He's a scientist? Kit is motivated by two things in life: sex and money. He doesn't have any room in his head for anything more complex than how to put on a condom. You're telling me he's an undercover operative? That he planned his own capture?"

Arad Soheil cleared his throat. "I skin read him. He's... without conscience, without feelings."

"Sociopathic," Hu Fei's mother Annie supplied.

"Yes. It was very disturbing to find such callous disregard for others."

Arad tilted his head for a moment, clearly in communication with the other Thalian present. "Oh, that's what it is then."

Darah nodded his head.

"For those of us unable to read minds?" Rose crossed her arms defensively across her chest, propping them on her knees. Her short black hair was ruffled and messy, as though she'd been dragging her hand through it.

"Darah has informed me that Kit Jung worked extensively with Thalians to learn to block our scans. That would explain the disturbing read," Arad Soheil answered.

"Dr. Jung also agreed to take Thalian DNA material into his body to enable him to develop empathic skills. From the data I've seen, he's able to read nearly as accurately as a full Thalian." As always, her Uncle Milo's voice was smooth and dry like a good wine.

"No. Shit." Rose dropped forward, hiding her head on her knees. "Dr. Jung. He's a freakin' scientist."

"Pull."

Hu Fei nearly missed the cue as she watched the unfolding drama. Arad leaned forward, gently rubbing his wife's slender back. Rose relaxed into his touch. Hu's throat went a little tight as she watched the unspoken interaction between them. They were connected in a way Hu couldn't even imagine. Her eyes flicked to her parents. Like Rose and Arad, they were bound to one another by so much more than love. Though Milo and Darah stood apart, she couldn't miss the occasional brush of the hand that spoke of their need for one another. When Aunt Grace was with them, watching the three of them was like seeing a deftly choreographed dance they performed only for themselves.

"You guys must really be paying him a lot. I saw his fees for the courier job we took. I imagine the government sweetened the pot many times over. Little bastard never does anything that doesn't serve his purposes."

Milo Greene sighed, his form long and lean against the backdrop of sunlight. He'd forgone his normal black suit and was wearing loose cotton pants and a tee shirt as a concession to Hong Kong's sweltering heat. His hair was almost completely silver now, and she caught Darah watching him intently.

Did it hurt the big Thalian to know time was running out faster for his lover than for him? Like Hu Fei's mother Annie, their wife Grace had been treated by Thalian medicine. They'd flooded the women's bodies with transfusions from Thalian donors, and now both women had the longevity of the alien species. Their children had inherited that trait as well. Milo had resisted all suggestions that would have extended his life as well.

Gazing at Rose, she saw her cousin still favored her left arm. She'd been badly injured while on duty, and had also received Thalian medicine. She wondered if Rose realized she'd been altered on the molecular level.

"Pull." Hu's grandfather Guo Lee now stood next to her, moving through the slow, linear movement of the form with her. She felt power and energy radiate from his body. The scent of tobacco that always accompanied him tickled her nostrils. Immediately, a sense of peace settled over her, as it always did in his presence.

"This discussion is not to leave this room. Is that understood?" Milo's voice was stern.

"The only people I'd tell are right here, Uncle Milo."

Everyone else nodded. No one seemed to notice Hu Fei and Guo were just yards away.

"Obviously, Dr. Jung did this for the money."

"Surprise! Kit did something for money!" Rose's voice dripped with sarcasm.

Hu Fei's parents choked back their laughter. They'd had a great deal of the burden of raising the rather precocious Rose Lee, and had always enjoyed her borderline bitchy behavior.

Having been at the receiving end of it over the years, Hu Fei wasn't quite so amused.

Milo continued. "He has a twin sister. She's been fighting uterine cancer for many years now. His family has no means to pay for the treatments. In effect, Kit's life revolves around money because it's the only way he's been able to keep his sister alive."

Tears pricked at Hu Fei's eyes. The Thalians had found cures for so many illnesses, but they'd never gotten a handle on cancer. As soon as one type was conquered, it seemed another appeared.

"I didn't know." Rose sounded subdued.

"He didn't want anyone to know, you in particular. It would have jeopardized his entry into the Nephris culture." Darah's voice was gentle and understanding.

"He couldn't have known I would take him into custody. I could simply have had him killed!"

"Arad, he only knew what might happen. He knew the odds were excellent you would intercept Rose because of the data we received from your brother Nomi, and from Sala." Milo looked uncomfortable with that statement, as well he should. Arad would certainly be unhappy his twin had kept information from him.

