Nicole Givens Kurtz :: Blog

It's never easy to start something new and my Cybil Lewis series was not only different from other science fiction series, it was a hybrid. Hybrids are all the rage now days with the cost of gas, but this vehicle initially didn't generate very much fan fare or even those who understood it. Labeling SILENCED and Cybil in general had come to be a bit of burning the candles at both ends. It's a mystery and a science fiction story, so where do you stock it? Add to that the heroine being an African female and all hell is about to break loose.

I knew that putting Cybil out there would cause some mild ripples in the conventional thinking department--especially about science fiction. Yet, it seems some reviewers get it and get her. '

Rae Lindley of A Writer's Dream blog said, "The Cybil Lewis series is definitely an auto-buy with Silenced going on my keeper list. If you enjoy a futuristic mystery noir series with a fiesty, tough PI heroine you may want to pick it up and give it a read."

You read Rae's in-depth review of SILENCED here.

RomanticTimes also gave SILENCED a Four Star Review. You'll have to purchase the July issue to read what it says about the book.

If you want to post your comments about Cybil, feel free to do so below.

Best,

Nicole

Yes, it's June! Hooray! That means that Cybil's big debut from Parker Publishing is set to arrive any day now.

This is a big deal for me as I've been writing (and rewriting and rewriting) Cybil for about five years now. She crawled out of a short story and has grown into a three novel series thus far with her four novel in draft mode. Yes, girl, you've come a long way baby!

Who is Cybil Lewis? What's she like? Why should you care about her?

Well, she's been compared to many people, but in all honesty Cybil's just her. She is very much a part of me, though I don't believe she is me. Like all characters she bares my thumbprint on her personality, but that doesn't make her me--not by a long shot.

So, if you want to learn more about Cybil, post your comments below and I'll answer them. Additionally, watch this spot because her world is coming soon--hopefully within the next six weeks, her very own web portal will launch with answers to all your questions.

Cybil's wauto playlist: The Bandits of Britan Old (a 2012 rock band).

Hola! It is my first day at ConCarolinas and so far it's been very interesting. Many people think this is my first con ever because I'm so excited. You all know this isn't my first con. I've been going to sf cons since 2000. But, there's something about being around people who sport bumper stickers that say "Klingon by choice," and "Something Wiccan this way comes." that makes me feel at home, happy, giddy with glee.



Yes, this is my element, my people, my place in the world.



Concarolinas is held in Charlotte, so unlike many of my other con experiences, I'm not the only African American here. Though this should comfort me, it actually puts me off a little. We observe each other from across the room, nod, and move on, never really talking. Part of me believes it is because we are so used to being the only at these things that we are slightly in shock.



The other part of me feels that we're sizing the other up. Competition. As if only one African American author can work a con at a time. Silly. Stupid. Beneath all that--fear. So, my goal tomorrow is to connect with those authors, close the distance between us, both physically and mentally.



Other than that, I have four panels tomorrow that I am super excited to be apart of. Harry Potter being the biggest one. The others, urban fantasy and writing are fun too, but HP is my favorite, as you know. *See blog for pictures of me in my Muggle shirt*



Anyhoo, I'll be in touch. I'm did manage to get a really cool poster of Ichigo and the gang from BLEACH. I also hope to snare a few wonderful delights in the dealer's room. I spied some niffty tee-shirts and the like.

Don't forget to grab a copy of SILENCED on Sunday. It becomes available then!

Whoot!

Best,

Nicole Kurtz

As a product of the 80s and 90s, SPEED RACER, is lodged in my childhood, well, early adult years. I recall many nights, lying on the couch watching MTV show those anicent (and classic) cartoon episodes of Speed Racer. I loved it and this early introduction would foster my love of Japanese anime in the future.

So, imagine my delight when I saw the same two men who directed and wrote THE MATRIX, where giving Speed Racer a live-action overhaul.

Super excited I raced, no pun intended, out to see it. I even took my sons. Was I rewarded--immensely. I absolutely LOVED it. It was a refreshing take on the cartoon and I enjoyed it. My kids loved it, and i believed my money was well spent.

It is with a heavy and a bit disgruntled heart that I found other people completely dissing the the movie. Of all, the biggest complaint is centered around the use of colors--not found in nature--someone added. Who cares? That's the beauty of the film. It's a leap into the fantastic --all the benefits CGI can offer.

I hope this film can out run the bad reviews. It is a neat little family movie and one I think people would enjoy if they didn't come into the theater with a set of expectations and beliefs.

Skip the reviews and just go see a great film.

Nicole

Being the cyberpunk girl I am at heart, it was with wild enthusasm I dove into the third installment in the Tasheki Kovacs novel, Woken Furies, written by Richard K. Morgan. Part detective series, part science fiction, and total superior writing, Morgan has hit a stride with Kovacs I had initially thought he lost with Broken Angels.

Although neither subsequent Kovacs novel is as good as the first, Altered Carbon, the truth is, it can never be as good as the first time. So many of life's little truths are nestled in the fact that the first time is always the most memorable--for better or for worse (no pun intended here).

Nevertheless, I love Morgan's ability to push Kovac's character in a way I hope to do with Cybil. Pressing her forward to change to grow to be human. Woken Furies tests Kovacs's faith and what it means to love and lose--something Kovacs does badly. Lose. Sarah meant a lot to him and despite the fact he's managed to live 150+ years, this love haunts him. Very much like King's Roland's love Susannah and her burning at the Harvest Reap.

Tortured, dark heroes, such as Roland and Kovacs appeal to me. They draw me in with their wounded hearts and steely resolve. I can't help it. What does this mean for me heroine,
Cybil? Will she be similar to my favorite leading men?

I dunno.

I like my movie heroes the same way. Brad Lee's THE CROW is my favorite movie EVER! Favorite fairy tale? Beauty and the Beast? Favorite Star Trek character--Worf. Favorite Animae character--Ichigo (from BLEACH), favorite Harry Potter character--Lupin... This can go on, you know.

Dark, brooding and injured, these are the types of characters that draw me in, hold me fast, and fail to let me go long after I've closed the book.

Nicole

...and I'm not happy about it.

I'm a child of Star Trek (via re-runs of coure. I'm not that old!) But I've actually met William, Leonard, Nichelle, and Kate at a Star Trek Con in Las Vegas. I've read the novels, owned the movies (in both VHS and DVD), and have purchased action figures and the comics.

This relaunch of the franchise is going to be awesome, right? It worked for Superman and Batman. True, true, those who read this blog on a hapharzard basis know I'm not too happy about Abrams being at the helm. Though Jonathan Franks' directing wasn't bad, I think a fresh face was necessary. I'm not sure Abrams was the correct choice though.

According to MSN, I'm going to have to wait until May 2009 to find out. *Sigh*

Good news is you can watch a trailer here.

At least the movie won't have to compete against the new Batman movie or the new Indiana Jones flick. Those two movies I want to see too, but not nearly as much as Star Trek.

*sigh, marking calendar* Guess I'm going to have to wait until six months later.

Nicole

I'm a snob. I"ll admit it right out in the open. I'm a book snob. I love books, but not the dry, decrepit and boring fare the New York Times deems literary. Nope. I like commerical, entertaining and fun books!

So, don't be shocked that my thirteen best book list bares no resemblence to its hundreds of cousins "best of" lists published online and in print right now.

Nope. This is mine opinion of the best books I've read in 2007. You may feel free to disagree. Isn't that why there's a comments section?

1. Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows- J. K. Rowling
2. T is for Trespass- Sue Grafton
3. A Few Demons More-Kim Harrison
4. Vegas Bites by L.A. Banks et all (anthology)
5. Danse Macabre by Laurell K. Hamilton
6. Skin Deep by Marilyn Lee
7. Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke (YA)
8. Bound by Moonlight by Angela Weaver
9. Master of the Moon by Angela Knight
10. The Ruins of Gorlan (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 1) by John Flanagan (YA)
11. Now and Then by Robert B. Parker
12. Ranger's Apprentice: The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan (YA)
13. Broken Angels by Richard Morgan

YA-Means young adults. You may wonder why so many of my best of list is YA titles and it's because I'm a school teacher. Yes, I am. I read a lot of YA during our SSR time so that I am knowledge when recommending a book to a student. I also enjoy them. :-)

Best and happy New Year...

RaeLynn Blue

In honor of the release of I Am Legend tomorrow, I am doing this Thursday's Thirteen on my favorite 13 Will Smith movies. (Don't be all surprised if the top five are all sf movies.)

"I'm a science fiction writer."

Repeat.

Take a deep breath.

"I'm a science fiction writer."

Repeat.

No, I'm not suffering from an identity crisis. Some people may think I am. Relax. I'm nearly positive that I am a science fiction writer despite the tone of my flesh. Although there are naysayers who murmur and whisper "politely" about the fact that I'm not a sf writer, I know that I am.

It seems there are two camps. SF writers who believe that true science fiction must contain copious pages of accurate real science. Then there is the other camp, which dictates that my work (and others like it) aren't quite multicultural enough.

That's the wonderful thing about science fiction. It's like pizza. You can have it any way you want, with any toppings you want. Pepperoni? Sure. Mushrooms? Fine. Carrots and onions? All right.

So, why not sf? We're a prickly sort and somewhat elitist, to be frank. This author isn't good enough because he/she doesn't do this. Isn't that the role of a creative being? To push the envelope? To strive for different things, to stretch ones craft to new heights?

For me, that's what being a creative spirit means to me, to narrow the gap between what I have achieved and what I want to achieve. This is the very meaning of writing. The process of growing as an author and as a person.

Science fiction is pizza. There are dozens of varieties and flavors for all tastes. Urban science fiction, cyberpunk (my personal fave), futuristic, near future, romantic, horrific/sf, military, space operas, and on and on. This diversity is the very crux of the genre, and like most well managed mutual funds, sf is diversified.

