Draxian Trilogy

Draxian Trilogy in Conversion

2008-05-09T10:27:00.001-07:00

I've made a decision to convert this blog to an "informational" blog about my Sci Fi/Fantasy Rom trilogy, and to post regular articles only on its sister blog Spacefreighters Lounge.

I'm finding it's difficult to juggle two personal blogs and two joint blogs, and still have time to actually write and critque, so this is a step toward advancing my craft without having to delete this site in its entirity.

I'll occasionally post updates and new material about the Draxian Universe and any announcments or progress related to the trilogy. When the first book is published, this blog may once again become more active.

Thanks to my regular readers, and I hope you'll add Spacefreighters Lounge to your "frequent visit" list. http://www.spacefreighters.blogspot.com

Command Presence

2008-05-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

When I attended police academy years ago, my instructors had a phrase for the quality that allows an officer to step in and take charge of a situation. They encouraged their students to develop this trait in how they deal with the public, suspects and victims in the line of duty. The term is "command presence."

Command presence can also be incorporated as a personality trait in an MC, a secondary character, even a villain, if you are selective in how you frame the words, actions and attitudes. Command presence should never be mistaken with hauntiness, superiority or conceit. It's an understated quality, more about how a character is perceived by other characters, not how he/she choses to view or interact with others. A character who demonstrates command presence instills confidence and trust in others. He/she is looked at as the natural leader, the one who calls the shots, the one who has the upper hand.

In P2PC, my male MC could not demonstrate command presence. He's a fish out of water, a fugitive, and at the mercy of the pilot who agrees to help him escape. It was a difficult chore for me to keep his character strong and someone the reader could respect under those circumstances; command presence was out of the question. (Though he does acquire clout as the story progresses, he is always a bold pawn, at best.)

Draxis is a another matter. My male MC is indisputably in charge and in his focal introduction in the story (though actually not his debut), I had to establish him as a force to be reckoned with in the eyes of the female MC. He has to be confident and capable to deal with his headstrong and often unpredictable match. At the same time, I had to avoid making him a "typical male MC hearthrob who has sexual power over woman and alpha male power over men" that I see in so many romances. I've edited his intro many times, because the trait of command presence is often understated and subtle. It took a few takes to get what I was going for, and not something that sounded like a starstruck gush.

Showing command presence in a character is about understatement and undercurrent. Chosing just the right words, thoughts, impressions to describe how he is viewed by others, how they react to him. The female MCs thoughts and perceptions of him were the key to the reader's impression.

Just because a character has command presence does not make him/her perfect, however. Command presence is more about knowing how to override flaws and weaknesses with "positive vibes." Having command presence is a lot like acting. No character can maintain command presence indefinitely. He/she is also human and eventually the warts are going to show. So command presence is akin to turning on a light bulb, and knowing when it should be on, and when it can be dark.

So how do you know if your 'command presence' traits are working in your character? That's where your critique partners come in. By analyzing their feedback on your character, you can get a good sense if he/she is oozing command presence or not, and if the scenes where it is demonstrated need more work. If you are hearing comments like "arrogant, assuming, presumptuous" then your character needs more work. If you're hearing words like "confident, powerful, take charge, leader" then you most likely have the command presence character trait down well.

Here are a few examples of well-known characters with command presence from cinema and television. Each of these characters are perceived as leaders or authority figures, though each demonstrates these attributes in different ways:

Aragorn (LoTR)

Glenda (Wizard of Oz)

Malcolm Reynolds (Firefly/Serenity)

Obi Wan Kenobi (Star Wars)

Jack Riley (The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games, and other Tom Clancy novels)

Ellen Ripley (Alien, Aliens)

Captain Picard (Star Trek: TNG)

Captain Janeway (Star Trek: Voyager)

The Derby Wears Black

2008-05-03T16:07:00.000-07:00

At the risk of turning this into a blog about horseracing, which it definitely is not, I'd like to say a few words in the aftermath of the Kentucky Derby today.

First of all, Big Brown's brilliant win was beyond great. He positioned, he rated, he changed leads and when it was time to go, he was gone. He galloped out fresh. After a mile and a quarter in the company of nineteen tough competitors, he was ready to run again. He has the tactical speed to win the Preakness and the goods to win that grind of a race called the Belmont Stakes, a grueling mile and a half race that most of these horses will never face again in their careers Fasten your seat belts and stay tuned. If he is the horse he seemed to be today, then: "This could be the horse. This might be the year."

But I wanted to reserve most of my commentary for the tragic loss of the great, great filly Eight Belles. Eight Belles ran an incredible race. She came in a proud second, beating eighteen other big, strong males in the process and doing it in style. I thought for a moment that she was going to make a bid to catch Big Brown. I think she wanted to. But...well, I think I expressed my fears for her on Thursday in the post below.

Perhaps comparing her to Ruffian was not so off the mark, after all. This filly tried so hard to win that she physcially outran her body. She finished the race trying to catch Big Brown with daylight between her and the next horse in the field, passed the finish line, and as she galloped out, she broke both ankles and collapsed on the track. The fact that she had to be euthanized on the spot means exactly that...she had to be. There was nothing the experts could do to save her, or believe me, they would have. Eight Belles, like Ruffian, was all heart. Her will and her remarkable determination to win overtaxed her physical body to the point of catastrophic breakdown. It's a horrible fate for what could have potentially been one of the best fillies in history.

That said, people are already crying out for the end of horseracing, calling it a "cruel" sport. Horse racing is an extreme sport. That means there is a strong element of danger in it. These horses have been bred for centuries to run, they have to run, it's what they do. It's in their genes. I have a four year old Thoroughbred filly--daughter of a champion and granddaughter of a Kentucky Derby winner--who never set foot on a racetrack for a race, but you can't tell her that. When we turn her out to pasture, she's there to run. In her mind, she's racing. It's her essense, it's what she is, and what her ancestors have been for countless generations. Accidents happen. Injuries happen. It's a given. Should we have put a stop to racing cars when Dale Earnhardt was killed? Should we no longer have Olympics, or Pro, College or High School sports because people sometimes get seriously injured or die? Yes, it's sad. It's tragic. It's heartrending to see a great athlete go down, but the risk is part of what makes a sport a sport. I'm all for making tracks safer and conditions better, but putting a stop to horse racing, or ANY sport, is not the answer. To strive for greatness is to put everything on the line. Eight Belles put everything on the line. Honor her for her courage, don't shame her by condemning what she lived for.