"So now what?" Rose had clearly been won over and was ready to move ahead. Hu Fei had always liked that about her cousin. Rose had a mighty temper, but she knew when to put it away.

"Pull."

Hu Fei moved another step and froze, her attention never leaving the discussion.

"We need someone with skills similar to yours, Rose: piloting, fighting, the ability to go undercover, and to think and act on the fly," Milo said. "Knowledge of Nephris culture would be good. We were hoping one of your human recruits would be willing."

Rose gracefully rose to her feet, smiling as Arad gave her an arm up. The ink was still fresh on their wedding certificate.

Hu Fei wondered why they'd decided to take the plunge after being together over a year. Automatically, her gaze shifted to Rose's flat tummy. Humans and Thalians crossed easily, as Darah and Grace had demonstrated. It still surprised her that Rose had found a man from another world who was so perfect for her volatile personality.

"I don't really think any of the humans are appropriate. They're good. There's no doubt about that, but none are the whole package." She was still holding Arad's big hand.

A few names were tossed out, both male and female. They began considering some of the Thalian recruits. The dark Thalians were able to fold their wings nearly flat to their backs, an ability that had allowed Arad to pass among the Nephris for seven years undetected. The return of his breeding cycles had almost blown his cover. The risk of discovery was too great for undercover work. Most Thalian recruits were seeded into raids. Few had piloting skills.

"We need someone who can negotiate deep space, and then take a small craft down to the surface. From there, he'll need to pass for Nephris and move through their culture. The Thalians would be perfect with their ability to pick up thoughts."

Hu Fei's parents also rose from where they sat on the floor. In a moment, they were all on their feet, continuing their conversation.

"Pull. And relax."

Hu Fei sighed and shook out her arms. She stretched high to the ceiling, and then low to the floor. Guo Lee remained in the Pi stance, his eyes focused on nothing, though he saw everything.

"Hu Fei will do it." Her grandfather's voice cut through the buzz of conversation. Again, the room fell into thick, uncomfortable silence.

"No. Absolutely not." Annie's voice was quiet, but firm. Aiden looked from Guo Lee to Hu Fei, and then back to his wife.

"No, Grandpa. It's too soon." His voice was tight with tension. Fear?

"I'll do it." Hu Fei bent to tighten the laces of her shoes. She straightened and looked calmly at her parents.

"Hu Fei!" Annie's voice took on an edge of fear.

She sighed, knowing she needed to comfort them, but uncertain how to do so. The ability to interact with others had been just one of the skills she'd lost years ago. Now she remained around the family, but felt separate and isolated. After surviving the attack, depression had settled on Hu Fei's slender shoulders, and only Guo Lee's stubborn insistence on coaching her daily had kept her on her feet and alive. Now it was time to move from existing to living again.

"I'm well. I'm healthy as I've ever been. If you need someone as good as Rose, then you need me."

"Well, maybe you're nearly as good as me..."

She spared a smile for her cousin.

Guo Lee tapped her on the shoulder, and she turned away from her family, ready to resume practice with her Sifu.

There were no other arguments.

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1419

The Black Planet Collection

I'm so excited to announce that the three Black Planet books are going to be bundled into a collection, which will go live at Changeling Press on July 2! This has been one of my favorite series of books to write, and it was a surprise when I realized that it has been nearly two years since I wrote Tiger Eyes.

These three books are full of action and adventure, and I borrowed heavily from Japanese and Chinese culture and folklore to build the characters and the world they live in. I focused on the heroines for these books, they are the true stars of the series.

Here's a quick rundown on the three books that will be featured in the collection:

Black Planet: Dragon's Blood:
This is the story of Aiden Chen and Annie Tanaka and takes place in Wharf, a ramshackle city within a city that grew up after a great earthquake devastated the Bay Area. There's a vampiric monster on the loose, preying on nanite enhanced cage fighters. Its up to Detective Annie Tanaka and her former partner Aiden Chen to ferret out the creature and bring it to justice. Old enemies become new lovers as danger brings them new understanding of one another.

Black Planet: Tiger Eyes:
Once upon a time, Grace Chen was the most feared woman on the streets of San Francisco. Now she's a shell of that person, slowly dying of the hemo disease they call Dragon's Blood.

Lieutenant Milo Greene has little to live for other than his job. However, when the Thalian Darah Lash and Milo become lovers, a new, hopeful world opens to him. When Milo receives word that his former lover Grace is in need of rescue, Darah willingly joins him, in spite of Milo's past with the fiery woman.

