Day 7 Photos That Remind Me Of My Antagonist

Exploring New Worlds Blog Challenge Day 7 Photos That Remind Me Of The Protagonist! You can join this blog challenge too, whether you are a writer OR a reader! Just pick a favorite book off of your shelf (or a story you are currently writing) and click on the image below for info on how to join in on the fun!

 My WIP is currently titled "A Mind Broken, Second book in The Alien Mind series"

The Alien Mind is the first book in what is looking like what will end up being a ?four? book series (not sure yet- not finished). You can find out more about The Alien Mind here:

 https://www.virginialorijennings.com/p/the-alien-mind.html

And so here it is...
Pictures that remind me of my protagonist:

Daniel: "This BENCH!"
Me: Why?
Daniel: Those were the only pieces of furniture in the cell the Aruk held Rivi and I in. I got so sick of sleeping on that bench... I can't even sit on the benches in my parents garden now.
Me: You sit outside talking with Rivi all the time...
Daniel: Thats different...

Rivi: This hallway reminds me of the Aruk facilities. They always have plain smooth walls, makes it easier to get lost when trying to escape.



Me: An image that reminds me of the Aruk's destructive power... The way all of planet Aun looked after they sent Daniel there:

Daniel: I did that?
Me: .... *Spoilers*...


UGH! So depressing... Tomorrow should be better!

While we are waiting... Come check out others who are posting their Day 7 Blog Challenge as well!

Day 6 Photos that remind me of my main character

Exploring New Worlds Blog Challenge Day 3 Photos That Remind Me Of The Main Character! You can join this blog challenge too, whether you are a writer OR a reader! Just pick a favorite book off of your shelf (or a story you are currently writing) and click on the image below for info on how to join in on the fun!

 My WIP is currently titled "A Mind Broken, Second book in The Alien Mind series"

The Alien Mind is the first book in what is looking like what will end up being a ?four? book series (not sure yet- not finished). You can find out more about The Alien Mind here:

 https://www.virginialorijennings.com/p/the-alien-mind.html

And so here it is...
Pictures that remind me of my main character:



The first would be the cover of the first book:


I designed this cover to be an image of Rivi, which was as close as I could get without finding and hiring an actual look alike model.
















Her hair is stick straight, unlike mine.


Here's a picture that could easily be Rivi:


Rivi when I make her mad.
Rivi: You mean like the time you made him misunderstand me and he flew off mad and got captured?!
Me: Yup, this is the look I imagined you giving me.

Rivi: If you don't bring him back before the end of this book that LOOK is going to be the least of your problems!

Me: (Told you she's mad at me)

This is how I picture Rivi when I have her in a major project surrounded by a bunch of problems.
Rivi: I'm not keen on putting my hair back though.

Daniel: She DOES get that intense look though! ♡






Rivi thinks this meme is funny... she's met my cat, Whiskers, and wants to try it on him.
Me: So THATS why my cat never wants to sit with me while I'm writing?!



Rivi: Just No... The tingle of electricity is how you fry that computer you are licking -.-



Daniel: I'm next!

WOW! Dan I found your twin!
Daniel:??

That look is the same look I imagined you giving Rivi during your argument.
Rivi:... Ow... yeah thats the look.
Daniel: You had to bring THAT up... I thought this was going to be fun?






Me: Ok... sorry...

But not sorry, you get to become the villain in this book Dan.




Daniel:   O.o   wait? WHAT? Whatever did I do to you?!
Rivi: .....

Me: and then you come back broken


How all of this ends is completely up to you.

Rivi:...
Daniel: ....

Rivi: When we said write a sequel this wasn't what we had in mind!

Daniel: (still)...

Me: Oh great, now neither of them is talking to me now. Sigh.

While we are waiting... Come check out others who are posting their Day 6 Blog Challenge as well!

Day 5 Your Characters favorite book

Exploring New Worlds Blog Challenge Day 5 Find your main character's favorite book! You can join this blog challenge too, whether you are a writer OR a reader! Just pick a favorite book off of your shelf (or a story you are currently writing) and click on the image below for info on how to join in on the fun!

 My WIP is currently titled "The Sequel To The Alien Mind"- yes I know it needs a new title!

The Alien Mind is the first book in what is looking like what will end up being a ?four? book series (not sure yet- not finished). You can find out more about The Alien Mind here:

 https://www.virginialorijennings.com/p/the-alien-mind.html

And so here it is... Rivi's Favorite Book:

Rivi loves A Wrinkle In Time - she loves how Meg was able to rescue her brother from the It with just the power of her love for him.