When I hear other writers completely dogging out a new author on the scene (or a well established one for that matter) for not writing a sf book, it makes me wonder what the real motive behind those comments. It's never a horrid thing to try something new as an artist (barring experimenting with things that can physically harm you).

I'm a science fiction author.

• Yes, my characters are from a variety of cultures and ethnicities.


• Yes, my heroines kick butt (especially Cybil).


• Yes, I write stories that are different from other African American sf authors, but that doesn't mean my stories are invalid or not "Black enough."


• Yes, I'm published by smaller presses, but it doesn't mean my books aren't real sf.

You'd think by 2007 we, as a society, has moved beyond these little things that widen the divide, the chasm grows ever deeper.

You'd be wrong.

Nevertheless, I'm going to pick up my pen and get started on the latest Cybil Lewis novel.

Don't be blinded by labels. Peel them off your eyes and remove them from your mouth. Speak loud and clear and let others know that labels are only good for one thing...separating items into categories, nothing more.

Enjoy,

Nicole

It isn't every day I discover something as stirring as Rae Lindley's opening series book, Cimmerian City. This title is one to add to your shelf reserved for good stuff!

Just so your appetites are as wet with temptation as mine, here's a brief blurb:

In the 21st century, corporations rule the world, science is big business and governments no longer exist. A war breaks out between two races…and one of them isn’t human.

Take your napkin and wipe your drool! :-)

In the area of science fiction, the true nuggets are rare and must be unearthed. The fact that most the author is a person of color is even more rare a find.

But don't take my word for it. A ton of reviewers have fallen into this world have lost themselves in Rae's imagination, vividness, and grit. So, check out a copy today.

Here's the important information:
Author: Rae Lindley
Publisher: Lavender Isis Press
Genre: Science Fiction (Whoot!)
Author's Website: http://www.raelori.com/writer.html
Contact Information: http://www.raelori.com/mailinglist.html

Take a good look at these book covers. Do they seem sort of familiar?

No?

Then you must be new to my website. Welcome. I'm Nicole Givens Kurtz, science fiction writer.

If these covers do seem a tad familiar perhaps you have them on your bookshelf. You are a reader of my works. Thank you!

For about a year now, these titles have been out of print. They were still available in electronic format but if you wanted a signed copy or one to take to the bathroom with you, well, unless you purchased a used copy, it wasn't going to happen.

Your luck is about to change, faithful reader.

I can't give away all the details yet, but I recently signed a contract to have both Browne Candidate and The Soul Cages re-released. Yeah!

That's not all. Both titles will get new covers and a new editorial reworking. Think of it as a re-telling as Stephen King did with The Gunslinger. I'm no Stephen King (yet), but I am excited to rework the storylines and to add all the new ideas I've hatched since writing those two novels.

Most authors don't get the chance to refine a product once it's published, but this new publisher will allow me (and other authors) this luxury. I don't have a time frame for when these titles will be released again, but I am thrilled.

Naturally, if you have copies of the titles, you may want to get the new copies because they'll have tons more than the originals. If you've yet to try my works, then by all means do so at once!

Anyway, I wanted to give a special SHOUT OUT of Thanks to our men and women in the Armed Forces and to our veterans. Without you my right to work over novels, spin tales, and seek publication would be in vain (or censored).

Thank you!

Best,
Nicole Givens Kurtz

Okay. I'm addicted to Target.

There.

I said it.

Target is my spot to shop. I ought to own stock.

Anyway, imagine my surprise when, last weekend, as I'm checking out reduced price Halloween items for possible convention masquerade garb when I discovered (hidden amongst the rummaged and tossed about Halloween crap, er stuff) fall/Thanksgiving decorations at the same 75% off we've-got-to-move-this-asap price. This was the day after Halloween.

Thanksgiving.

Little Native Americans and paled faced pilgrams sporting bright orange clearance stickers. Suffering the same fate as the (lowly and in some people's view less noble) Halloween items. I mean, I can understand the Halloween discount, because, hey it's after October 31st.

But Thanksgiving.

At the time, it wasn't even close to Thanksgiving.

Okay. I'm overreacting. The store's just trying to clear out two holiday decorations with one fail swoop. After all, Christmas is coming and let's be honest, Nicole, that's the real holiday.

Right?

Wrong.

Without Thanksgiving, America probably wouldn't be a country. We'd still be struggling to survive. Or another scenerio, we'd be a part of the Mexican government, a Spanish colony, or an extention of Canada.

Halloween gets more of a showing than Thanksgiving. Day of the Dead receives more attention. It's ridiculous.

What's with the supersizing of Christmas? Is this a merely an extension of how commerical our country has become?

I'm not the only person a little mystified by the mass supersizing of Christmas. TIME magazine has an article about the blending of the holidays into one continuous blob of "holiday season." Munching through our wallets and our purses and burping out credit card billing statements like there's no tomorrow.

Already Target had six aisles devoted and decorated Christmas decorations. November 1st! I think Thanksgiving should get some respect.

Don't you?

Drop your comments below, and I'll step off my soapbox.

Enjoy,

Nicole Givens Kurtz

November has on tap a lot of excellent writing for those of us hungry to consume it. None, more superb than Darrell Bain, and if you’re into reading science fiction, and you should be, this one is mandatory for your list.

As I’ve mentioned before in a previous blog, Darrell and I were both published by Double Dragon Ebooks, easily the largest electronic publisher of science fiction, fantasy and horror. I came to enjoy Darrell’s writing as a fellow author, but more importantly as a sf reader. Tight plots, witty and above all, creative, Darrell’s writing is fast paced and crisp. One of my biggest complaints about science fiction is the unlimited information dumping authors put into their tales, as if validating they can write sf by how much science they put into the story.

Don’t get me wrong. Science is an important aspect of science fiction. Yet information dumping can toss the reader right out of the story. Well, you won’t find that with Darrell’s work. His stories are always geared for fun, action, and excitement with the science offering the support for the tales.

The release of his latest novel, Savage Survival, is sure to be another top seller.
You can even get it in the special edition hardcover. Amazon has it listed for $35.00. However, they also have copies listed under the "New and used copies" for $28.00. They are all new, not used since the book just came out. Snag an autographed one from Darrell's website for even less than that! Just $26.95.

Here’s a brief blurb about Savage Survival to wet your appetite!

SAVAGE SURVIVAL is not just another testosterone driven science fiction novel. At the basic level, it explores the personalities and attitudes of men, women and children when stripped of the comforting insulation of organized society. Invulnerable aliens have captured millions of humans and are subjecting them to the most brutal and horrible environments ever encountered, in essence a survival test of a magnitude heretofore undreamed of.

Lyda Brightner is an eleven year old girl when she is suddenly and without warning separated from her parents and thrown into the midst of undisciplined humans in a harsh desert environment. Food and water and clothing are fought over. Those who control it can do as they wish—and their wishes are terrible.

Lyda is weaponless and alone, like almost everyone. Raped at eleven. Forced to kill. Grieving for her parents. All that stands between Lyda and death is her own innate bravery, her quick mind, her unwavering integrity and ultimately, her belief that someday she will find someone to love.

Lyda's strength of character and fighting spirit make her a leader, even at a very young age. Over the next six years she must constantly fight the ever changing and ever more dangerous environments the aliens subject them to. But she must fight other humans as well, those who have survived by brute strength and ruthless plundering of the weak.

But even if she lives through all this, Lyda must still face the final question: What do the aliens have in mind for the few hundred remaining humans, those few left of all the millions who died?

SAVAGE SURVIVAL is a coming of age novel like no other and Lyda Brightner is a character you'll never forget.

It's Friday! I've worked a long week and now it's time to relax.
Except I can't.
See I'm supposed to be editing the next Cybil Lewis novel, and I have done a big chunk on paper. Now it's time for me to put those edits into the computer word doc. That takes time and it takes a LOT of time. Time that one tiny Friday night won't be able to afford me. It's terribly inadequate.

So, what's writer to do?

Well, slug it out like its the bottom of the ninth inning and with two outs. I mean it's a horrific scene. We with a mass of red inked pages and a blinking laptop screen, demanding ever more attention and threatening to slap on the standard-but-boring Windows screen savor...yeah.

Best stop the procrastinating here with this blog (*snigger) and hop onto the limited amount of time I have to finish the next great sf hybrid.

Cybil bears watching and she's quite impatient...as you'll soon learn.

Best,

Nicole

So, you're wondering what to read now that you're done with Harry Potter's series and (if you're at all like me, The Dark Tower series), I have a few suggestions, since I face the same dilemma. I'm actually feeling a bit of gloom since the only thing I look forward to at the bookstore is BLEACH's next installment and The Harlequin to be released in paperback.

Lately, I'm reading more and more cyberpunk. For some reason I'm devouring it with an enormous appetite that is both scary and strangely fascinating. As soon as I'm done with one, I'm ravenous for another one, so if you want to recommend any authors to me that write cyberpunk, let me know. Email me.

Anyway, I digress. Here are some of my new favorite authors and some suggestions to fill your TBR stack. My is seriously being worked now that I'm not writing as much due to the resumption of school. Yep, I'm a teacher and grading, lesson planning, and after school activities erode my writing time.

Science Fiction:

1. Anything by Philip Dick is worth purchasing and reading thoroughly. I love him. His sense of irony and wit is so fantastic you barely notice it until POW it's too late. My personal recommendation are Minority Report and Other Stories and Paycheck. Though my all time favorite is Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep.
2. As I mentioned it before, I'm reading a ton of cyberpunk. So, I also recommend Richard Morgan's breakthrough novel, Altered Carbon. There are four novels in this series already, but he totally ROCKS!