Rest in Peace, Eight Belles.

It's Derby Week!

2008-05-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

For lovers of the sport and the Thoroughbred breed, this is THE WEEK! It's Kentucky Derby Week, the event that turns the town of Louisville, Kentucky into a horseperson's Mardi Gras for seven days leading up to the magical date--the first Saturday in May and...

The Run for the Roses.

You may or may not know that along with my fanatical devotion to writing, I also breed Thoroughbreds. This is a very exciting time for me. "The Derby" as it's known generically, is the Superbowl of horse racing. The Derby is also the first leg in the Triple Crown, those three monumental races, including the Preakness two weeks later, and the Belmont Stakes another three weeks after that, that determines if we are again witnessing the making of a legend. When someone says "Triple Crown" the first horse that may pop into most peoples' minds is the immortal Secretariat, but there have been others since him--the equally immortal Seattle Slew and Affirmed--who have won the coveted Crown. It just hasn't happened since the late 1970s. Thirty years have passed without another Triple Crown champion. But, to use a standard cliche, "Hope springs eternal."

There is no standout horse this year. There is no dominate Smarty Jones, Afleet Alex, Barbaro that is expected to take it all. What we have is a field of very good horses. For the first time in decades, I have no horse that I enthusiastically endorse (like I did the three mentioned above). Always bear in mind, however, that with fate and horse racing being what they are (fickle), this doesn't mean we may not see our next Superhorse emerge from the herd. ;)

Here are a few that I really like, in no particular order:

Colonel John
Well, of course, with a name like Colonel John and me being so military-oriented, how could I not like this guy? Another plus. He's from the Relaunch male line, Relaunch being the sire of the immortal Skywalker, as well as at least four others with "million/s" behind their earnings. That's unusual in an age where the males lines are dominated by Mr. Prospector/Gone West, Northern Dancer/Storm Cat, and Seattle Slew/AP Indy. I won't get down into the weeds of his pedigree (you'd be here all day) but suffice it to say this guy has a lot going for him in the genetic department including a fabulous balance of both speed (for short distances) and stamina (for longer distances). This is the kind of pedigree that could take it all! His race record is very respectable at 6 starts-4 wins and 2 seconds and over $800,000 in earnings, to date. If he peaks for the Derby, he'll be a force to contend with.

Eight Belles
Oh, yes, female power. How can I not root for a filly that had the talent and credentials to make it all the way to the Big D? Do we have another Winning Colors in the making? Another Rags To Riches? Another...dare I say it?...Ruffian? Well, probably not, as her race record doesn't indicate freakish speed, but it does show a solid performer. 9 starts, 5 wins, 2 seconds, 1 third, over $300,000 in earnings. Her pedigree? Delta Mr. Prospector--that means Mr. P is the patriarchal sire of her sire line (Mr. P/Fappiano/Unbridled-Derby winner/Unbridleds Song) and he's also the sire of her granddam. That's some powerful reinforcement through opposite sexes to a great, GREAT sire. Her dam's sire is also Dixieland Band who is a phenomenal broodmare sire (meaning his daughters' offspring are often awesome runners). What scares me? The history of some of her relatives with catastrophic breakdown. Hopefully the strengths in her genetics outweigh any potential for disaster.

Big Brown
One word. Impressive. Three starts, three wins, over $650,000 in earnings., including the Grade 1 Florida Derby. He's running with the big boys and he has the right stuff. Pedigree wise: Big Brown is an example of what I would never do in breeding--the top and bottom of his pedigree are the same pattern, Northern Dancer over Damascus--meaning his sire is by a son of Northern Dancer (Danzig) out of a daugher of Damascus. His dam is by a son of Northern Dancer (Nureyev) out of a granddaughter of Damascus. Can you say inbred? Inbreeding is done a lot in TB breeding, but usually the reinforcements are reversed, in other words, the pedigrees are mirror images of each other, not a nearly identical pattern. (Am I making sense?) Still, Northern Dancer is one of the few sires where duplication of male lines does work and Danzig and Nureyev were certainly two of his greatest sons. And Damascus reinforced through female lines...awesome. Big Brown represents (to me anyway) a genetic no-no that just may pay off handsomely. His pedigree breaks all the rules and that makes him mighty (to borrow a phrase from Firefly). He's lightly raced for a test of this caliber and a field of this size--and inexperience is not a good thing to have going into the Derby--so how he does may boil down to what's inside his head. He's shown he has the athletic goods to make it happen, the question is if he has the professional mind.

Pyro
Credential wise, he's one of the best. His record is 7 starts, 3 wins, 2 places, and 1 show and he's earned his first cool million and then some. He came in 2nd in the Breeder's Cup Juvenile as a two year old, and has since won the Champagne, Louisiana Derby and Risen Star Stakes. Until his last race, where he finished last, some had begun to whisper amongst themselves "Is this the horse? Is this the year?" His loss effectively squelched those mutterings, although in his defense, he was running on a polytrack surface for the first time and didn't care for it in the least. He's a son of Pulpit so his male lines trace directly through AP Indy to Seattle Slew, one of the last Triple Crown winners. He's got Secretariat, Wild Again and Mr. Prospector all in five generations. Love the name and I'd love to see this boy turn the world on its ear and silence his naysayers.