Rivi: "Would love help rescue my bonded's mind from the Aruk entanglement?"
Me: It's a bit more complicated than that Rivi, but don't lose hope.

Daniel's favorite book:

He enjoyed reading how the kids managed to outsmart the maze intended on keeping the kids in so they could be watched as experiments. He can't wait to see if they finally find the cure and put a stop to the people who were experimenting on them.

The Aruk's favorite book series is Hunger Games... because they love thinking about new ways to torture/ challenge their abductees. I'm currently sitting here eyeballing them, trying to figure out just how my main characters will manage to get rid of them ugh!

While you are at it... Come check out others who are posting their Day 5 Blog Challenge as well!

Day 4 Explain your story using OTHER book or movie titles

Exploring New Worlds Blog Challenge Day 4 Explain your story using only OTHER books or movie titles! You can join this blog challenge too, whether you are a writer OR a reader! Just pick a favorite book off of your shelf (or a story you are currently writing) and click on the image below for info on how to join in on the fun!

My WIP is currently titled "A Mind Broken: Book 2 in The Alien Mind Series" (Title subject to change)

The Alien Mind is the first book in what is looking like what will end up being a ?four? book series (not sure yet- not finished). You can find out more about The Alien Mind here:

 https://www.virginialorijennings.com/p/the-alien-mind.html


SO... Titles...

This whole series is Lucy (2014)  mixed with some 4400 (Tv Series) and some Xmen.
My main characters have a bit of When Harry Met Sally going on too.

Curious as to how others would describe their stories? While you are at it... Come check out others who are posting their Day 4 Blog Challenge as well!

Day 3 The Bad Guys Favorite Song

Exploring New Worlds Blog Challenge Day 3 Find your bad guy's favorite song! You can join this blog challenge too, whether you are a writer OR a reader! Just pick a favorite book off of your shelf (or a story you are currently writing) and click on the image below for info on how to join in on the fun!

My WIP is currently titled "A Mind Broken: Book 2 in The Alien Mind Series" (Title subject to change)

The Alien Mind is the first book in what is looking like what will end up being a ?four? book series (not sure yet- not finished). You can find out more about The Alien Mind here:

 https://www.virginialorijennings.com/p/the-alien-mind.html

The Antagonists in this series are a separatist faction of the Aunantet's who call themselves the Aruk.

And so here it is... The Aruk's Favorite Song:

The Aunantet are a peaceful species and largely keep to themselves unless someone asks for their help. The Aruk separatists are convinced that their abilities make them superior to other species and it is their responsibility to rule over everyone.

If you are intrigued... You can check out my playlist on youtube called: "Antagonist Inspiration" which is JUST for those songs that inspire some aspect of my Antagonists in my WIP in some way shape or form.

While you are at it... Come check out others who are posting their Day 3 Blog Challenge as well!

Day 2 Main Character's Favorite Song

Exploring New Worlds Blog Challenge Day 2 Find your main character's favorite song! You can join this blog challenge too, whether you are a writer OR a reader! Just pick a favorite book off of your shelf (or a story you are currently writing) and click on the image below for info on how to join in on the fun!

My WIP is currently titled "A Mind Broken: Book 2 in The Alien Mind Series" (Title subject to change)

The Alien Mind is the first book in what is looking like what will end up being a ?four? book series (not sure yet- not finished). You can find out more about The Alien Mind here:

 https://www.virginialorijennings.com/p/the-alien-mind.html

And so here it is... Rivi's Favorite Song:

Rivi: (Dancing and scream singing)
Me: Hey! Wait... I thought Soul Asylum's Runaway Train was your favorite song?
Rivi: Catch up! That was last book!
Me: -.- (She changes favorite songs on me ALL the time!)
Me: Why is THIS suddenly your favorite song?
Rivi: It's just so ...me
     (scream sings) "Just a product of a system of catastrophe, and yet a masterpiece..."
Me: Hmm ok... this is an interesting phenomenon- we may have to explore this more.



Daniel's Favorite Song:

 

Daniel says it reminds him of when he met Rivi.
Daniel: (Plays the song again, dancing around the room exaggeratedly while mouthing the words)
Rivi: -.-
Daniel: (singing along in Rivi's direction) "Your best friend sticking up for you... even when I know your wrong!"
Rivi: HEY!
Me: (laughing at Dan trying to goad Rivi)
Daniel: Hey what about this one?