YA Fantasy:

1. One fantasy series that's totally sucked me in is the Ranger's Apprentice series. I'm totally taken with Will, an orphan (echos of Potter), but that's where the similarities end. This scrappy apprentice has the guts and the drive that puts his superiors to shame. What really shines in this tale is the storytelling. It's marvelous.

Fantasy:

1. I'm reading, well, re-reading The Wizard of Earthsea series of novels. They don't take me long to digest and to read. These are classic tales, and ones I enjoy over and over again. This series is what Harry will be in a few years.

In between that massive chunks of reading, I'm also working on Cybil's third novel. Any day now I'm to receive the final edits for SILENCED, the first novel in the Cybil Lewis series. I'm excited and a buzzing it beginning to generate around the first novel in this anticipated, hybrid story. With any luck and a great deal of support, Cybil will make a long lasting impression on the sf reading public.

Anyway, hopefully these titles will help you fill the whole in your heart by Harry Potter's final release. This is an excellent time to try new authors, ahem, and to re-read old favorites.

Enjoy.

Nicole

Yes. It's August 5th and I have consumed volume 20th of BLEACH. It's ridiculous because even though I've read it three times, it was done much too quickly. Now I'll have to wait until October 2007 before I'm able to delve into Ichigo's world again. I get little injections by watching the anime on Cartoon Network on Saturdays, but it only satifies me for a bit. A sampling passed around at the mall to intice you to buy your lunch there.

I entertain myself watching episodes on my newly scored Cowboy Bebop DVDs. Still, the vacancy looms. So, eventually I'll turn my attention to reading. It's always similar to leaving Las Vegas or some other favorite travel destination. I'll be back soon, but it isn't fun leaving--not at all.

But go, I must.

I heard something interesting being whispered, okay shouted out from ComicCON in San Diego. I heard that J.J. Abrams is going to direct/write the next Star Trek movie in 2008. Although I know it isn't a new thing, see the article Still I'm annoyed with his selection.

Star Trek has so much of my memories, my motivation, and world shaped by Star Trek, it is personal to me. And a gazillon others, I'm sure. *smile*

I'm not sure I'm comfortable with him taking the reigns of Star Trek. Sure, sure I admit it's true, the Star Trek franchise is quite lagging and in dire need of a jump start, an infusion. I'm not convinced Abrams is the one.

Sure, he's a good writer (Alias, Lost, Armageddon) to name some good ones.

But he's also responsible for some flops: (Regarding Henry, Gone Fishin', Forever Young). Let's not forget his foray into a franchise, Mission Impossible III and it became an immense flop of the other MI movies.

I will have to wait and see. I also thought and blogged that I could trust Rami not to screw up Spiderman 3. Yes, I was wrong about that one too.

Post your comments below. I do enjoy hearing from others--even if you disagree.

Nicole

The old adage third times a charm doesn’t seem to apply to movies. The charm has all but run out once we reach the third in a series. The proof is even more evident this summer of sequels than at any other time. Regardless of how fantastic the movie franchise is, it seems the third installment, well, stalls. So, in honor of this summer’s ridiculous number of sequels, I’ve decided to name the top ten most terrible three-quels.

This is all based upon my opinion, of course. Feel free to disagree and toss in your two cents. I’ll start at 10 and work my way down to the worst three-quel I’ve ever seen at number one.

10. Alien 3 (Series: Alien)
Reasons: This is going to sound like a broken record, but I liked the firs two films. The third installment of Ripley’s battle with an alien goes to a prison is along the same lines as porn movies. When in doubt, make the setting in a prison. A prison planet? Even better. Just ask those guys over at Star Trek. They used a prison planet too! Still, this movie isn’t terrible—it just isn’t great, which, in this franchise, it should’ve been.

Of course, the same can be said of all of these movies.

9. Return of the Jedi (Series: Star Wars)
Reasons: Ewoks. Enough said.

8. Shrek the Third (Series: Shrek)
Reasons: I like the first two installments of this series, just like The Mummy. Careful planning and character development seemed to disappear with this hastily tossed together smash of a tale. It isn’t even funny, which is one of the things Shrek is known for. You’d think with two comedic greats, Myers and Murphy, anything would be funny.
You’d be wrong.

7. Men III: The Last Stand (Series: X-Men)
Reasons: I’ve already addressed all the ways this film could’ve been better. Okay, not all the ways, but three main ones. If you want to read that backstory, go here. With Wolverine and Storm, you wonder how this could go so horribly wrong. An Oscar® winner and a handsome Aussie. I mean, COME ON! Still, it did tank. It didn’t hold a wish of mutant free Earth to the other two previous films.

6. Austin Powers in Goldmember (Series: Austin Powers)
Reasons: Not sure how Mike Myers ends up on this list twice, but I do like his work. This installment seemed to be tired and worn, like Austin Power’s clothes. It also seemed to be an exercise in how many different characters Myers could play before they all sounded the same. Although I liked Beyonce’s performance, this film had overstayed its welcome at the box office and in my home.

5. Highlander III: The Sorcerer (Series: The Highlander)
Reasons: I am a fan of Christopher Lambert and of the entire Highlander franchise, but this one was another of those sequels that was made with only the intent to make money. Given a flimsy plot and not much more, Lambert’s character is about as bored as I was watching this. When I can predict what’s going to happen five minutes into the film, it isn’t worth it.

4. The Scorpion King (Series: The Mummy)
Reasons: Although any time the Rock has his shirt off and is running around all hot and sweaty is a cause to celebrate, his flat delivery of lines coupled with the weak plot didn’t do this cool series any favors. You know it’s bad when special effects can’t help you out.

3. Spiderman 3 (Series: Spiderman)
Reasons: Hmmm…where do I begin? I had such high hopes for this movie. See my blog post here. Was it Toby wearing black eyeliner? Nah, it works for him in this film as it does for Depp in Pirates. No, where this film falls flat is in ambition. It’s a long movie, and I don’t like to know a movie is long when I’m sitting in the movie theater. The other problem is that is addresses many more villains than I think prudent for a film. A comic series, yes, you need many, many villains. But a movie? Nope. I still strongly suggest that one villain be enough so that the bad guy’s humanity (if he has any) can be addressed in the story line. Attempting to do that haphazardly or overzealously can leave the audience with the feeling they don’t know anything or/and they haven’t gotten to know anyone. Three is too many (Spidy’s dark side, Venom, and Sandman) for the audience member to take.

2. Superman 3( Series: Superman)
Reasons: Richard Pryor. Need I say more? True enough I like Richard Pryor and enjoyed some of his jokes, but when you have to call in a comedian to save your movie, an action movie, what else is there? A computer splitting Superman and Clark with synthetic kryptonite. Come on. This, again, was the producers attempting to cash in on the popularity of the franchise. Rushing in instead of taking their time and writing out a good script, revising, etc., they ran with what they had. It’s a shame too, because this was a good series.

1. Batman Forever (Series: Batman)
Reasons: There is only one reason why this movie reached the worse three-quel ever: Val Kilmer. After Michael Keaton’s dynamic turn as Batman, switching him to a blonde, somber, and let’s face, melancholy Kilmer sucked all the life from the franchise. When the villains are better than the hero, that’s a problem. Carey and Jones do a number on the weak Kilmer and made me root for them! The addition of Chris Connelly didn’t help much for the storyline, but it did give us ladies a bit of eye candy. I was very surprised when they made a fourth one—goodness, if you have to rely on Governor Arnold to be a villain to beef up your film, you should stop now.

That’s how my scorecard tallies. You differ? Post it below.

Yes! It came in the mail today. My book contract for my Cybil Lewis novel, SILENCED. The terms of the contract shall remain confidential, but the publishing company that had the vision to see Cybil for her true potential was, Parker Publishing. They're new to the publishing scene, but already they've added some awesome African American writers to their stable, namely L.A. Banks of the Vampire Huntress fame and Bevery Jenkins whose romance novels are the stuff of legends. Awesome.

I'm quite proud and a little nervous that they wanted to add me to their house of authors. Any place that publishes L.A. Banks gets major kudos from me. But to ask to publish my little novel alongside hers? Wow. I am floored and flabbergasted.

So who is Parker Publishing?

Well, Parker isn't a print on demand publisher, a self publisher, or vanity press. Nope. They're the real deal and I suspect they'll be here a long time. Time will tell, but I think they're fantastic, slick and serious enough about African American literature to accept it in all its many diverse genres and forms--including Sf. If you want to know more about Parker, head on over to their website. While you're there, purchase some of their truly amazing books, you know, try them out. The hooks on these puppies will net you for life! You'll love Parker Publishing and their authors' works.

As for Cybil, stay tuned. I've got great ideas for our girl, and her adventures are only just beginning. I'm excited to watch her grow, love, lose, and triumph. Moreover, I'm thrilled that readers will get the opportunity to take those little joyrides with me--and Cybil, of course.


Anyway, that's my big news. Cybil has finally found a home.

The tentative release date for SILENCED is June 2008. But stay logged in and subscribe to this blog because I plan to start introducing snippets of Cybil, and Jane for that matter, shortly.

Trust me. These two ladies, you're going to want to know a lot about...
N

It happens to me often. I've got some really good news, but I can't talk about it. Strange, right? But it seems to be something I have in common with Neil Gaiman. He too had interesting work that he couldn't discuss either, and he wrote about not being able to talk about it in his "journal."

You must love the British, right?

But I'm not trying to duplicate the great Gaiman's "journal" *snigger*. However, I did receive two very good and fantastic tidbits of information today. One of which, I can openly discuss as it is no secret to anyone who knows me.

I have a job. I'm moving to North Caroline in about 14 days. Yes, from New Mexico that is quite a jaunt and a drive, but moreover, I have employment. My husband already had a job and a few interviews lined up to boot.

But not me.