Monba
His race record is a respectable 5 starts, 3 wins and edging up on $600,000 in earnings. Monba is a good horse, and maybe a horse on the improve at exactly the right time. But mere "good horses" don't win the Derby, do they? When I look at his pedigree, I just smile. I see potential there that few might. Monba is a son of Maria's Mon, who you've probably never heard of if you haven't been immersed in this world. Maria's Mon is the sire of Monarchos, who won the Kentucky Derby in the second fastest time in history. The only horse that ever ran a KD faster was Secretariat. Monba is a direct male descendant of the great Derby winner Majestic Prince, who reached the last leg of the Triple Crown undefeated, only to finish second. He retired with the Belmont being his only loss. This male line throws tremendous talent. And Mom's side of the pedigree? His dam is a daughter of Champion Easy Goer who ran 2nd in the Kentucky Derby to Sunday Silence, 2nd in the Preakness and won the Belmont. Impressed yet? Well, those are just a few of the many big races in Easy Goer's portfolio. He earned almost $5 million and set a new track record. Easy Goer's sire? Alydar, who ran second to Affirmed in all three of the Triple Crown races. In addition, Monba's dam is a half-sister to stakes winners Secret Hello and Silent Account. All that talent on both sides of his pedigree is flowing in Monba's veins. As far as his own career, he won his last race convincingly, the Grade 1 Bluegrass Stakes at Keeneland, the race where Pyro ran last. Monba is a sleeper with the genetics to fly. Watch out world!

Big Truck
He's not a standout. 8 starts, 3 wins, 1 place, 1 show. Only $330,000+ in earnings and only one graded stakes--a Grade 3 at that--the Tampa Bay Downs Derby under his belt. Gotta love an underdog. Some would raise their nose in the air and claim Big Truck is not a blueblood, doesn't belong in this kind of company. He's the best his sire, Hook And Ladder, has produced to date. Big Truck is a great name for this honest blue collar racehorse, and he's just the kind of horse who could pull off an upset. There's a lot of depth in his pedigree. Dixieland Band is his sire's sire, Dixieland being yet another fabulous producing son of Northern Dancer. His dam's sire Go For Gin earned over a million and won the Kentucky Derby, came in 2nd in the Preakness and Belmont. His "weakness" is his female family. Although his dam's line has produced some good racehorses, there are no legends in there and certainly no runners that have competed at this level, but I will say the female line has been bred to the best stallions generation after generation--Go For Gin, Halo, Bold Lad, and Round Table, in generational order, that the resulting influences may surface in Big Truck. Think Seabiscuit. ;)

So there you have it, the six I'll be watching. Of course, that being said, I haven't forgotten that there are potentially 14 other horses in this field. In a race of this size and this caliber, anything can, and does, happen. What these horses do in this race will determine their futures, their owners' fortunes, their mark in history and the future of the breed. It is a stampede toward greatness.

So here's to the showcase of our sport and my prayer for these exceptional athletes:

Safe trip, brave ones, safe trip!

New Feature: A Symbolic Calendar

2008-05-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

I've added a free calendar to the blog at the right. Couldn't resist. Actually, I borrowed it from the Take It To The Stars blog ( http://www.takeittothestars.blogspot.com/ ) because it symbolizes something that has special meaning in my Sci Fi Rom, Draxis. I feel like I'm enjoying an inside joke, but it does have to do with the pyramid shape, as you might guess.

Pyramids have been a topic of focus on this blog before. (Often.) :)

For my fellow bloggers, you can click on the link and take a look at the other free calendar options offered for your own blogs.

Switching Gears

2008-04-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

Attention. You are now leaving Mennelsohn Space for the Draxian Universe.

...and this blog is about to become active, once more. :)

I'm in the process of getting out of P2PC mode and getting into Draxian mode (again) as I begin major edits on my almost-completed and about to be brutally slashed epic slipstream Sci Fi Fantasy Rom novel (how's that for a genre-bender), Draxis. Not an easy thing to do after spending the last year immersed in the world of Sair, Drea and company.

The Draxian Universe lives by different rules, and now...so must I.

Draxis is not about ships and flying about the universe. Though it does have an array of futuristic vessels and one very unique starship, these aren't essential to plot development and are more backstory than environment. Where P2PC centers on the passengers and crew of a particular spacefreighter (a not-so-mundane cargo ship with a startling secret) and its role in a monumental struggle the MCs are embroiled in, Draxis is about the two MCs coming to terms with their differences, and the ship(s) are merely a form of transportation.

Draxis is about a culture shaped by ancient laws and taboos--a culture one of the MCs is expected to embrace, but instead gives it a pretty solid head butt. This stirs controversy that leads to an empire examining its very foundations. In the midst of all the struggle is what I hope will be--like P2PC--a love story that readers will never forget.

Sorry, again, for the somewhat vague teasers, but I must stand by my proclamation: No spoilers! (You may thank me someday when you pick it up to start reading. :) )

Interview with Barbara Elsborg

2008-04-22T06:10:00.000-07:00

An interview with debut author Barbara Elsborg is posted on the Toasted-Scimitar. Barbara discusses the steps that got her first novel, PERFECT TIMING, to the point of being e-published. (Release date April 30th.)

http://www.toasted-scimitar.blogspot.com

Some good information here for aspiring writers. Be sure not to miss it. :)

Draxis is Dark While We Party on STARS

2008-04-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

My friend, co-blogger, IP (Indispensible Peer) and fellow romance writer, Barbara Elsborg, has a debut novel on the verge of release. April 30th is the big day. Ellora's Cave (e-publishing) is the publisher.

>>>>>>> http://www.ellorascave.com/index.asp

Until then, we're having a little Countdown Fest over on one of my other blogs, Take It To The Stars, where Barbara is a co-blogger. I may be a bit quiet there, but please feel free to join us there.

>>>>>>> http://www.takeittothestars.blogspot.com/

I'll also be posting an interview with Barbara Elsborg on Tuesday, April 22, on The Toasted Scimitar blog.

>>>>>>> http://www.toaster-scimitar.blogspot.com/

I'll be back soon with more articles, commentary and updates.

Oh yes, and don't forget the release of Lisa Shearin's ARMED & MAGICAL on April 29th. ARMED & MAGICAL, the second book of the Raine Benares Fantasy Series, has received a
4-1/2 STAR RATING (the highest) from Romantic Times! In addition, the first book of her series, MAGIC LOST, TROUBLE FOUND has just been nominated for a Compton Crook Award as best debut novel of the year by the Baltimore Science Fiction Society! (See the reviews of both novels on this blog. Look for the labels with links on the lower right sidebar.)