Me: Oh gosh! Now they are BOTH singing and dancing...
Daniel: Can we do an impromptu party dance night!
Me: Tonight?
Daniel: Every night is a good dance night! Come on! We deserve a break!
Me: *Sigh* ok... but I need to be in bed by 9. I have work tomorrow.
... (they've ignored me now and are busy hunting youtube for the next song lol)

 If you are intrigued... You can check out my playlist on youtube called: "Inspiration for the sequel to The Alien Mind" which is JUST for those songs that inspire my WIP in some way shape or form.

While you are at it... Come check out others who are posting their Day 2 Blog Challenge as well!

Day1 A song that reminds you of your story

To kick off this month's Exploring New Worlds Blog Challenge, I will be trying to match my current WIP to a song that reminds me of it. You can join this blog challenge too, whether you are a writer OR a reader! Just pick a favorite book off of your shelf (or a story you are currently writing) and click on the image below for info on how to join in on the fun!

 My WIP is currently titled "A Mind Broken: Book 2 in The Alien Mind Series" (Title subject to change)

The Alien Mind is the first book in what is looking like what will end up being a ?four? book series (not sure yet- not finished). You can find out more about The Alien Mind here:

 https://www.virginialorijennings.com/p/the-alien-mind.html

And so here it is... The song that reminds me of my current work in progress!  Roxette's Listen To Your Heart, Evanescence's My Immortal, and Pat Benatar's Shadows of the Night! Currently each song may have it's own book...

If you are intrigued... You can check out my playlist on youtube called: "Inspiration for the sequel to The Alien Mind" which is JUST for those songs that inspire my WIP in some way shape or form.

While you are at it... Come check out others who are posting their Day 1 Blog Challenge as well!

Kosmos- A book by Jo Linsdell

Another of my favorite authors just started writing serial fiction! I love serial fiction! Bite sized fiction that you can read on the run! Bonus... it's about time travel! Forgive me while I geek out for a moment!


The Pendant (KOSMOS Episode One) is written by Jo Linsdell and is her very first published work of serial fiction! (Like... It JUST released TODAY!!) She's written many other non fiction books and written/illustrated numerous childrens books, all of which my children LOVED! Now that my children are too old for picture books I am sure they will love this one too- but they can't have it till I finish MY copy! ;)


(I will post a review later but as I am in college at the moment it may take me a bit before I have time to read it... maybe I should let my kids read it first! )

About the book:

Teenager Matthew Smith feels like his life is a mess. He keeps arguing with his mum, is being bullied at school, and worst of all has a crush on a girl who doesn't seem to even know he's alive. Just when he thinks things couldn't possibly get any worse he finds a strange pendant that changes his life forever.

KOSMOS is a serial fiction of 12 episodes.

(PLUS it's only $0.99! What a DEAL!! A "little birdy" even told me that the next one is titled "Gunpowder" O.o)

Here's the purchasing link if you are interested!: http://amzn.to/2j4lL3e

ASIN: B01N32IN1N

I wondered how Jo decided to start writing serial fiction... here's what she had to say:

What made you want to write serial fiction?

I have a huge list of ideas for books I want to write but never seem to find the time to get round to. The story of KOSMOS was one of them. In 2016 I read a serial fiction called Remade and realised that my idea for KOSMOS would work perfectly as a series of short stories. It's also a fun way of experimenting with new genres.

Writing a full novel is a big task that takes a considerable amount of time. Writing short stories is much more manageable. I'm a big fan of writing challenges like NaNoWriMo and find they do wonders for my productivity. This year I decided to take part in the A Story A Week challenge, during which I'm writing the episodes of KOSMOS.

Here's some more information about the Author:

Jo Linsdell is the author of numerous books, including; How To Be Twittertastic, Virtual Book Tours: Effective Online Book Promotion From the Comfort of Your Own Home, Italian for Tourists, A Guide to Weddings in Italy, Out and About at the Zoo,  Fairy May and The Box. She is also the illustrator of the A Birthday Clown for Archer series (written by Kathy Mashburn) and the Jasmine Dreams series (written by Maria Rochelle).

She is the founder and CEO of Writers and Authors and Promo Day. Linsdell studied A-levels in Business Studies, History and Art and has won several awards in her career. She was named the Who's Who in the writing industry in 2009.

Connect with the author at www.JoLinsdell.com

I've never been disappointed by Jo's books so I hope you will all go and check out her newest serial story!

The Game Of Hunger Or Life

The Ramp

 Originally started by Lillie McFerrin, this week I have picked my own picture with which to challenge myself to write a 5 sentence story.