I wasn't worried about it, but my hubby was. He's going back to school and he will be a full time student. So, he needed someone to provide medical insurnance and food. Oh, and let's not forget shelter and the all expense- eating, greedy gas bill for his auto. So, yes, he was a little fretful about me not having a job before we moved.

Nevertheless, I got the call today. I'm hired! I'm going to do what I sometimes love--teach at middle school *I'm kidding of course. I love Mid School.

Anyway, the other bit of good news, well, FANTASTIC news, really, I can't talk about too much. I should be posting later to let you know my wonderful news, but I think it's a secret until I get the papers, sign them and return them.

Oh, darn! I've said too much already. *blush*

Nevertheless, I'll post again as soon as I am authorized to discuss anything, uh, FANTASTIC!

N

Can you feel it?
Hear it swooshing in on the wind?
Watch it as it prattles and slithers about interivews, speculation, and hot gossip?

Put your hands to your ears to hear those scarlet whispers and I pray they don't bleed.

What are they about?

Well, it's all about this summer's anxiously awaited movie. It has big stars, a billion dollar franchise, and the next installment…no, this isn’t the next Star Trek movie, though gods know we need another one.

And, no, I'm not talking pirates, ogres, or transformers!

No, it’s the latest Spiderman movie. And loyal fans, I know exactly what you’re thinking. Because I’m thinking it too. I woke up last night in a cold sweat at the terrorizing possibility.

See, the last time there was a billion-dollar franchise release with a host of big name stars and a comic book hero of great renown, we got Batman Forever with wimpy Val Kilmer!You can stop screaming now. I’m sorry I had to mention it in this column, but yes, you’re worried that the latest Spiderman movie will be reduced to such, such, well, crap, don’t be.

For one thing, this installment of Spidy has the same director and the same essential cast. We’ve come to trust Kirstin, Toby and the gang to do their jobs well. That already puts this third-timer a foot of growth over the Val Kilmer uninspired Batman thirdster.

But that remains to be seen, of course, as the movie hasn’t opened yet Come on FRIDAY!

As an avid comic book reader and movie watcher, Spiderman isn’t my favorite, Batman is, of course, followed closely by X-Men, but Spidy is definitely worth watching because you know the cast, director, and script writer will give a good damn show.‘

Nuff said.

Nicole

Just when you thought I was dead.
Or worse, gave up on my sf writing, I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaccccck!

Nothing doing. I've been writing my tail off--just as someone else. I've invented a new persona, and she writes, well, I won't tell you what she writes. That's the only clue I'm giving you about that--though, let me tell you, what's began as a hobby, a fun way to break away from writing sf and fantasy, has become a monster.

UNsaid pen name persona now has 10 titles. That's right. 10. So, as you can imagine, the totalitity of those works--editing, promoting, etc.--has been all consuming. As I've been quite sucessful as this other writer, I've not had any time to devote to the Browne Candidate series or Soul Cages. In fact, I have drafts and bits of papers with notes sporting my ideas all rubberband and bound together--scattered about the bottom of my desk.

That's it.

Sad. Yes, I know. I know how you feel, both as a reader (waiting forever for the Dark Tower books and the next HP volume), and as a writer (trying to write a sequel when all I want to do is sleep).

No, really, I don't mean to make light of your angst.

I completely get it.

So, because I respect you as a reader of blog and my works, I want to be honest with you. For me to tell Aurora's tale, I need to give her more time. She whispers things, but she's not ready to sit and tell it all to me. And as you know Aurora, if she's not ready, you can forget it. Her pregnancy with Bain's child. His betrayal and infidelity. Ren's reign as general. Complex stuff and I just kind of left you there, mired in the unanswered (and sometimes unasked) questions.

But, keep trusting me.

I'll get you something good really soon.

Promise? Oh, no. I'll try anyway. The publishing industry is changing so fast that it's hard for me to promise. I can only write the best book I know how, I can't get a publisher to pub it.

So, dear reader, I'll keep working the storylines in my head. As for the OTHER titles, well, I won't share those with you. They're written by someone seperate, at least in my head, and I'd like to keep them that way. *Does this make me mental?*

You may, of course, entertain your own guesses as to my pen name, but if you do find out, don't tell anyone. It'll be our secret.

Shush!

Best,

Nicole

All right. I'm back from Denver, and as usual I had a splendid time. I actually sold books and met new people. Folks showed up to hear me read Cybil's short story and I spoke about urban fantasies...my latest addiction both as a reader and as a writer.

But perhaps the most enjoyable part of being in Denver was going to Chedd's.

So what's the big deal about Chedd's? Well, for starters, it isn't a typical restaurant. Nor is it five star dining, or anything slightly exotic. It's American fare, pure and simple. It's gourmet grilled cheese.

Yes, you read that right. It's grilled cheese, all dressed up and deliciously styled. Now, I'm not talking plain old white bread and slice of Kraft cheese. No, not here.

Not at Chedd's.

We're talking 30 different cheeses from the mothercountry of cheese-Wisconsin. We're talking 20 different breads. Add to that meats, spreads, and vegetables and what you have is a feast on bread, heated and melted to a savory, gooy mess.

Yep. That's why I love Denver. Ate at Chedd's every single DAY I was there. Left the conference to drive the 10 miles to downtown just to snag more Chedd's. They have something new this year, mac and cheese and although I liked it, I probably won't order it again.

Too much cheese mixing.

~Nicole

It came today!

It came in the mail today!

My author's copy of TALES OF THE TALISMAN! My short story, "The Trader" is on page 42 along with a fantastic illustration of the trader by artist of fabulous-Laura Givens! I am so excited I am speechless--well, sort of!

Anyway, check out the magazine and snag a copy. My name is even on the cover! FIRST!

YES!!!

*doing a happy dance all around the place!

Nicole

Why does it take a case of insomnia to get me to blog?

I have no idea.

First, let me apologize for not blogging since sometime the first of summer.

I meant to…I really did.

It wasn’t that I didn’t have anything to say, but rather I had so much to say that I’ve been writing my fanny off and leaving no time or stamina to actual contribute here.

So, you may be wondering when my next fantastic novel or story will be available. After all, I’ve been working on a number of creative projects since February. And the truth of the matter is, well, hmmm, I don’t know.

You see the issue is that I’m still shopping around my latest novel, which isn’t exactly science fiction, but more horror based. I haven’t found a publisher and I spent the bulk of the winter writing and revising this story—which doesn’t have a home yet.

So while you can’t readily see the fruits of my labor and absence, I assure you I have been very busy with writing.

I’ve just come from Coppercon down in Tempe, Arizona, and I must say I had a pleasant time, sold a few books and even had a people show up to hear me read from Zephyr Unfolding—Thanks, Amy and David!

My next appearance will be at Milehicon in Denver, the latter part of October. Stop in and say hi! To me if you’re in the Denver area.

Hopefully, now that I’ve had some down time and well, a bout of insomnia, I’ll be contributing to this blog again.

Oh, I almost forgot. You have approximately 22 days to purchase print copies of Browne Candidate and The Soul Cages. After September 30th, they will be out of print!
So, if you still haven’t secured a copy, I recommend you don’t delay any longer. Use the links on my website to get the goods before they’re g-o-n-e!

Zephyr Unfolding receives four hearts from the Romance Studio!

Nearly a year after its release, Zephyr Unfolding continues to astound and stir up good reviews from critics and readers alike! Recently, The Romance Studio reviewed the novel and reviewer, Linda L. had this to say...

"...Zephyr Unfolding is a fantastic read filled with thrilling action, mixed with love, adventure and much betrayal...Ms. Kurtz pens an enjoyable ride in this science fiction tale that will please any reader..."

You can check out the entire review here.

If you haven't gotten a copy of Zephyr, grab it at lulu.com, Double Dragon, or other fine bookstores!

As always with blogging, I try to be honest, be me and be real. So let me say up front that I actually liked this movie—despite the blog’s title. And no, I am not going to join the hoards that’ve jumped on the “bash X-Men” wagon.
Still even though I liked it, it doesn’t mean that there weren’t flaws with it.

Major flaws.

So, out of the kindness of my heart, and my pure, unadulterated affection for the X-Men (hello, comic book reader and lover of MARVEL!).

Reason #1 it could’ve been better: It could’ve had more of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine! He’s drowned out by all the new mutants in the movie and well, let’s be honest, Wolverine is one of the most interesting characters in the X-Men universe. Though his lustful romp with Jean Gray/Phoenix in the infirmary didn’t do them justice either.

It was over way too quickly, and to be frank, Wolverine would’ve been all over that and asking questions later. The Phoenix/Jean Gray storyline took up several issues and rippled across several comic series in the X-Men universe. It’s just strange for me to see it chopped up and diced into about 45 minutes.

Reason #2 it could’ve been better: Trim back on the shear amount of mutants. Yes, I know that special effects has come a gazillion light years from the original Star Wars, but that doesn’t mean a movie needs to be saturated with it.

Did I enjoy seeing Angel take flight? Yes, but his storyline would’ve taken an entire movie in and of itself. So what’s his purpose here?

Ditto with Cyclops. Again, the entire Jean Gray/Phoenix thing is so massive; a two hour movie devoted solely to that plot line might’ve worked. He didn’t die in the comic book, so I’m wondering why he had to die in the movie version of that particular storyline?

Beast is also a multi-layered character, and yes, I know the producers and screenwriters couldn’t include or expand upon all of these plotlines. So why include these characters at all? Why not focus on the central ones from the previous movies, and perhaps, just for variation, settle on the Iceman/Rogue love angle with Kitty Pride.

Or expand on the boy who’s mutant ability is to reverse others’.

But pick two and not two hundred! Ten minute plotlines and storylines made the whole thing seemed rushed and very, very superficial.