Black Planet: Little Dragon
Rose Lee is seriously injured during an arrest, and finds that the only way she can continue to make payments on her beloved ship is to take a private courier job. It was supposed to be safe and easy, until she and her client stumble into the space of the dangerous, hostile Nephris. She is betrayed to the alien Commander Arad Soheil, and makes the surprising discovery that she is actually part of a risky rescue mission!

The Black Planet Collection releases on July 2 at Changeling Press. On July 16, look for the second chapter of the Black Planet series with Black Planet II: Little Foxes.

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1409

New Book Video: An Uncommon Whore

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.

Behind the story: Belle Starr

When I started writing, I'd initially decided to not write paranormals and shapeshifter stories. Not because I don't like them, but the genre is so well represented by so many excellent writers, that I just didn't feel adequate.

Then late one night, I was awakened by a commotion outside my window. I have Siberian Huskies, and while I rarely breed them, they still keep trying to get away with "doing it" without my permission. Well, Logan and Echo had managed to get out of their respective kennels and yards, and met under my window. Withing seconds, they'd tied and all I could do was damage control.

I ran out and ended up sitting in the mud and rain for a half-hour, watching that the other dogs didn't hurt them. Well, an idea came to mind (you'll find it in Belle Starr) and I thought, wow, I spend my life with a primitive, wolf-like breed. I spend time with wolves and hybrids for rescue and relocation...who better to do a shifter book? Belle Starr is the result of that night.


Here's an excerpt from Belle Starr:

TITLE: BELLE STARR

AUTHOR: Belinda McBride

AUTHOR URL: www.belindamcbride.com

BUY LINK: http://www.loose-id.com/prod-Belle_Star-934.aspx

RATING: NC17

WARNINGS: Anal sex, spanking

*****

Marshal Annabelle “Cowgirl” Oakley is the best law enforcement officer in Interstellar Coalition Enforcement. With her wolf Tucker at her side, Belle is clearly the best man for the job. Unfortunately, the job comes with hazards, and one of those hazards comes in the shape of tall, mysterious Armand.

Armand de le Croix is a werewolf with amnesia. He has no idea how he came to be living in Coalition space, he doesn’t know where his people are, or why his inky black hair is now snowy white. He just knows that the tall, dangerous redhead is all that he wants, and he means to have her.

When they meet, it’s magic. When they part, its mayhem.

EXCERPT:

“Over, bébé.” His voice was grim.

She moved back quickly, suddenly aware of what he had planned.

“Oh no…no way, Armand!” She was back on her bottom, scrambling away quickly, unable to rise to her feet before he was on her once again.

“You ran. I caught you. I win, bébé!”

“No. Fucking. Way.”

She was on her feet, but before she’d taken more than a few steps, he lunged forward, grabbing her by one shapely ankle. She landed facedown, squealing as he pulled her along the slick floor.

“Knees, Belle. Bottom up!”

Once again, a wet finger penetrated her anus, spreading moisture and lubrication. She twisted, flipping onto her back, but again, he pulled her back to position.

“Submit!”

“No!”

A loud crack echoed through the bay, and in shock, she froze, feeling the fire of his handprint on his ass. Belle shrieked, Armand laughed, and once more, she flipped and twisted, slipping from his grasp.

Once more on her feet, she made it halfway to the stairs before he caught her, lifting her by the waist. Again, she ended up on the pile of blankets in the middle of the floor. He set her on her knees, arms tightly around her waist.

“Submit, bébé.”

“Fuck. You!”

Another fiery hot spank scored her ass, followed by another. She twisted against the sting, and then suddenly found herself confronted by another unspeakable torment. Fingers gripped her thigh, just above her knee.

She fought, struggled, and broke into a gale of laughter. “Stop! Oh God, please, Armand!” He quickly moved from her knee to her ribs, and she threw herself forward, trying to escape his tickling fingers. “Armand! Please!”

“Submit?”

“Fine! Fine, I submit! You win. This time.”

“Bottom up, Belle.”

Still shaking with giggles, Belle positioned herself, allowing Armand to supervise her placement on the musty blankets. Once again, fingers invaded her ass. Armand dragged his cock through her channel, coming away wet and slick.

“You loved that, didn’t you? Me hunting you?”

“Fuck you, Armand.”