Here goes:


Winter was coming and hunger would soon be upon the country; it was time to play the game of life to count those who would be chosen to make the ultimate sacrifice. Walking to the edge of the ramp, three year old Publisher dropped the smooth stone ball and the crowd behind him held their breaths as they watched the ball roll down, down, down, the winding pathway into the cave at the bottom of the hill. The crowd waited in silence as the bowling pins in the cave were counted with the toll of a bell- one, two, three, four, five...meant five thousand. Henry turned toward his parents expecting praise and cheering, instead he found them crying into his Grandmother's shoulders. She was one of the 5000 who's number was up.

By the way? Did you find the secret word? 

This week's clue is: What kind of name is that?!

Based on the secret word, do you think you know what the secret phrase is? The secret phrase opens the first door which contains special secret goodies from Stacy Garrett who is currently trying to promote her new book The Door with an indigogo campaign . It truly is an amazing project that deserves to be supported! Gorgeous original photos illustrate this amazing fairytale story! You can find a list of other sites hosting other pieces of this week's secret phrase over on Stacy's facebook page or on "The Door" link on her website!

If you have figured out what this week's secret phrase is... enter it here and thanks for playing the game with us!: http://www.stacyjgarrett.com/#!the-door/tqu6j 

"The Ramp" photo credit: Aerial View via photopin (license)

The Imposter

(My first attempt at sci-fi romance, pg-13 friendly- This is an experiment, I'd really appreciate if you'd let me know what you thought ;)

Ruins

The breeze rustled the leaves on the trees while Talia focused in on every sound, listening for any indication of the return of her husband. Her knights would be stranded on this mercenary planet if they didn't fight their way through the ruins to the portal cave soon. She knew the solar flares would keep the portal inactive for another six weeks.

Talia breathed deep trying to loosen the knot in her throat. Something had gone wrong… she didn't want to abandon him...

A twig snapped underfoot. She turned to find Sir Richard, his concern leaking through his stoic gaze.

"Talia, we are running out of time, are we staying or making an attempt on the gate?" Sir Richard asked.

"We move, Daren knew when we had to leave, we've waited as long as we can." The authority in her voice crackled slightly.

Taking a moment to sweep her hair back up and don her white masked helmet, she waved her men forward and they crept down toward the stone ruins. The grass was slick under their combat boots. Little pieces of grass clung to their armored pants as they made their way forward.

Suddenly a cacophony of battle cries alerted them to their enemy’s presence within the ruins. Talia looked up just in time to see a figure dressed in a black from head to toe climb to the top of a rock wall in the midst of the ruins. He stood brandishing the mercenary flag at her approaching party.

Her husband had worn the mantle of the Black Knight, and here this imposter stood mocking her! Rage welled up within her, deafening her ears and narrowing her focus as she ran off after the scum. She didn’t stop as the enemy poured out from behind the stones attempting to surround her. Her knights, struggling to keep up with her, were already keeping them otherwise engaged. Nothing stood between her and the Black Knight imposter now!

Near the center of the ruins, the grass turned to voice which caked against her boots and spattered the hem of her white skirt. The scowl of disgust for this imposter deepened as the earthy smell of the voice assaulted her nose.

 The sound of a clearing throat caused her to whirl around, her sword held defensively in front of her.

“White Lady,” The man swept his sword free hand in a mock bow.

His mouth angled into an amused smirk and his eyes narrowed under the mask that hid the upper half of his face and hair. She lunged at him, momentarily surprising him with the rage that fueled the strength behind her sword.

“How DARE you take on his mantle you Evian scum!” Talia spat.

“You’ll regret your choice of words!” The black knight called over the sounds of battle before rushing again at her.

A few smooth movements of the wrist and the imposter had managed to disarm her, as only her husband had ever managed to do. She spared a fearful glance in the direction of her sword only to find it buried hilt high in the ground. Even if she made a desperate lunge she wouldn’t be fast enough.

The imposter in black advanced on Talia and within two steps her back met the damp stone wall. The Black Knight held the flat of his blade across her chest as his body moved in closer to pin her to the wall. She turned her chin away from the point of his sword as the warmth of his breath brushed against her cheek.

His free hand forced her face back towards his; his hand feeling like fire to her chilled skin. She glared at him but He leaned in any way to whisper close to her ear. Her mind raced frantically as she looked over his shoulder at the rest of her knights seemingly so far away, all locked in battle. There was no one to help her.

“I believe I warned you that you would regret your words…” The man in black purred his icy threat into her ear.

He backed off her chest slightly, giving her room once more to breathe.