Reason #3 the movie could’ve been better: Storm. Being African American and female, Storm is my girl, but favorite of the X-Men (well, one of my favorites). Her role in this movie, bumps her up from background beauty to in-charge role.
But there were disturbing questions.

1. What happened to her accent from movies 1 and 2?
2. Loved the hairstyle and the clothes, but what was up with her lose of control over her powers when at Xavier’s school?
3. When the hell did Charles ever expect STORM to run his school? Totally weird and well, it hit me from left field.

So, my suggestion would be for the writers to refit some of the Storm issues. She’s got control over her powers, and she’s got other drama going on besides running Xavier’s school. Though I found the gesture flattering, the post in the comic went to Jean Gray, not Storm, and totally uncharacteristic.

So, those are my main things that could’ve been better. Post your comments below. I’m ready to discuss this film!

Serial novels aren’t new. However it seems that just as Hollywood has fallen into a sequels rut, making very little original, creative, fresh new movies, so is the case with novels.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m a huge of fan of The Dark Tower, Anita Blake, and Harry Potter—all of which are long, volumes of serial books.

I’m even guilty of writing serial books. It seems that every novel I write, both under my current pen name, and my romance pen name, I want to serialize.

I can’t speak for other writers, producers, etc., but for me, it’s not so much the characters, but the world that makes me want to write several volumes.

World building is hard, difficult, intensive work. I hate building a world, leaving it and never again going to play there. The characters themselves can come and go, their stories told, enjoyed, and done. Yet the world itself is difficult to just leave without wanting short vacations back there.

Yet I have heard that serial novels are laziness on the part of the author, producer, {insert here any other titles of creative personnel}. I’m not quite sure I buy into this statement.

Yes I did just discuss how hard, time intensive and front-heavy world building is, and that I hated leaving all that work to spoil. But who wouldn’t?

It’s the same as football player who continues to play well past the point of retirement. Why? Because they’ve spent years, chunks of their lives working on that skill, to reach that goal. It’s difficult to just walk away from that.

And that’s the point with writing serials.

I don’t write them because they’re easy. Creating characters to fit into those worlds are always hard. Not to mention, readers sometimes like to see the same characters in the same world, without too much overwhelming changes—while still bringing a fresh twist to the tale.

And I thought world building was hard.

Come to think of it, none of this shit is easy.

Leprecon has come to an end, and I'm back home in Gallup. As I reflect over the convention itself, I must say that I met some truly fun people. I also had a chance to spend time alone with my husband, without children as my father-in-law babysat the three boys (thanks Dad!).

I did manage a sell--to a fantastic poet! Thanks, Scott!

I also managed to meeet lovely people, purchase truly wonderful art, and overall enjoy myself immensely. I even made some beautiful art--necklace and bracelet from beading. I even participated on a panel that discussed crossing genres.

There's nothing else I can say, except the competition between LepreCON and the Nebulas rendered the hotel empty to some degree as all the fans were seeking out the big name stars at the Nebulas in Tempe.

I liked Leprecon, overall and would attend again.

Greetingss from LepreCON 32 here in Phoenix, Arizona!

Yes, I'm new to LepreCON and spent my first panel fingerpainting with Gilead, an extrordinarily gifted artist. I also managed to purchase a print of Alan M. Clark's Dark Tower painting with Roland standing at the foot of the enormous tower. Check out the print here. If you don't know what I'm talking about when it comes to Roland and the Dark Tower, it would take too long to explain. Anyway, I'm terribly excited about my purchase and my time fingerpainting. My kids loved it too!

I spent tonight talking to David Lee Summers, Evo Terra and Michael about science fiction and audio books. I also swapped CON stories and experiences as well as classroom stuff with Shelia Unwin. Overall a very good time.

But as it was, I am quite tired. I didn't sell any books today, but there's still tomorrow. :=)

Well, if one thing can be said of writing, it's this... your skin grows incredibly thick and calloused before you die.


Then the critics scrap it off, and celebrate your literary genius!


Two things happened this week that have added an additional layer of skin to my already ripped hide. A publisher and I parted ways and a potential agent rejected my latest stab at commerical writing.

"Wait," you might be saying. "Don't all writers get rejected?"

We do. And let me tell you, it doesn't get any easier. I don't care how long you've been writing...when someone tells you that your work isn't "right" then something inside you eeks out a small whimper.

If you're new to the game, you might release a bellowing "What?" instead of the soft eeking.

True enough, many of my friends have agents, publishing contracts, and are on the golden road to the "dream"--being a full time, well paid writer.

I am not on the road yet, but am driving in circles in the parking lot.

I've been at this for some time, as many of you well know. Unfortunately, there's no time table for when you make it, or IF you even make it. I'm in the boat, paddling against the tide of wanna-be writers in a genre that is not common for African Americans that are also women.

You've heard my soapbox speech about that, read "Race Card: Is it Electric?" So I won't repeat it here.

So, why am I once again blogging about an ordinary occurance for millions of writers?

Because misery loves company :-).

I'm kidding about the company part.

I'm blogging about it for many reasons, some very private, but I will post the public reasons.

The Top Five Public Reasons I am blogging about REJECTION:

1. So that beginning writers realize that just because you have books published, you're still a nobody until you reach #30 or above on the New York Times bestseller list.
2. To save my husband's ears-By writing it here, he won't have to listen to me rant about it for hours and hours tonight.
3. To gather pity for myself-If everyone who reads this thinks I deserve a pity party, they'll throw me one.
4. To prove that I am human- there is a common belief on the Internet that I am not human, but a robot that spells everything phonetically and loses my students' homework papers--as a means of torture.
5. So that I don't waste Bethany's time- because she's got so many other things to do besides listen to me bellyache about rejection...again!

There you have it folks. What do you think?

BTW- Check me out at LepreCON in Phoenix this weekend!

Later~

Nicole

It's spring here in New Mexico. Juniper is blooming in such abundance I can't wear my contacts. My eyes are streaming and incredibly red, which makes wearing contacts right now a big no-no. I know my allegeries aren't unique, but they are quite bothersome!
As with the arrival of spring, a good, deep down cleaning of my home is on tap. Yet, my husband and I haven't gotten around to it yet due to a death in our family amongt other family centered drama that I won't bore you with here.

However, I have been thinking a lot about my writing career. I started writing for publication in 1998 having spent my entire youth (from 5th grade to 12th) writing in my journal, creating stories in my head and scribbling them in notebooks.

I wrote my first novel, A Complete Woman in 1999 after my fourth miscarriage and a failed relationship. It was accepted for publication by Crossroads, an electronic publisher and one that quickly crashed and burned. Booklocker published it a year later in 2000. Right around the time that Crystral Dreams published Browne Candidate. Both books are shorter than my current works, but are solid in that they tell their stories quickly with a refreshing knowledge that you got the whole tale (at least in my opinion).

Well, with the arrival of this school year, and the direction my writing is going with Cybil, I am focusing on landing an agent, moving into the field of sf hybrids namely Cybil's mystery series set in the near future. I'm finding that Cybil's world is vivid, fun, and totally addicting. I'm currently working on yet another novel in her series and have completed a short story titled, "Recruited" that is being considered for publication.

Three of my four currently published books, The Soul Cages , Browne Candidate, and A Complete Woman will go out of print in September of this year. Yes, you read that right. You won't be able to get print copies of these titles after September 2006, unless you buy used copies.

There is some good news...The Soul Cages and Browne Candidate will remain in ebook formats!

I think some of the online stores still have copies in their warehouses, but Booklocker isn't printing any more new copies of A Complete Woman. So, once the current stock is depleated, there won't be any more available. So go get it from Amazon today!

What does this mean for Aurora's and Sarah's worlds?

Well, for starters, please know that Aurora is my girl, true and blue. With Zephyr Unfolding, her life arrived at a crossroad that requires deep thought and reflection. Reflection requires time and Aurora will need that to contemplate what path to take. She's come to talk to me occasionally about it, but you know how secretive Aurora can be. She hasn't told me everything, and I need to know everything to tell her tale.

If you need a fix to satisfy your soul snatching craving, Double Dragon Ebooks has published my short novella titled, "A Stranger to Veloris Cometh," available for two bucks. That's right, two U.S. dollars (plus tax in some states and countries). It's a temporary fix for addicts of The Soul Cages . Just know that Manola and her lord grow impatient...

As it were, you may be asking why these three books won't be available after 2006?

Well, I'm spring cleaning my writing career. Things die and are resurrected this time of year. That's why Easter is celebrated during the spring. Think of the showers in April that produces the beautiful flowers in May. After a little rain comes the sun shine.

I've had my share of rain with publishers. I'm looking now for the sunshine and hoping that my writing career will blossom as a result of my own cleaning.

Of course, I'm writing other stuff besides Cybil's stories, including short stories (look for my story, "The Trader" in the September issue of Tales of the Talisman), blogs, and occasionally other genres under different pen names.

You may also be wondering what's so great about Cybil. See for yourself. Check out an excerpt from HUNTED, and find out.

Recently science fiction great, Octavia Butler, died unexpectedly and sudden. She left in her wake a frigid scramble to put her enormous work, gift, hell, life into words. Everyone’s who ever read her work and fell in complete torment—for her next work often took a great amount of time between—then words to describe her seems pitifully inadequate.


Not wanting to feel alone in my mourning, I read a couple of others blogs about Ms. Butler. One even had her name wrong. They had her listed as Octavia Brown. This in and of itself is a small matter although I found it totally amazing that the author hadn’t heard of her. Anyone can make a mistake, especially if they are not familiar with her work, which the author of the blog confessed upfront. He pondered if there were other African American science fiction writers.


I, of course, left him a hyperlink to my recent 10 best black science fiction writers. How can I allow someone to wonder around thinking and believing that only two African Americans wrote sf? I wouldn’t be doing my civic duty as an African American, female author if I let that pass, now would I?