>>>>>>> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton_Crook_Award

Lots of exciting things happening this month!

Lisa Shearin's Debut Novel Receives Nomination

2008-04-13T16:52:00.000-07:00

Draxian Trilogy has been dormant for a while, but that's about to change as I roll up my sleeves, fire up the revision machine, and get back to work on scrubbing my next marketing project. What better way to kick off the reactivation of this blog than to post a major news item.

By now everyone knows what a huge fan I am of Lisa Shearin's Raine Benares series that started with MAGIC LOST, TROUBLE FOUND and continues with the April 29 release of the second book in the series, ARMED & MAGICAL (see previous reviews and articles on this blog).

Lisa just shared some great news:

This is what I've been waiting to tell everyone!! *HUGE GRIN* Since it's been announced over on Science Fiction Awards Watch http://www.sfawardswatch.com/ I can officially announce it myself:

Magic Lost, Trouble Found is one of five finalists for the Compton Crook/Stephen Tall Memorial Award for the best debut novel of the year. The award is voted on by members of the Baltimore Science Fiction Society and will be awarded at their annual convention (Balticon) on Memorial Day weekend.

Needless to say, I was thrilled and amazed to be included in such great company. Check out the other nominees -- WOW!:

The Blade Itself, Joe Abercombie (Pyr)

The Outback Stars, Sandra McDonald (Tor)

The Name of the Wind, Patrick Rothfuss (DAW)

Magic Lost, Trouble Found, Lisa Shearin (Ace)

One Jump Ahead, Mark Van Name (Baen)

Fabulous news, and I know of no more deserving author.

Congratulations, Lisa.

Number Pyramid

2008-01-18T21:27:00.000-08:00

1 x 1 = 1
11 x 11 = 121
111 x 111 = 12321
1111 x 1111 = 1234321
11111 x 11111 = 123454321
111111 x 111111 = 12345654321
1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321
11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321
111111111 x 111111111=12345678987654321

I thought this was amazing. Pyramid power in numbers. :)

Happy Holidays from Draxis

2007-12-12T08:19:00.000-08:00

2007-10-30T18:30:00.000-07:00

It's Balloon Fiesta Time!

2007-10-06T15:50:00.000-07:00

Totally off blog theme, but I just wanted to talk about one of our wonderful traditions here in the Albuquerque area. This is home to the largest hot air balloon rally in the world--The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Every year the city hosts hot air balloons from around the world--normally between 500 - 700. Each Saturday and Sunday morning involves a mass assension of hundreds of balloons. Many evenings there is a magical Balloon Glow event, where the balloons are tethered and burned on countdown. It's impossible to describe without witnessing it in person, but imagine standing in a herd of fire breathing dragons. When those balloons light up, the roar of the burners and the heat of the flames, along with the incredible glow of those massive shapes is an experience like few others.

This is a big event. A huge event. On weekends, there can be 100,000+ people on the balloon field. Spectators are allowed right into the midst of the waves of balloons as they are stretched out, cold inflated and then hot inflated, stood up, and launched. The launch crews all dress up in various costumes with a Zebra theme. Balloons travel here from all over the world. Because of the Sandia Mountain range and the unique wind patterns of the Rio Grande Valley, this is a mecca for balloonists. Our weather this time of year is pretty spectacular too--bright, sunny, cool mornings and warm days.

Our balloon fiesta been called the most photographed event in the world. The Rose Parade is #2, if you can believe that. As residents it's sometimes a love/hate relationship. We love the festive atmosphere, the flurry of activity, the amazing sight of hundreds of colorful balloons stretched out across our horizon, the art shows, craft fairs, concerts and events that accompany it. But then there's also the traffic, and the clogged restaurants, and the traffic, and the booked-full flights, and the traffic, and the packed malls and theatres, and the traffic, and the waiting lines every where you go, and did I mention the traffic?

Let me share a few images with you in other posts below. Of course it's nothing like standing up-close-and-personal, but still a lot of fun to look at.

2007-10-06T15:22:00.001-07:00

Determination and Other Ramblings

2007-09-24T15:41:00.000-07:00

My partner's name is Murphy, and he's a legislator. (hehe Think about it.)

I no sooner set up a post schedule than I lose high-speed internet. After a 20 minute wait to sign on to this blog, I is here to post! Determination is a necessary trait in writers, so I am told. :) Of course, by now frustration has robbed me of what I was going to blog about, so guess I'll just wing it.

Good readin'.

Those fascinating MCs from Fantasy and Sci-Fi are queueing up for interviews across the internet. Admiral Branden Kel-Paten, one of Linnea Sinclair's best loved MCs from GAMES OF COMMAND stands for questions this week on the Alien Romance blog.

http://aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com/2007/09/admiral-answers-part-1.html

You'll notice a couple of questions came from Yours Truly, however, I must confess that I was channeling a certain enigmatic female captain that I happen to know very well. She's quite intrigued with Kel-Paten and his abilities, don't ya know. Oh and his standing as an admiral? Doesn't intimidate her. After all, she has one in the family.

Admiral Kel-Paten only granted his request after Lisa Shearin's powerful Conclave Guardian, Mychael Eliesor, from MAGIC LOST TROUBLE FOUND agreed to a round on the hot seat on Lisa's blog. And he followed Raine Benares (POV MC, MLTF).

Branden...er, that is, Admiral Kel-Paten has some interesting things to say, and I don't think he agreed to this Q&A session without considerable coercion from both Sass and Linnea. Better enjoy it while it lasts.

I have to say, this new age of accessibility to some of our favorite MCs is certainly enlightening. :)

Posting Days

2007-09-21T11:41:00.000-07:00

In order to more effectively manage my time (i.e. have more time for writing and revisions!!!) I'm going to adhere to the following schedule going forward. (Really, I am. heh heh heh).