His sword slipped down her chest and in one swift movement he took her face in both of his hands and pressed his mouth to hers forcefully. Talia froze. His sword fell between them and clattered off the top of her armored boots. Her mind whirled as his warmth, force, and the musky scent of his sweat coated armor assaulted her senses. The stubble on his face pricked her cheek snapping her back to her senses.

 Her shock and anger drove renewed adrenalin into her veins giving her the strength to shove back her attacker. She quickly bent to grab the Black Knight’s sword from her feet and thrust the sharpened end in his direction. Her aim faltered though. She had reached up in disgust to wipe his saliva from her mouth but as her fingertips paused at her lips she realized her mistake.

“Daren?” She choked.

The Black Knight smiled with relief as he tore off his masked helmet.

“I was afraid you weren’t going to recognize me,” He replied.

Talia dropped the sword and threw herself into his embrace.

“How’d you?” She stuttered.

“I couldn’t make it back without going through one of the mercenary encampments so I made them believe I was a turncoat who wanted to join their forces- then I got stationed to guard these ruins. I still don’t think they’ve even recognized me yet!”

Talia buried her face into Daren’s armored suit. “I was afraid we were going to have to leave you behind.”

Daren hugged her close one last time and then pulled her out at arm’s length, studying her. “How about we go give our guys a hand?” He suggested.

Talia shot him an impish grin. “These mercenary guards aren’t going to know what hit them!”

Daren retrieved Talia’s sword before they both charged back into the melee.

By the way? Did you find the secret word? 

This week's clue is: Look at the ground at the center of the ruins. Something's not right...

Based on the secret word, do you think you know what the secret phrase is? The secret phrase opens the first door which contains special secret goodies from Stacy Garrett who is currently trying to promote her new book The Door with an indigogo campaign . It truly is an amazing project that deserves to be supported! Gorgeous original photos illustrate this amazing fairytale story! You can find a list of other sites hosting other pieces of this week's secret phrase over on Stacy's facebook page or on "The Door" link on her website!

If you have figured out what this week's secret phrase is... enter it here and don't forget to come back next week for the next hint!: http://www.stacyjgarrett.com/#!the-door/tqu6j 

(Ruins photo credit: Baram ancient synagogue via photopin (license)

A Perfect or Imperfect Future?

The future may not be perfect, but we can always keep working to improve it! What would a perfect future look like to you? These are the types of concepts that keep sci-fi writers up at night. These are the concepts that keep us inspired to explore new worlds and new ideas in our writing... Because of this, we tend to get very excited to share new science fiction books with new readers! To us, it is like sharing a science fair project sometimes! *Look, COOL! A new shiny!*





Which brings me to my guest today!

Simon Rose is the author of science fiction and fantasy novels for children and young adults. Simon’s books include The Alchemist's Portrait, The Sorcerer's Letterbox, The Clone Conspiracy, The Emerald Curse, The Heretic's Tomb, The Doomsday Mask, The Time Camera, The Sphere of Septimus, Flashback, and the recently published Future Imperfect.

Simon, would you please tell us about your latest novel?


Future Imperfect is an exciting technology-driven adventure featuring teenage geniuses, corporate espionage, and mysterious messages. In the novel, we’re introduced to Andrew Mitchell, who was one of the leading experts in highly advanced technology in Silicon Valley, until he vanished following a car accident, which also injured his son, Alex. When a mysterious app later appears on Alex’s phone, he and his friend Stephanie embark on a terrifying journey involving secret technology, corporate espionage, kidnapping, and murder in a desperate bid to save the future from the sinister Veronica Castlewood.  This sounds very exciting.

Why do you think kids will enjoy Future Imperfect? 

The story will appeal to all young readers for whom technology plays such a large role in their lives, whether it’s cell phones, laptops, tablets, gaming, or the online world, but it’s also a very compelling adventure story, with lots of cliffhangers, twists, and turns. There might even be a couple of sequels, but we’ll wait and see what the future holds, I guess.

Where can people buy the book?

Future Imperfect is available at local bookstores, online at Amazon Canada, Amazon USA, Indigo/Chapters, Barnes and Noble, Amazon UK, and other locations, and autographed copies can also be purchased directly from me via my website.

Future Imperfect is very much in keeping with the themes you’ve explored before in science fiction and fantasy, but very different to your last novel.