Which leads me to the point of this blog…


Another blog I recently read argued about Butler being labeled—forever—as a black science fiction writer instead of just one damn good sf writer. Should the label stick to her in the historical, great legends of science fiction?


To me labels are misleading—in cases—and can limit one’s appeal to an audience. If identified as solely an African American author, then assumptions are made about me and my work before the audience/reader has even had an opportunity to read my stuff. These assumptions could go so far as to drive the reader away.


Assuming—of course—that the assumptions are themselves negative. They could, after all be positive assumptions.


This question came up on another blog about Jim Crow’s Publishing world. Does race matter? Should there be segregated sections of bookstores (i.e. the African American section)? I live in New Mexico, and many of our big chain bookstores have “native American” sections. Is this a good or bad thing?


Should a writer like Butler, who’s won a Nebula and a Hugo, sport the label of “black” science fiction writer, or should she simply be a “great writer?”


Her characters, storylines and works often had black main characters and situations. They dealt with those of darker skins, so does this mean race mattered to her and thus the label should stick?


No. Just because one writes about situations or has characters of various races doesn’t mean the book should be labeled a “Hispanic” book, or whatever. I think the labels start to stick more because the author and the characters of his or her books share a common ethnicity.


I want everyone to read my books and stories. That doesn’t mean I am ashamed of being African American. I’m not. So if someone attaches the label of African American science fiction writer to my name, I am not going to be upset. Though I will readily admit I’d like to be accepted as a science fiction writer first and foremost who just happens to be African American and a female.


Still a fantastic, heck, legend, science fiction hall of-famer, Butler doesn’t need any labels. She was simply brilliant.
That’s a label too!


Darn.

I am sad, grief stricken really. As many of you that read my blog posts know, I am African American, a science fiction/fantasy writer and big time fan of Octavia Butler. It is with the upmost grief and sadness that I can't even find words for, that her death has left in its wake.

Octavia Butler was my idol, my inspiration and my belief that I can do this whole sf writing thing, despite my being African American and a woman. She opened doors, windows, and ripped off ceilings for others in her wake, others whose names are listed in my African American SF writer blog for Black History Month.

She won many awards, namely a Hugo and several others. My favorite books were the Xenogensis series and Kindred.

I was fortunate to meet her about two years ago, in Seattle at the Black to the Future conference. There I gave her a copy of my book, Browne Candidate, and asked her sign my copy of Dark Matter and other books I own that she'd written. She did so with kindness, grace and intelligence that seemed unwordly and amazing all at once.


As the conference plugged along, I watched her interact with people. Ms. Butler gave and gave and gave. She seemed pleased that so many African Americans were interested in science fiction and even wrote it.

She spoke there as keynote speaker and it was as if God had stepped down from the heavens to whisper the secrets of life into our ears. A pin could drop and it would've exploded in sound. I remembered the packed room, people leaning in to hear her every word. Tape recorders set to lap up each diamond jewel of advice, history, and trial she discussed.


Now that she's returned to her mountain top, there is a gaping hole in science fiction yet-to-be-told stories, where Ms. Butler used to be ready to deliever another amazing tale. I have no doubts that now, many of those who loved her will stretch that hole ever wider and fill it with the greatness which she weld.

I am going to do my best to make her proud and to give science fiction that is not only readable, but stories she would also have liked. As a disciple, I will give nothing short of 120% as she did.

Goodbye Ms. Butler, may your many bravery, courage and outright talent survive until the end of time.

As Black History Month jaunts toward conclusion, I'd like to give a shout out to some of the best science fiction writers out there! They also happen to be of African descent, and if you're one of the many who believe that African Americans (and women for that matter) don't write good sf, you'd be mistaken. Nevertheless, I'm posting this bit of blog to offer up some pretty good authors who'd help you on the journey to changing your mind!

As always, I welcome feedback to my blogs. Feel free to leave comments! I love discourse and discussion, so please put your opinion where your platform is...here in the comments section!

Now, on to the list. I am a lister (a person who loves to list things). I admit it, albeit grudgingly, that this is habit of mine. However, I do not post these names here as a ranking, nor is this list complete. There are many up and coming writers (like myself) who write solid sf, but have yet to reach national acclaim. I post these authors as they came to mind. Thus, do not interpret this as any type of a ranking.

Excellent Science Fiction Writers, who just happen to be of African descent:

1. Octavia Butler

2. Walter Mosley-although not all of his works are science fiction, he does write a mean mystery novel...think
Devil in a Blue Dress...

3. Nalo Hopkinson

4. Steven Barnes

5. Samuel R. Delany

6. Sheree Thomas

7. Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu

8. Tananarive Due

9. Levar Burton

10. George Schuyler

All of these authors are extreme well versed in science fiction, and I applaud their efforts this Black History Month!

With the movie version of C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe being out in theaters and fans getting their first looks at the movie adaptation, I wanted to add my voice to the many, many conversations that simply must be floating around about book to movie adaptations.

As a part-time critic and lover of books, I found myself wanting very much to rip on the adapation of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Yet while I sat in the movie theater--trying my best to nick pick the thing to death, I found that I absolutely enjoyed the movie. Yes, I love Rowling, and yes, I did read (and ahem, re-read) the "Goblet" several times, however, the movie did what Rowling couldn't do--shorten the damn thing to less than three hours. To read my entire review of the movie go here.

And now with the upcoming movie versions of The Da Vinci Code, and Memoirs of Geisha, which are generating Oscar buzz as well as comparisons between thebook and the movie versions, I am once again pondering the worthiness of taking a great book and putting it onto film. The process seems to have gotten better, as my list seems to prove, but there are upturned stones on the path to great movie making and book-to-movie-adaptions...

As a teacher I agree and promote to students that the book is almost always better, but when I read in Time about how the movie version of Geisha was light years better, than I must admit that I could be wrong.

Yes, I know it's a rarity....

Some of you who are long time readers of my blog already know about my best "out of your world" movie list. You can check out my list here and give your feedback. My point, though, is that most of the movies on that last are versions of great, classic books. For example, Lord of the Rings, and Blade Runner, which was Phillip Dick's Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep--has to be one of my most all time favorite books.

So, perhaps a great book makes a great movie? Is it worth it to convert beloved classic tales into film?

Part of me doesn't want to go down this path of questioning for thorns such as the movie version of Battle Field Earth and The Island of Doctor Moreau, may crop up in my path, tear at me clothes and give me painful scratches that will serve as reminders of how dreadful movie making can be.

Thus, I'll try to stay on the straight and narrow.

I haven't ventured out to see "Chronicles" yet, but I will. I do know that my best friend fell asleep in the movie--for about twenty minutes. That doesn't really count for anything though, since he fell asleep in the "LOTR: Two Towers," too. So his opinion is ranking right around worthless.

But yours does matter, so leave me comments if you think that the book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, is even well represented in film. I already know that the book is way better, despite the argument I have presented here today.

A few months ago, I returned from a science fiction convention where people were dressed as characters from television shows, movie, and various anime comics. As a published writer, I pondered the importance of fans and their powerful impact on the writer, director, and/or creator of fictional works.

I set out to find out the underlying, and often overlooked, power of fandom.

According to Encarta, fandom is a noun and means, “a large group of fans: fans collectively, especially of a public entertainer such as a movie or TV star.” Science fiction and fantasy fans are the pure embodiment of the definition.

Yet Wikipedia broadens the definition and enhances it by stating that fans are, “keen aficionados of any phenomenon such as authors, hobbies, ideologies, genres or fashions, which can collectively manifest as fandom. The term "fandom" is particularly associated with fans of the science fiction and fantasy genres.”

Though the dictionary’s definition of fandom can be traced back to 1903, fandom itself emerged as a force in the 1930s when science fiction readers began writing to each other. The first science fiction convention was held in Philadelphia in 1936.

And so the world of fandom, and creators in the science fiction and fantasy genres were forever changed and cosmically linked directly to their fans (Kendzior 1).

Like much of today’s world and technology, the word fandom has evolved as well.

At the mention of the word, fandom, many people may think instantly of Star Trek. Trekkies, or members of the Star Trek fandom that epitomizes the term. Those who participate in a particular fandom, the so-called Trekkies. Gene Roddenberry’s futuristic vision of a united people searching the universe, didn’t win fans immediately, but later grew to a have an enormous cult following.

That cult following grew up into a barrage of fans that not only continue to actively support the Star Trek franchise, but inspired millions of other fans to celebrate, hold conventions, and display their own love of a particular creative work.

So much so that the primary members of the original Star Trek cast are known to do some otherwise embarrassing things after Star Trek and still continued to have success. For example, a holiday Christmas album with the joyous chorals sung by Leonard Nemoy and William Shatner. How can anyone forget the hilarious, but somewhat sad Priceline commercials? There are tons more examples, like Nichelle Nichol’s novels, and other acts of complete lunacy that seem to inspire those individuals to poor judgments.

So does the freedom that comes from having a gaggle of fans empower stars (authors) to continue to indulge in awful acts of otherwise unwise career choices? Does one believe that because fans supported and loved their former roles, that one thinks he can do anything?

The answer is as varied as the stars and writers whose portrayals and fictional works have inspired so many to continuously celebrate and indulge in the sub-cultures culled from those works.

In fact, fans have the power to condemn or exalt obscure works into blockbuster films, best-selling novels (and series), and terrific television. This power is unheard of in other such mediums, such as newspapers, or radio. I mean, no one dresses up like their favorite news reporter and go to conventions where everyone is a fan of a certain news show or radio host.

So, in closing, fandom allows a certain creative freedom to take risks with one’s career. Moreover a celebrity it also affronted and nurtured. For this reason alone, fandom will continue to run the roost and segregate the diamonds from the zirconium.