Draxian Trilogy
Tuesdays
Thursdays

Spacefreighters Lounge
http://www.spacefreighters.blogspot.com
Mondays
Wednesdays

Toasted Scimitar
http://www.toasted-scimitar.blogspot.com
Tuesdays

Weekends...OFF! :) But I may pop in if the mood strikes me.

Sometimes the Dragon Wins

2007-09-20T18:14:00.000-07:00

(A.k.a. Some of my Favorite Quotes.)

The unread story is not a story;
it is little black marks on wood pulp.
The reader, reading it, makes it live:
a live thing, a story.

- Ursula K. Le Guin

Admiral Kel-Paten Stands for Questions

2007-09-18T20:39:00.000-07:00

Linnea Sinclair has convinced her reluctant male protagonist of GAMES OF COMMAND to submit to questions from his readership (after much arm-twisting and bribery).

The brilliant human/cyborg Triad admiral captured the imagination of many a reader, according to Linnea's favorite character survey on her Intergalactic Bar and Grille website. Is there anything you'd like to ask him about his relationship with Captain Tasha "Sass" Sebastian? About his career as a Triad officer? About his state-of-the-art ship, the much-feared Vaxxar? Or his telepathetic conversations with Tank the Furzel?

Linnea will be accepting questions for Admiral Branden Kel-Paten this week, which he will begin answering next week.

Check out Linnea's post on the Alien Romances blog for more information.
http://aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com/2007/09/questioning-kel-paten.html

Draxian-Related Short Story

2007-09-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

Over on Toaster Scimitar, we had an assignment last week to write a short fiction piece. As my contribution to the effort, I took a scene from Draxis (that no one has read yet) flipped the perspective to a minor character and had him relate the story from first person POV. He reveals this tale as just one tiny thread in the fabric of a much larger epic.

It was a lot of fun to write and a superb exercise for me. If you have any interest hop over and give it a read. Remember this is a raw draft (so you may need to be a tad forgiving). I wrote it on Sunday, posted it on Tuesday. If it was something I was going to market, it would have a grueling journey through the critique gauntlet ahead, but I think you might find it an entertaining read even "as is".

Look the post called "Short Fiction--Laurie", entitled The Recruit.
http://toasted-scimitar.blogspot.com/

Oh, and check out our Scavenger Hunt while you're there. We have amassed some great prizes for the winner. It will kick off within the next 24 hours. :)

2007-09-14T13:12:00.000-07:00

This is a collectible word. ::: grin :::

Wondering what this post is all about? There's a cross-blog Scavenger Hunt underway. Read the details at
http://www.toasted-scimitar.blogspot.com/

Prizes will be awarded. You're welcome to join in the fun.

Edited: AND WE HAVE A WINNER! Thank you everyone for your interest in the Great Scavenger Hunt. It was a blast.

Draxian Trilogy a Scavenger Stop

2007-09-13T19:07:00.001-07:00

Draxian Trilogy is participating in the cross-blog Scavenger Hunt to be hosted this weekend by Toasted Scimitar.

Check out the Hub Site for rules, information and a list of prizes.

http://toasted-scimitar.blogspot.com

Vocabulary Game #1

2007-09-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

Another Contest. :)

Test your vocabulary. Be the first to get the answer right, and win the colorful mug at left.

"Do I Dare Disturb the Universe?" --T.S. Eliot

Here are the rules:

1. See the definitions of a word below.
2. Guess the word, type it in a comment. Spelling must be correct.
3. First to make a correct guess in a comment wins.

Definitions*:

noun
1. An exclusive and unquestionable right belonging to a person or body of persons
2. Any characteristic privilege peculiar to a person or class
3. Precedence; pre-eminence

*Definitions are from a vintage 1969 Funk & Wagnalls Standard Encyclopedic Dictionary.

Name That "Actor"

2007-09-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

OK, I confess...

I hired an "actor" to play the part of Draxis on my blog. You can see this talented "personality" pictured at the upper right. I was very pleased to find such a perfect representation of the "character." Definitely had the look I was going for. ;)

Soooo, I'm gonna slip in a surprise contest. Very simple rules. They are:

Be the first to guess the name of the actual heavenly body that was hired to play "Draxis" by stating it in a comment on this post and win this fabulous prize (which sports a fitting phrase for either writers or readers, don't ya think?):

Alternate Universe
in progress
(mug)

from Cafe Press

Hint: If you're stumped, check out some of the reference links to space photos on my http://www.spacefreighters.blogspot.com/ blog to help you with your research.

Ensemble Casts

2007-08-31T16:33:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed how some of the best stories (or story lines) in the big or small screen occur when dynamic ensemble casts are involved? Here are two of my favorites ensembles casts:

[Pictured are the casts of Grey's Anatomy and Firefly/Serenity]

An ensemble provides an array of personalities and POVs to explore, and creates more complex character interaction and plots. Although one or two characters are normally the focus (Meredith Grey in the case of Grey's Anatomy and Captain Malcolm Reynolds in Firefly) different individuals may take turns being in the forefront of the plot.

In writing novels, the drawback to an ensemble cast is that the novel needs to have a greater word length in order to capture all the story lines in any level of detail. A picture IS worth a thousand words, and having six individuals involved in a discussion on screen can easily be taken in and interpretted. Trying to describe a scene among six individuals in prose is quite a feat. Ensemble casts don't always translate as well--or as easily--into print.

I'm curious:

If you're a writer, do you tend to lean toward ensemble casts in your books, or do you stick with one or two main characters?

If you're a reader, what sort of story do you prefer? One with multiple characters and more complex interaction, or a focus on one or two main characters through whom the story is related?

Do you have any favorite books involving an ensemble group of characters you'd recommend?

Congrats "Flick"

2007-08-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

OK, I just gotta share.

Just heard from my critique-buddy Flick, currently living it up on a yacht in Greece (*sigh*) who emailed to tell me she has sold one of her novels. I'm so psyched.

OK, she won the 'Who's Gonna Get Published First' contest. And I lost. But I'm still psyched.