Yes, my previous novel, Flashback, is a paranormal adventure involving psychic phenomena, ghosts, imaginary friends, mind control experiments, secrets, conspiracies, and time travel with a difference. The story was inspired by numerous ghost stories, books, and movies about psychics and the paranormal, past lives and hypnosis, and the concept of going back into your own life armed with your current knowledge to somehow attempt to change the previous course of events, for better or worse. Flashback has two sequels coming out in 2017, one in the spring and the third installment in the summer.

Is all of your work for young adults?

In addition to the novels, I’ve written more than 80 nonfiction books for children and young adults, but have also written books for adults. These include The Children's Writer's Guide, The Working Writer's Guide, The Social Media Writer's Guide, School and Library Visits for Authors and Illustrators, and Exploring the Fantasy Realm. These titles are all available as ebooks or as paperbacks. I’m also a contributing author to The Complete Guide to Writing Science Fiction and have written some picture books for younger readers.

What do you do to promote yourself and your books?

I’m in all the usual places online and on social media but I’m also active in the local writing community and conduct book signings at local bookstores on a regular basis. This spring I was at the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo and connected with readers at schools and libraries in Montreal and Quebec City during Children's Book Week.

What other work do you do?

I work as an instructor for adults at Mount Royal University and the University of Calgary. These classes and courses focus on writing for children and young adults or preparing your work for publication. I also offer coaching and editing services for writers in all genres and conducts online writing courses, such as Writing for Children and Young Adults and Writing Historical Fiction. I write screenplays, articles for magazines, and offer copywriting services for websites, blogs, social media, and businesses.

Where can people learn more about you and your work?

You can visit my website at www.simon-rose.com or subscribe to my newsletter, which goes out once a month and has details of my current projects and upcoming events.

Thank you so much for agreeing to stop by and share your work with my readers Simon! I want to wish you luck and congratulations on your new release! Just in time too! Many parents are hunting for some new books for their kids to read this summer!

Readers- If you are looking for a new book- be sure to add Simon's to the list! They are certain to keep you entertained!

Meanwhile be sure to check out:

Simon's Social Media links

Facebook * Twitter * LinkedIn * YouTube * Google +  * Pinterest

Dancing Among The Stars on New Years Eve

Lucy was dressed in a completely inappropriate shade of pink for this formal black tie New Years Eve party. When her sister had promised to fulfill her wish to see the world she was not expecting a trip like this and had totally not packed the right outfits. Among a glittering sea of ankle length black sparkly dresses and penguin suits the breakout actress of the year was dressed in a knee length salmon strapless number that was bound to turn heads, just not in the way she hoped.

"Don't do anything stupid!" Her manager had warned her. "I'd LIKE to be able to get you a second gig!"

Now how am I going to explain this? 

Lucy blushed and stared down at her feet which while yet another couple danced past her with mouths agape. She'd tried to tone the outfit down with a string of her grandmother's pearls and dainty black high heels. Her legs were so long though that she doubted that it even made a difference.

 She'd never wanted to disappear this badly in her whole life!

"You know the trick to pulling off a bright colored outfit?"

Lucy whirled to face the person who had snuck up on her. The man sported a three day old scruff that Lucy found terribly attractive. A black semi formal jacket with a white button down shirt untucked over a pair of black kakhis added to the look that suggested that he'd been shanghaied into coming to this party.

"The trick is to act like the party is being thrown just for you." The man answered, "You're Lucy Sumter right?"

"Yes, I am." He's handsome, my luck he's probably paparazzi. Lucy wanted so badly to hide.

"You just starred in the highest grossing film this century, You should be out there on the floor as if you owned the place!" The man cooed.

The man held out his elbow and Lucy took it wordlessly.

He led her out past the center of the dance floor. Lucy looked quizzically up at him, wondering why they had not picked a spot to dance yet.

"I thought you'd appreciate the view." He smiled at her and pointed to the great big window in front of them.

"Isn't it just stars?"

"Well, yes, and no... Look down,"

Lucy's heart gave a terrible jolt as she saw the large blue orb of the Earth hanging below their feet. She was terrified of heights!

"Awesome! I was hoping you two would get along!" Lucy's sister Nancy announced as she approached the pair of them.

Lucy looked first at her sister in complete shock and then blushed as she realized she was clutching the shirt of the man she had just met.

She peered nervously once more at the glittering swirling blue planet beneath them.

"You know, I don't think you told me your name." Lucy quickly brushed the wrinkles from his shirt.

"Um," He managed.

"Andrew. His name's Andrew," Nancy exclaimed with an impish chuckle.