Works Cited

Kendzior, S. (2000). Who owns fandom? Salon. Retrieved October 28, 2005 from Salon.com.

Okay, some of you fans have weighed in, and as expected I must revise my list or else resign myself to the fact that I am lame. So, here is the updated list of best "out of your world" movies.
10.2001: A Space Odyssey
9. The Fifth Element
8. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
7. Highlander
6. 12 Monkeys
5. The Crow-The Original with Brandon Lee
4. Star Wars
3. The Matrix
2. Blade Runner
1. Lord of the Rings

Now, let the new comments, messages and emails begin. Speak up and tell me how you feel about the new list.

About three weeks ago, while on a panel at MilehiCon, this particular subject came up, and I thought it would make a really cool blog.

What is the best “Out of Your World” film/fiction?

This question was posed to one of the panels I was on in Denver. Of course, it does depend soley on what your defintion of "out of your world" means. Our list was quite incomplete, so I’m asking you. So Speak up!

Here's a partial list of what I think are the best "Out of Your World" films. Feel free to weigh in and of course, disagree!

10. Starship Troopers
9. Red Planet
8. Mission to Mars
7. Pitch Black
6. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
5. 2001: A Space Odyssey
4. Star Wars
3. The Matrix
2. The Crow-The Original with Brandon Lee
1. Lord of the Rings

As you can see from my list, the genre is totally speculative and not science fiction or fantasy one way or another. I will be posting the fiction I think is the best out of this world, but let's hear your comments on the movies I selected.

I do realize I may be updating and rearranging this list based on your comments. I'm sure I missed some really good ones.

Greetings again from MileHiCon 37, here in Denver, CO.

I had a great time reading this morning. I read with author, Deborah LeBlanc, and she was powerful, enchanting reader. I read after her, and I hope I entertained the three people that showed on this morning to listen.

After the reading I headed down to the dealer's room and tried to generate some interest in my work. Nothing doing. One woman took the book out of my hand, read the backcover and said, "Uh, no!" She shoved the book into my hands and stalked off as if I had somehow offended her. Another woman kindly looked at all three of my works, but politely declined to purchase any.

The good news is that I met several new, fun, and totally hilarious authors while at this convention. I had a great time, spent time with David Lee Summers and some of my other friends, like Cindy Clark. I sold a few books, bought many more books to read, and overall had a good time.

I am sorry too that it had to end. As I packed the bags into the trunk (okay, I didn't do it; my husband did), I felt sad that it was over so soon. Overall, I bill this con as a successful one, and one I will probably go to again next year.

Kurtz signing off again from MileHiCon 37.

Greetings again from MileHiCon 37, here in Denver, CO. I had a fantastic time today. As it is 2:09 MST, I have just returned from the Tails of the Talisman room party, where editor David Lee Summers and art director, Laura Givens and other Talisman contributors met together to have a good time. Yours truly will have an upcoming story in the Volume 2, Issue 2 Tales of the Talisman. Stay tuned here to read more about that.

I was on two panels today and had on autograph session. The first panel dealt with the best "out of your world" fiction and films. The panel spent a lot of time coming up with what "out of your world" meant and then later we came up with a somewhat incomplete list of fiction and films that are "out of your world." See my newsletter for more discussions on this topic.

The second panel I was on was the Tales of the Talisman panel. There David Lee Summers and J Alan Erwine discussed small press magazine publishing and the general tone of their respected magazines. I was on this panel as a writer/contributor to Tales and as a former editor/publisher of an online magazine, Mocha Memoirs, to which I operated from 1998 to 2003. The audience for this one was smaller, but it was still a great deal of absolute fun.

I did have an author's signing scheduled, and I met some fantastic people. I even sold some copies of Zephyr Unfolding. I love cons, and the primary reason I do is because I actually get to talk to people about science fiction and fandom, along with the occasional writing conversation tossed in for good measure.

I ate at Chedd's again, and I went to a fantastic middle eastern restaurant with my friends that live in Denver. Had some great food and intriguing conversations about cults, Ethiopia, and fandom.

All in all today was a good day (though not to die). I read from Zephyr Unfolding tomorrow at 10 am and then I'll leave around 12:30.

I think I made some good contacts and some good memories.

Kurtz signing off from MileHiCon 37.

Greetings from MileHiCon 37 in Denver, CO.

Thanks in part to this blog, I will be able to write about my experiences at this particular convention while I am actually here; as opposed to writing it later on when I get home to Gallup.

Tonight I participated in the Authors' Alley massive autograph sessions. Authors were sprinkled around and inside the Dealer's Room. I met some nice people, and talked at length to David Lee Summers, who's book, Vampires of the Scarlet Order, is doing quite well with fans of horror and Las Crues.

I did have an apple martini at a Japanese restaurant (I do not recommend doing that for reasons I care NOT to go into right now). Otherwise the sushi was good, and the fresh water eel was good too. I liked it and will probably go back again tomorrow. Unless of course I get invited out to dinner with someone else.

Conventions are supposed to pair writers with readers and fans with their icons, but it hasn't been that way for me. In fact, most conventions I go to seem to be a bit cliquey. I mean, the "traditionally published" authors hang together, and the small press authors kind of look through the glass at the "cool" authors chatting away with each other. I know I'm probably generalizing, but you'll have to find it in your heart to forgive me. I think we should all sit together and talk as peers, but again, I'm dreaming of a writers utopia--a place were who published you is not the topic of conversations, or status, but the level of writing is the goal and important piece.

I know, I know...it's a dream.

But why dream at all if you're not going to do it right?

Nevertheless, I got some cool magazines, posters and conversations from some convention goers. I saw a funny, horror, and semi-pornographic movie made with a low budget and tongue-in-cheek humor. Though some people did leave because the content was graphic, I found it funny and a bit predictable. Won't type the name of said movie here...people are still at the con and the director is selling copies of it on DVD.

I'll report again tomorrow...well after 12:52 here. I have three panels tomorrow and an author signing.

Wish me luck and lots of success.

I'll write tomorrow and let you loyal readers know how good your wishing did for my luck.

Kurtz signing off from MileHiCon 37.

A few weeks ago I blogged about my need for recognition, about the reason why I write.
I wrote on that heartfelt blog entry, “Sure my novels and short stories mean something to me, well, more than something; they mean a lot to me. Yet the acknowledgement that they meant something to others...complete strangers, now that is why I write."

Well, for all of my bellyaching and (dare I admit it?) whining, I have finally been recognized. Round Table Reviews has just completed their review of my latest novel, Zephyr Unfolding. A side note: You can read the exciting first chapter for free at my website.



Anyway, here’s what they said…

“ZEPHYR UNFOLDING is a powerhouse of a sequel to BROWNE CANDIDATE. As usual, Nicole Givens Kurtz' storytelling is brilliant. Her characters are compelling, emotional, and very real, and the action is frankly fabulous. ZEPHYR UNFOLDING has everything you are looking for in a science fiction thriller--action, adventure, romance, narrow escapes, and ironic twists of plot. Ms. Kurtz does a great of job of interweaving political drama into the story without seeming heavy-handed or predictable. The cloak-and-dagger sequences are as good as any episode of "Alias" and certainly as well written as Tom Clancy or Larry Bond. Ren and Angel's romance is endearing and both are incredibly noble characters. All-together, ZEPHYR UNFOLDING is a wonderful read. If you are a fan of science fiction, political thrillers, or just looking for a great adventure story, don't miss ZEPHYR UNFOLDING--you'll never forgive yourself!”

I encourage you to read the rest of the review here.

When I read the review, I could hardly believe it. Me--just as good as Clancy? Bond? Even any given "Alias" episode? Well, that is true recognition, isn’t it? When your work is compared to the "greats"in thefield, you've definately made a mark of some kind.

I have in fact gotten exactly what I wanted.

At last someone else—a complete stranger has read my work and acknowledged that my story meant something to them or left some favorable impression upon them. Even more so, that person is encouraging others to try the book too! This is a recommendation I endorse. :-)
Not that this is the first review of my novels. I’ve had many reviews and of course, like most things that solicit an opinion, the reviews have swayed between absolutely dismal to good. Yet this review went beyond good. This review went nuclear!Exploding in a sea of compliments and praise for a job well done.

Am I pleased? Yes. It is always a welcome sight to get good things in the mail, the email, or published online. Sure it’s not a New York Times or Kirkus Review, but it is a review all the same.

And it is also a little recognition...

As most aspiring writers know, the waiting for a response from a publisher, agent, or contest is enough to make you want to shot yourself in the head and then (because most writers are zombies) drive out in front of an on-coming truck. Still you wouldn’t be dead and you’d still have to wait to get a response.

For the record, I absolutely detest waiting for a response from publishers, agents, and contest coordinators/judges. Even though I understand completely that there is only a handful of people responsible for handling a trash-collection-truck size amount of submissions, I find the waiting tortuous at best.

Couple that dread for waiting with the automatic and sometimes snotty rejection responses and well, you have the bane of my existence. It is also one reason I publish my work electronically and prefer to submit my queries online as well.

Oh, sure, I can understand the agent’s view of not wanting to come to work and open an email in-box stuffed with six hundred queries. But come on! Join the 21st century! Snail mail is not only slow, but cruel and unusal punishment!

Not that sending my query faster via electronic means guarantees that I’ll get a response sooner. There are still some agents I have never heard from and it’s been years! So, how can I, a writer, and one who needs an agent, publisher, etc. to look at my work reconcile myself to the wait?

I don’t really know. Many articles about writing state that I should busy myself with my other works or begin writing something new.

Good advice, and honestly, it does keep me busy for awhile, but then…

The new project is ready to be published (in my opinion) and so the cycle begins a new…I write a query letter and wait for a response.

Pretty soon I am waiting for many responses and I have to create a spreadsheet just to keep up with what’s come in and what’s gone out.