Congrats Flick!

Here's hoping it's the first of many...

Sometimes the Dragon Wins

2007-08-19T16:04:00.000-07:00

More of my favorite quotes. These have a book or writing related theme.

All stories teach us something, and promise us something, whether they're true or invented, legend or fact.
- Stewart O'Nan

Buying books would be a good thing if one could also buy the time to read them in: but as a rule the purchase of books is mistaken for theappropriation of their contents.
- Arthur Schopenhauer

The universe is made of stories, not of atoms.
- Muriel Rukeyser

To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research.
-Steven Wright

THE DOWN HOME ZOMBIE BLUES

2007-08-15T18:26:00.000-07:00

Check out my sister blog--The Toasted Scimitar--for a review of Linnea Sinclair's latest Science Fiction Romance, THE DOWN HOME ZOMBIE BLUES, due out on November 27, 2007.

http://www.toasted-scimitar.blogspot.com/

Spoilers: The Struggle Between Too Little and Too Much

2007-08-13T19:04:00.000-07:00

Some thoughts after reactivating the Draxian Trilogy blog:

How much do I share about the story without spoiling the plot for future readers?

A thin line, that.

There is so much for the reader to discover in this story about the characters, their world and their journey that I think it best left to the future read. On the other hand, I'd hope to spur a potential readership with intriguing clues that generate interest in the myths and theories that comprise the backstory.

Some of my fellow bloggers who are already published authors post excerpts from their novels that ended up on the cutting room floor. I don't have that luxury (yet) but I do have enough drafts stored on my hard drive that I can offer you plenty of extricated scenes; ones that I'm quite confident an editor or agent will never see.

Hopefully, it will be enough to give my site visitors a taste of my style and voice without spoilers and without ruining the experience of discovering the world of Draxis.

Thoughts?

Buehler? Buehler? Anybody? Anybody? :)

Thoughts on a Pen Name

2007-08-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

To pseudonym...or not to pseudonym. That is the question.

My name is quite common. In fact, I've Googled other authors with the same name, except none of them appear to be Science Fiction/Futuristic/Paranormal Romance writers. And while it's also fairly easy to live with, I don't know if it would help to sell books. It's a bit flat and ordinary, ya know?

I'm curious to know any opinions or comments on this topic. I'd love to hear from some of my published fellow bloggers who do, or do not, use a pseudonym. Did you give this a lot of thought prior to publishing? Did your agent or editor have input? If so, did your particular genre play into the selection?

I wouldn't want a pen name that's too blatant. Laurie Starbuck? Laurie Lightsaber? Laurie Planethopper. Uh no, don't think so.

I was kicking around Laurie J. Oneida. Why? Well, I once did some geneology research and Oneida was the name of the county some of my ancestors lived in after they immigrated from Scotland and England. I don't remember the other details right now, but the name Oneida surfaced more than once in connection with my family tree. It ties to my roots and I like that. I also like the word association of Oneida to silver to computer circuitry. (OK, a bit of a stretch, but that's how my mind works.)

What are your thoughts?

Snippets From Work

2007-08-09T17:48:00.000-07:00

Since my livelihood has this annoying habit of intruding into my writing time ::: smirk ::: I sometimes have to be quick and creative. So often my Muse comes to call while I'm on the clock, and I have this brilliant stroke of genius...but I have ten items on my Must Do Yesterday! list and a meeting with the boss in three minutes. I don't have time to jot it all down now, and I won't be home for hours. By then...*poof* It's gone. So I email myself little snippets to try to jog my memory to recreate the scene later.

Here are a few of my inspired shorthand gems. Pretend it's a word puzzle. See if you can figure out what my cryptic messages mean. (And good luck!) Hint: At least one of these is a famous quote. LOL

Sh ddnt hr ftsps on tl

Th flg flyg ovhd ws bl nt grn

Gv m a tl shp & a st t str hr by

If u cl mltng n2 a pl of lqd survng

[I'll post answers later.] ;)

Sometimes the Dragon Wins

2007-08-05T11:36:00.000-07:00

...or Some of my Favorite Quotes

I'll make this an ongoing article. Quotes can have such a boost to motivation and the determination to succeed. So often the right quote at just the right time has pulled me out of the doldrums of self-doubt and moved me forward toward my goal at warp speed. It seems many of the most inspiring quotes can be applied to the writer's personal journey to publication. (Or maybe it's just something I'm obsessed with.) Here are just a few to kick off this series. Click on the "Favorite Quotes" label to pull up a list of these articles at any time.

Sometimes the Dragon Wins

This may be an original. It was inspired by a greeting card. You may have seen it. The monstrous dragon staring down at the tiny knight who's holding up a very ineffective shield. The verbage? No guts, no glory. Amen. Back in the days when I was a reserve police officer, a fellow female officer and I came up with this quote. It was a reminder that the good guys don't always overcome the bad forces out there all of the time. It applies to writing as well, because in order to have a good story, you need to have struggle and conflict. Things don't always go well for the protagonists, because the antogonists must have their day too, just like in real life. What separates a great protag from an ineffective one is overcoming great difficulty, testing his/her courage to the limit. The moral, for protags and writers alike? Never give up.

The empires of the future are the empires of the mind.

--Winston Churchill

Very profound when you think about it. This World War II era quote was long before the days of PCs, Microsoft and other world-changing products that built dynasties and garnered fortunes to rival many third world country economies. These were products of the imagination, of asking "What if..." and pure determination to make the dream a reality. Much like writing, that. :) And think of the leaps and bounds made by NASA, the Hubble telescope, and the scientific world in the last decade because of the power of human thought and imagination. The empires of the future Churchill foresaw were indeed mind empires.

Creation is an act of sheer will!

Not sure how to credit this. It was a direct quote by the John Hammond character in the original Jurassic Park film. But it so applies to writing! So often it's mind (and tons of determination) over matter. Where there's a will, there's a way.

Look for more Favorite Quotes in future articles.