#####

**Photo Credit: Mother Earth via photopin (license)
First sentence prompt: 'I was dressed in a completely inappropriate shade of pink'
Protagonist Prompt: Laurie, the famous actress
Goal Prompt: To see the world
Subject: New Years Eve
Word Limit: < 500
This one tops out right at 500 words.

My 2016 resolution is to publish one flash fiction post a week. Help encourage me in this endeavor by subscribing to be the first to receive my stories directly to your inbox!

Find The Alien Mind on Amazon!

Did you like this post? If so you might enjoy my book! Different characters than this flash fiction piece, but still just as entertaining!

For adults and teens alike, it is truly a science fiction adventure for the whole family!

If you'd prefer an autographed copy straight from the author you can buy one here as well!
Autographed Copy:$13.00 + Shipping

 

I need your help! Name that program!

I need a name for a program that checks the chemical and elemental composition of an object in space. something that would check to see if there were any lifeforms or potential for life forms... any ideas? If your idea is chosen I will be sure to add your name to the acknowledgement section of the book when it is published!

Visionary From The Stars, sneak peak excerpt for reference: (Bare in mind that this is a non edited excerpt)

Jean realized in awe that a comet was coming slowly into her view. She spared a few seconds to peel her eyes away from the viewscreen to make sure her instruments were recording the comet’s majestic passing. Sure enough, they were all doing what they were supposed to do. Crediting the [previous to this passage] strange signal to her bored imagination, Jean welcomed the chance to observe the passing comet. 

Jean crossed over to another window to get a better view and realized the “comet” didn’t look quite right. It was round, but instead of the usual comma tail, five spire-like objects extruded from its sides bending backward to meet and produce a fiery tail. Uneasiness filled her stomach. Jean jumped as the (Insert Name Of Program) sent out an alarm. She ran around the center circle and rounded on the culprit computer console. Jean frowned as she realized what the huge load of information scrolling down the blue glowing screen was trying to tell her. Horrified and mystified, she turned to the viewscreen across the room. 

What is this thing? 

Slowly the comet’s pace slowed until it matched her own ship’s relative speed. The comet turned slowly towards her ship, beginning its approach. Confused, Jean looked back and forth between the nearest computer terminals. One of them began screaming a proximity alarm. Six others sent out computerized voice messages meant to alert Jean to the comet’s possible time to impact, probable future course, and various choices of evasive actions to choose from.

 “Impossible!” She exclaimed, aloud, to the viewscreen. 

Comets just don’t change direction like that!

##End Excerpt##

photo credit: Comet C/2011 L4 Through Telescope via photopin (license)
Photo is not intended for the book.

####

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For adults and teens alike, it is truly a science fiction adventure for the whole family!

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The Whisker Brings The Rain- Flash Fiction

Henry craned his neck to stare out the window as Fred landed their ship on Unaris, the 2nd planet in orbit around a set of binary stars. Gloria had been here once before so instead of peering out the window with her crewmates she sat going over the scans of the ruins below.

 Henry threw off his harness and patted Gloria’s shoulder he passed her on his way to the airlock. 

“Well, if we are going to get this planet ready in time then we better get moving,” Henry said with a shrug.

Gloria sighed. ‘I am not looking forward to this.’ 

Due to the lighter gravity the three of them hopped lightly over the dry grassy field towards the ruins. Unaris had oxygen so they didn’t need their suits, but the air was dry and stale. Fred stopped a moment to take a drink from his water bottle.

 “You might want to conserve as much of that as you can,” Gloria said, pausing to watch him take in another big gulp of water. “The rain system could be on the other side of the planet, by the looks of things it hasn’t rained here in a while.”

 “Isn’t that your job, Whisker? To get the rain to come back?” Fred said with a chuckle.

 Gloria narrowed her eyes at him and sighed. “It’s not that simple,”

“What does the machine feel like when it turns on Gloria?” Henry asked curiously as they walked up the dusty metallic steps into a giant metal tower.

 Whoever had lived here had long since moved on. Buildings farther down from the tower were either caved in or over grown by thick dead plants.

 Gloria gulped, she really didn’t want to think about how it felt.

 “It’s a little creepy, the machine transmits impressions from the designers. It helps you feel what the planet needs and where it needs it.” Gloria answered. 

“Man that is creepy.” Henry said shuddering.

 At the top of the tower a giant machine stood in a roofless room. The machine held huge metal prongs pointed high into the sky above them. Taking a deep breath Gloria climbed into the odd control chair. At her touch the machine lit up, recognizing a living being’s electrical impulses again after so many years. A metal band lowered around her forehead and after one last thumbs up to Henry and Fred she closed her eyes.