Nevertheless it is a necessary evil of the business, and I know it.

I just wanted to vent about it here…

As a published author, I've had five novels, numerous short stories and articles published and at one point in time, back when e-books were being touted as the latest and greatest get-published-here track to writing for a living, I fully embraced the industry. I, like many, many others, believed that the faster responses from publishers and the quick manuscript-to-rack track to having a published book was a better option than waiting months for TOR or DAW or BAEN.

The bust of the e-book industry or rather the "refocusing" of the purpose of e-books sent my goals of being able to sustain myself by writing crashing to the floor. Not only did my e-book publications not count toward myself being labeled a "professional" writer, they bought little sales and even less recognition.

In fact, many "professional" authors still consider me unworthy of conversation with them because 1. I am not a sfwa author, and 2. I am not "really" published because my books are all available as e-books or as Print On Demand--not as they say from a "real publisher."

What should it matter how I am published or in what format? Silly me, writing isn't about recognition.

Or is it?

If writing is not about recognition, then what is the purpose of writing?

I often tell my students that writing--at its most basic level--is to communicate with another human being.

But how is that possible if no one reads your material?
The entire point to writing, regardless of the genre, is to share your ideas, visions, worlds, and characters with others. If the author doesn't receive any recognition, that point becomes harder to meet.

Perhaps I am missing the mark here. Let's define "recognition" as someone reading your work and commenting/providing feedback about it. I'm not talking about recognition in the sense of HUGO or Pulitzer Prize. As an e-book published author, those goals are pretty lofty, even for someone who dreams big… like myself.

No, I'm talking about recognition in the truest sense of the word, meaning "acknowledgment of the existence or validity of something (MSN Encarta 1)."

I want my work to be recognized. Whether that comes from readers, the EPPIEs, fellow authors, reviewers, or fans (if I have any). A simple acknowledgement of the existence of my work and that my stories have some validity is the purpose of writing—at least in part. Sure my novels and short stories mean something to me, well, more than something. They mean a lot to me. Yet the acknowledgement that they meant something to others…complete strangers, now that is why I write.

If you disagree or want to voice your opinion on this subject, I encourage you to do so. Just leave a comment. I am curious to see what other reasons writer/authors write.

Nicole

The past few weeks I have found myself in writing block hell. I am unable to write anything but teacher lesson plans--and right now even that chore is suffering from a miniature block.

Writer's block is like the common cold. Everyone who writes knows about it, but few of us actually court it willingly. Seemingly there are many treatments for it; however there is no cure.

Just like the common cold, my writer's block has traveled around the members of my home (namely me and my husband since our kids are 4 and under). Chris, who is a traditionally published non-fiction writer of true crime, came home at the end of May with a case of writer's block. Of course, he doesn't admit to having writer's block, but he hasn't written anything new, especially anything in his field, since June.

It seems that he has passed the filthy little virus on to me. Although I have written several stories in the month of June and half of July, I knew I was fighting off the bug. My writing had all the symptoms of the common writer's block disease…sluggish stories, worn-down words, and crotchety characters. I was an achy author with icky ideas.

Still, I continued to pen stories and even sold one, "The Trader" to The Talisman Magazine. Somehow horror stories tend to lend themselves to crotchety characters and icky ideas.

Despite this feat, riding my creative immune system was a vicious new strain of writer's block.
It was determined to ride my healthy creative body of work into the ground.

So as I grew more ill and the symptoms intensified, I did what everyone else does... I took some medicine in the form of encouragements and leafing through my journals, even reading to try to keep the virus at bay. No ideas came, nor have they since I returned from Africa.

The writer's block bug in full force.

In the past, I have written columns about how to battle and defeat writer's block (physician heal thyself!). This new strain may actually have evolved to be immune to my common, over-the-Internet treatment (suggestions) for smiting it into remission.

What I wouldn't give for a bottle of Romulan Ale and a holodeck right now! Something, heck anything, to jump start my creative author muse and battle back the bug that is threatening to send me into a dry, arid desert for months! Maybe even years!

I am heading to Flagstaff this weekend as it is my anniversary. Perhaps there I will find the cure for my current cup of writer's block.

Wish me luck!

~Nicole

I got an email today that someone I knew had just landed a big contract with a big publisher in New York. Unsaid author and I began our trek toward book writing together, but apart. She wrote one thing, and I another. Our paths began with our mutual interest in science fiction/fantasy and as two African American women. However, it has seemed that our paths to publication forked at one point.

Yet by some standards, she has become a success and I, a lowly, self published/ebook pubbed author. She warranted the advance, and I the electronic route-which to many is evidence of my lack of writing skills and total cheapness. I mean really if I'm not good enough for TOR, then why read my work at all?

According to the Science Fiction Writers of America, I am not an author. I am not professional, but an amature, with four novels, numerous short stories, and articles published. Yet, because I am ebook published, than I am nothing more than a beginning writer--nevermind that I have been writing since I was 12 years old.

I can talk forever about the snobbiness that exists in publishing. Tonight I want to talk about race. As an African American, race is apart of my daily life, rather I acknowledge it or not. I am a science fiction fan, and I have been since I was six years old. However, when I go to CONs, I am often the only one of two or three African Americans there. Additionally, I am often the sole one on panels and book signings.

And I have to wonder, as I stroll through CONs getting weird looks from others and even stranger nods from fellow authors, that in a genre that promotes futuristic visions, where people dress up like Kligons, that I get the odd glances. I find it startling sometimes that my race, my color offends and shocks so many who read books about aliens, elves and cyborgs.

But I digress. Books. I write science fiction books and I have had more than one person walk away from my table when they found out that I was the author. Does this mean that sf fans are racists? No, I have met more than my share of good, solid, honest, sf fans who don't want to read my stuff as well as some that do. The genre as a whole is tough to write in, no doubt. Fans are hard to come by and not many people are reading any more.

My question is this...do I play the race card when I write? Should I write about things that apply only to African Americans? Is that even possible? Some believe that my writings, my stories are too generic. They sound too white. I honestly have had people say that to me at a con a year ago. I was told my stories didn't explore the African perspective.

But my point is "which perspective do you want?" There are millions of Africans and descendancts of Africans, with just as many tales. Mine are some of those...

I am a writer. I write stories. My stories come from my imagination, my experiences, and sometimes my life, (yes, sometimes from a bottle of beer), but never, never have they been faked and not once, have I played the race card.

Perhaps that is why I am still ebook published and self published.

Dear Readers:

Yes, I am back from my 16 days in Ethiopia. I had a wonderful, emotionally draining and exhaustive trip, but I must say that my three sons are quite beautiful. Yes, my two older sons are a handful, full of life, and absolutely devoted to their father, my husband, Chris. It seems that the three of them are quite bonded in such a short time frame, and for that I am glad.

We had a great guide while in Addis Ababa and we got to see many areas of Addis that I'm sure we would have missed on our own. Despite the great museums, landscape, lakes and lush green hills, the poverty and absolutely magnitude of those suffering was great. It was an amazing trip but it was also heartbreaking. To think that my sons had once lived on the street, begging for food and clothes tears at my heart.
I encourage everyone who reads this to think of the plight of Africa as a whole and Ethiopia specially. The U.S. and other wealthy countries can do more than just give food aid to Ethiopia. They can also provide technology and training as once our country did for Japan.

I won't get on my soapbox about race, who the U.S. "helps" etc., because I know the answer to Ethiopia's issues just are cut and dry or solitary, but multifaceted and complicated. But I am now a happy, exhausted mother of three boys whose smiles light up my entire day!

Anyway, look for ZEPHYR to be available in trade paperback this month from Lulu.com. Take care!

Nicole

I came home tonight to discover that Zephyr Unfolding had arrived--a month early even!
The paperback won't be available until August,but the e-book version is live at Double Dragon Ebooks. What's so wonderful about this is that DDP is giving 15% off the book because it's a new release. So if you're tired of waiting and want your copy now, go here
http://www.double-dragon-ebooks.com/single.asp?ISBN=1-55404-271-2 before the sale ends!

I am pretty happy and quite pleased, both with the cover, the best thus far, and the novel itself. This time around, Ren and Angel take center stage and tel their stories. Aurora and Bain are still very much in the picture, as well as a host of new characters!

As I said earlier, Zephyr Unfolding has managed to gather some pretty cool praise from some of the best authors in the biz... check out the critics' and readers' comments at the reviews page for Zephyr. You can also read the first chapter. It's available on the website. Check the left hand column...

If you don't trust critics, see for yourself! Get a copy today!

Greetings!

Just found out today that the cover for Zephyr is being worked on by a gifted artist. This makes me excited as the cover art for any novel, especially in science fiction, can either make your novel pop or fizzle.

Zephyr Unfolding, the sequel to Browne Candidate, is moving along right on schedule of its release date in August. This novel is longer than Browne by about 34,000 words. I don't want to give too much away, but readers will finally get a look at Resistance headquarters, General McGoodman and an entire host of people, both new and old, that flush out the Resistance and the United World Order. Of course Aurora is still with us, as is Bain, Ren, John, Andrea and Angel.

I'm excited about Zephyr's release...keep your eyes peeled because Zephyr is coming very soon!

Cheers,
~Nicole

I've found my way back to the 21st century and joined the blog bandwagon! Join me here while I share my writing and life stories! This is totally more interactive than my newsletter, which of course, I'll still publish--just not as frequently.

Welcome to my newly redesigned site. There's some new stuff here about my new novel series which involves a kickass, futuristic p.i. Her name's Cybil and you should definately get to know her...

Been working on getting Zephyr Unfolding into print. Look for this sequel to my EPPIE and DREAM REALM Award finalist, Browne Candidate, in August 2005. I should get the first chapter up sometime in late July.

Until then, cheers!

~Nicole