Crash Proofing

2007-08-04T18:35:00.000-07:00

If you're a writer, like I am, then you have a huge investment of time in your craft. As I discovered recently, after a near disaster with my hard drive, there are some simple ways of protecting that investment.

Here's some idea to help you avoid losing hours (or even days, months or years) of hard work. Crashes happen. It's not a matter of if, but when. And with their demise goes all your hard work...unless you've taken steps to crash proof. Yes, there are external hard drives or backup systems, but there are also much more unlikely catastrophies such as fires, major floods, natural calamities or burglaries that can not only rob you of your computer, but also any available backup storage systems on the premises.

Here are three quick and easy ways to crash proof your work, no matter WHAT happens to your computer or work space.

1. Google gmail

If you have a blogspot, you already have a Gmail account. If not, it costs nothing to get one. Gmail comes with huge amounts of storage built into your mail system. Simple g-mail updated drafts of your WIP(s) to yourself regularly. In case of catastrophic event, they can be accessed from anywhere that has internet capability.

2. Thumb drives

The carry-your-babies-with-you solution. Thumb drives have become quite inexpensive and easy to use. Just plug into a USB port on your computer, back up your latest work and then store outside your home. I keep two in my purse, one in my car. Other places to store them could be a safe deposit box (not very convenient unless you make frequent trips to your bank), a trusted relative's or friend's house, or at work, depending on your situation. Another advantage to this option is that you can work on your novel anywhere and anytime you have access to a computer with a USB port.

3. Post to a Website (such as Critique Circle)

Use caution here. Be sure it's a reputable website with privacy in place so that only you can access your work. I recommend CritiqueCircle because it's a site I'm familiar with. CC gives the added advantage of having my critiques stored along with my work.

I'm sure there are many other solutions, but these three worked the best for me. Whatever you do, please do use one or more methods of crash proofing your work. A WIP is a terrible thing to waste.

Critique Circle: Where I Am When I'm Not Blogging

2007-08-02T19:56:00.000-07:00

I discovered Critique Circle a year and a half ago upon recommendation of a fellow writer. It's been a wonderful tool for improving my writing and communicating with other writers. There's nothing more motivational then talking to your peers.

I have a 'core group' of about 16 critters who I work with on a regular basis, but I've probably exchanged crits with upwards of 50 or 60 members in the seventeen months I've been a member. I call writing without feedback "writing in a vacuum". I think we have a tendency toward tunnel vision if we don't get input from others. Sometimes things don't translate from mind to paper as clearly as they should. Other times, something may be stated in twenty words that should only take five or six to keep it crisp and concise. Sometimes scenes fall flat. Or emotions that should be turned up to high volume are too muffled. My crit partners have helped me in all these areas.

If you'd like to investigate Critique Circle, here's the site address:
http://www.critiquecircle.com

Have fun. :)

R E L A U N C H

2007-08-01T20:07:00.000-07:00

...of the Draxian Trilogy blog begins today, August 1, 2007.

Look forward to a future BLOG PARTY to celebrate, probably sometime in September.

I have some great writer-related prizes to give out. :)

On World Building

2007-07-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

One of the aspects I most enjoy about writing is creating believable yet strange worlds for my MCs to roam. When creating a culture, I like to throw in contradictions or idiosyncracies that add interest to the setting, just as it does with characters. Having the ability to manipulate a universe is one of the joys of writing Fantasy or Sci-Fi.

Creating many layers for a fictional culture is what helps bring it to life. History, religions, traditions and laws can shape a civilization just as effectively as the climate or terrain of the world. Laws and traditions can be a powerful influence, even when the meaning or reason behind them has been lost.

On Draxis, it's the universal religion of the planet that dictates all weapons must be primitive (in stark contrast to their advanced aerospace technologies, genetics and other sciences). Their traditions often clash with their scientific knowledge. Not unlike Earth, in that regard. ;)

T-Minus Eight Days and Counting...

2007-07-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

I've set the date for the relaunch of this blog as August 1, 2007.

I hope to have a lot of new articles and information to post in the month of August and beyond.

Expect More Soon

2007-07-21T11:49:00.000-07:00

As I finish work on my Sci-Fi Romance that's the focus on my other blog, Spacefreighters Lounge, I'll be posting a lot more on Draxian Trilogy, my much-neglected 'older sister' blog. :/

Expect edited excerpts from the story, articles, links, graphics, polls and other fun stuff. I may even throw in a contest or two down the road....er, star lane.

Don't want to give too much away about the plot, but Draxis (working title) is a Slipstream that blends Science Fiction Romance with Futuristic Fantasy, and has a premise based in ancient myth and legend.

Stay tuned...

Review: GAMES OF COMMAND

2007-07-03T22:10:00.000-07:00

Check out my Spacefreighters blog for a review of the science fiction romance GAMES OF COMMAND by Linnea Sinclair.

http://spacefreighters.blogspot.com/

Sister Blogs

2007-06-30T13:17:00.000-07:00

My sister blogs tend to be a bit rowdier than "orderly and serene" Draxis, so enter at your own risk:

Spacefreighters' Lounge: An watering hole for legitimate United Space Authority-sanctioned pilots and outlaw space pirates alike. The center of my blog universe. Be sure to check out this site for the latest in Sci-Fi and Futuristic Fantasy muse motivators, science news, related genre book reviews, great links, and commentary. http://spacefreighters.blogspot.com/

The Toasted Scimitar: A Fantasy Pub (do you sense a theme here?) run by me and three of my rowdiest Fantasy writer pals. Read inspired articles on Fantasy-related subjects, book reviews, and enjoy some Fantasy-style tavern chatter and news. Be sure to leave your weaponry at the door. Brawls are strictly prohibited by the management. (Oh yeah, like that's going to work!)
http://toasted-scimitar.blogspot.com/

Blog Successfully Updated

2007-06-30T13:12:00.000-07:00

Draxian Trilogy was successfully updated to the new blog format today--June 30, 2007.

This means less frustration for the author, and that translates to...more posts!

Stay tuned. ;)

2007-05-27T11:03:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day 2007

"Grief is the price we all pay for love." -- Gretchen Jackson, 2007

May your Memorial Day observances include

the good memories along with the grief.