 In her mind images of the world around her invaded her mind. Memories of the world as it once was, as well as its current state. She could see the rain system, stalled out over the western ocean. She could see the air currents, barely moving due to the lack of convection from the suns. Something inside her felt the designer’s intentions.

 ‘Bring life back.’ 

 Gloria waved her mental hand over her spot on the globe floating in her mind. Vibrations shook the machine gently as the metal prongs came to life, stirring the air into motion.



**Photo Credit: via photopin (license)


This post was part of the 52 week flash fiction challenge on facebook (somehow I never hit publish here on my blog so it is a bit late.)
Week 9 word prompt: Whisker
Word Limit: 20- 500
This one tops out right at 500 words.

Readers: Would you like to have the whisker's job of keeping the planet's weather system going? Do you think it would be stressful or peaceful? What do you think would be your favorite weather system to control?

So Apparently Its My Fault

Hearts Over Mind – It’s Virginia’s Fault!
By: Karina Fabian

I have a lot to thank Virginia for, and not just for hosting me today on the Mind Over All tour. It’s her fault that this trilogy actually ends with a fourth book, a novella called Hearts Over Mind, which is available free with the purchase of the Mind Over trilogy.

The Mind Over Trilogy follows Deryl Stephens, a human psychic whose powers drive him insane. With the help of an intern, Joshua, he learns to control his abilities. Eventually, he recognizes the alien minds that are trying to manipulate him and breaks free of their influence. He travels to their world, falls in love with one, heals and befriends the other, and eventually saves both their worlds. Through it all, Joshua is there to guide him, advise him, and slap some sense into him as needed. They become great friends.

Joshua has his own strong storyline as he falls in love with a nurse at the asylum where he helped Deryl. He and Sachiko have a rocky relationship because of their careers and the secret she kept hidden from him for too long. In Mind Over All, Deryl is horrified to return to Earth to find them in the middle of a fight that might end their relationship. He’s had a premonition that they must be together and help him save his new homeworld or else he will fail. He recruits Joshua, hijacks Sachiko, and on Kanaan, the two are able to heal their relationship. They finally set a date for the wedding – just in time to save the world.

Virginia is not only a good friend, but also likes my books and proofs them for me. When I gave her Mind Over All, she wrote back how disappointed she was that she didn’t get to see the wedding. In truth, I had too many loose ends to wrap up that I could not fit in a wedding scene. I had long had a great idea for a disastrous bachelor party for poor Joshua, but had been content to just imagine it and giggle now and again.

Thanks to her encouragement, I decided to write a short story about the days leading up to the wedding and the wedding itself. It would start with an argument, include the failed bachelor party where Josh falls off a boat, and end with a happily-ever-after wedding and a kiss to rival Princess Bride. However, when it would not work from Joshua’s POV, another friend suggested I try it from the POV of the bride. After all, it was her big day, too. Soon that led to a deeper exploration of the issues they’d faced, her own insecurities, and a whole lot of fun as she deals with everything from a half-drowned fiancé to a wedding kimono that’s psych-ward pink. The short story became a novella, and my publisher was only too happy to produce it.

So thanks, Virginia, for making me do more than daydream about a funny scene.

My response: To let you all in on a bit of the background to this article... I signed up to help Karina with her book tour and asked her for a guest post. I had no idea that I would open this in my e-mail box when she sent her files. I was surprised! Ha-Ha! You are more than welcome Karina, I am thrilled and honored to have inspired you to continue with the story! I can't wait to read it!

Karina is right- I have read her books. I have been entertained by and loved every single one of them! I encourage every one of you to go out and get a copy of all of them! They are fun, family friendly, and an over all sci-fi roaring good time! You WON'T regret it!

Want to find out more? http://karinafabian.com/mind-over-all/ 

Come buy yours here! http://www.amazon.com/Mind-Over-All-Novels-Book-ebook/dp/B011LSN6BE

Karina Fabian

By day, Karina is a mild-mannered reviewer of business software and services for TopTenReviews.com. After hours, she’s a psychic intent on saving the world; a snarky dragon who thinks he saves the world all-too regularly, a zombie exterminator who just wants her world clear of undead vermin, and nuns whose callings have taken them off our world. Needless to say, her imagination is vast, her stories legion, and her brain crowded. When she’s not converting her wild tales to stories, she’s enjoying time with her husband, Rob, their four kids, and their two dogs.    

Find Karina at:

Website: http://fabianspace.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karina.fabian

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/KarinaFabian

Google +:  https://plus.google.com/103660024891826015212