He chuckled, leaning forward to kiss and then nip at the tender skin on her back. With gentle strokes, he ran his hand down her back and around to her belly, cradling the small swell there.

“We won’t be able to do this much longer; your body won’t accept it.”

“Well, boo-hoo for that.” She gasped when his fingers slipped from her anus to be replaced by the flare of his cockhead, pressing insistently.

“Push out… Relax…”

She took a deep breath and followed his instructions. He was gentle, pressing steadily, only giving what she could take.

He drew back, prompting a groan from Belle. Armand paused, his hand gathering moisture from her channel, keeping himself slick. His own lube was now flowing steadily, and she glanced back to see him pumping his cock, spreading the precum over his length.

Once again he pressed in, finally able to penetrate to his full length. And then he was seated fully. He leaned forward, holding onto her tightly.

“I’ve missed you, Belle. Every minute of every day. I’ve dreamed of holding you, loving you. Watching our baby grow.”

“Then why did you leave?”

Belle Starr will be available May 12 at Loose Id.

www.belindamcbride.com

Belle Starr Teaser!

I had so much fun making this trailer! Enjoy!

How to Save a Life Without Really Trying

This morning, I was on the telephone, making an appointment to take my niece to visit her social worker. Once we’d settled on a date, I had to change the time, remembering that was my regular day to donate platelets through Apheresis.
To my surprise, she didn’t know anything about donating blood, and was even more mystified that I would take several hours out of my day every two weeks to undergo Apheresis, the procedure that separates platelets from blood.

I began to donate blood a few years back, going in to the blood center maybe two or three times a year. And then one day, I overheard one of the nurses mention that some of the cancer patients at local hospitals were literally dying because they couldn’t get enough platelet donors. I asked about the procedure, was tested for my platelet count, and to my surprise, discovered that I was an ideal donor. In fact, with my high platelet count, I am able to do triple donations twice a month. That means six very ill patients receive life-saving platelets from me every month!

What does this have to do with writing? Well, I spend about ninety minutes in a recliner while the Apheresis procedure takes place, and my mind wanders. Once, I was thinking of a new idea for a story; the setting was clear, the story would take place in post-earthquake San Francisco. I had the title: Dragon’s Blood. But the plot just wouldn’t gel.

I looked around the room at all of the donors and thought of a future where a mysterious disease had taken hold of the human population. A future where donated blood became a rare and precious commodity. This disease became a major plot point in the Black Planet series, and will continue to re-emerge in future books in that series. In my current release, Tiger Eyes, the heroine is afflicted with the disease called Dragon’s Blood, and is rapidly dying. Grace fights valiantly to stay alive in this story; she’s an amazingly strong character.

Over the course of my life, I’ve seen many lives saved by the donations of others. My friend Mo received bone marrow transplants which extended her life during her battle with cancer. My brother received whole blood following a devastating injury. My co-worker Melissa made the stunning and selfless decision to donate her kidney to a friend, and literally saved that woman’s life.

You too can save lives; simply call your local blood center to see if you are eligible to donate. It takes a little time, and next to no effort. To learn more about Platelet Apheresis, visit the American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/services/biomed/0,1082,0_554_,00.html
Black Planet: Tiger Eyes is now available at Changeling Press:

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1027
Belinda McBridehttp://www.belindamcbride.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

Little Dragon is now available!

Rose Lee was a wonderful character to create, in fact, if you scroll down to "Alpha Bitches and Little Dragons" you will find a little more information about how she came to be.

Arad Soheil? He was literally a mystery even as he first stepped into the story.

This seems to be typical for my writing, a story, a heroine (or hero) and a shadowy love interest who refuses to speak until they actually enter the story.

Arad is a wonderfully complex character, riddled with fears, grief and self-contempt that he certainly doesn't deserve. Odd, even Arad knows that his thinking has become twisted, yet can do nothing about it.

Well, nothing until Rose Lee enters his life!

http://www.changlingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=959

BLURB:

Following a devastating injury, Detective Rose "Little Dragon" Lee takes a courier job to make payments on her ship. The job was easy...safe...until her ship is captured by the dangerous, war-like Nephris.

Nephris Commander Arad Soheil immediately recognizes his captive as the one person his government would most like to capture and terminate. Arad immediately files a property claim on the dangerous female, making her part of his household. Rose means more to him than a warm body in his bed or a vessel for his children. She holds the key to his freedom and his sanity, to his very life.

Because Arad Soheil is not what he seems, and his time is running out.