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!