2007-05-25T13:38:00.000-07:00

Ugh! Too Much Blogging!

OK, I admit it. I've become a blog addict. I check out a link, find a blog, read a bit and maybe comment, find another link, find another blog, read a bit, post or find another link, etc. etc. etc.

I learn tons and get some great ideas. So what's the downside? It's cutting into my very limited writing time. I may have to go on a blog diet. Or institute blog rationing. Or set a timer. Or something.

Writers are easily distracted you know.

OK. ::: forces hands away from keyboard and back to manuscript ::: Time to do some serious editing. (Although *sigh* blogging is much more fun.) :)

2007-05-24T20:07:00.000-07:00

My Other Blogs vs. This Blog

My Spacefreighters' Lounge blog has been coming along and I'm quite pleased with the results. It has a number of links to the latest news on scientific breakthroughs or the universe in general, a news and video feed, and (of course) my ongoing commentary on the Firefly series. There are also several excellent Firefly video links (mostly fan tributes) and even some links to information on how to design a starship. It has already garnered over 360 visitors in just a couple of weeks. The site is meant to inspire and be a source of information for Science Fiction and Science Fantasy writers, and as the name implies, to be a galactic watering hole where writers can just come hang out, read and comment. Feel free to check it out. Link: http://spacefreighters.blogspot.com

Since I'm also now involved in a Fantasy blog with three other co-bloggers, this one now needs its own individual focus. I'd like to channel it toward the emerging sub genres combining Science Fiction, Science Fantasy and Paranormal with Romance. I may consider a name change and a new look down the road.

That's the scoop. Feel free to comment. :)

2007-05-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

Mom's Day 2007

I'm not a mom, so to commemorate Mother's Day here's a pic of my mom-in-residence, "Africa" along with pics of kiddo #1 (a 2006 bay filly) and kiddo #2 (a 2007 chestnut colt).

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there.

A dozen roses for you >>> @@@@@@@@@@@@

2007-05-08T18:45:00.000-07:00

On World Building

One of the aspects I most enjoy about writing is creating believable yet strange worlds for my MCs to roam. When creating a culture, I like to throw in contradictions or idiosyncracies that add interest to the setting, just as it does with characters. Having the ability to manipulate a universe is one of the joys of writing fantasy or sci-fi (IMHO).

Creating many layers for a fictional culture is what helps bring it to life. History, religions, traditions and laws can shape a civilization just as effectively as the climate or terrain of the world. Laws and traditions can be a powerful influence, even when the meaning or reason behind them has been lost.

On Draxis, it's the universal religion of the planet that dictates all weapons must be primitive (in stark contrast to their advanced aerospace technologies, genetics and other sciences). Their traditions often clash with their scientific knowledge. Not unlike Earth, in that regard. ;)

2007-05-07T17:54:00.000-07:00

Time and Reality

The subject may not be what you think. ;) No indepth analysis of Einstein's theories here (I'd be grossly out of my league). This post is a comment on the very limited time available to most writers, since most of us must hold down a "day job" or a business, run a household and raise kids, or have a variety of other distractions that impact our available time to write, research, network with other writers (critique and comment), or post to blogs and various writer's websites.

When I look at my schedule, I wonder how I manage to get anything done. But even with eleven hour days (work hours and commute), running a horse farm, managing two households (hubby is in the military), and standard chores like grocery shopping, paying bills, maintaining somewhat of a tenuous contact with relatives to let them know I'm still living (ha!), I still find time—or make the time—to write novels. I often miss self-imposed deadlines and get frustrated with the long and tedious process of edits and revisions, but still, I make progress.

*chants softly to self* We shall overcome. We shall overcome.

The most difficult thing for me is when my muse comes to call, and my mind goes into 'writing mode' but there's no way possible to write. All those fabulous scenes and sections of dialogue are whizzing through my head, but...I have to go to work, or see to a horse, or catch a flight, or I'm already late for an appointment. Such is the writer's life. :/

2007-05-06T18:48:00.000-07:00

Triple Crown?

Just one more post that's off the writing topic--to make my after race commentary, y'understand. Wow! What a race. Street Sense possesses the 'Three Ts' that can make a TC winner--Talent, Tactical speed and Turn of foot. Have we just seen the start of something great? We'll know in the next two to five weeks.

2007-05-05T13:57:00.000-07:00

Back in the saddle again...

Hey, it's Derby Day. The post title seems fitting. :) Just a quick note before I rush off to watch Curlin win the blanket of roses. (Okay, we'll see in about an hour how prophetic that statement is.) As some of you know, in addition to being a writer, I also breed Thoroughbreds. I have a lot of reasons for liking Curlin including his resume', his running style and his trainer. (I'll 'splain my statement if anyone cares. ha!) OK, I'm off to watch the pre-race hooplah. May all your bets be winning ones...and may all these great horses have a safe trip.

2007-01-11T18:34:00.000-08:00

Back From Hiatus...

I've taken a hiatus from both Draxis and my blog to write a new soft sci-fi novel that is now in entering its final draft stages, so I'm back with a new post.

I intend to add more frequent posts as I begin work once again on the first book of the trilogy (for which this blog is named).

2006-09-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

Draxian Fax

Environment
Draxis has two land masses. The largest, which is the size of Australia, is Greater Galacia. The smaller, off the southeast coast of Greater Galacia, is Lesser Galacia, and is about the size of Madagascar. The equatorial regions are arid desert, except where farm lands have been cultivated around major cities. The Tabanaii or temperate regions are mild but temperatures fall well below freezing at night. The sky is a darker shade than Earth's, more teal than bright blue. Draxis has three moons, and a hotter sun.

Culture
Fire is outlawed. All crimes have one punishment--execution. The integrity of the Draxian genetics is ensured through culling rituals. Although in some ways Draxis is an advanced society, the Purist faith prohibits all but swords, knives and batans as weapons. Draxis is ruled by a monarchy from an unbroken bloodline, however the power and political might of the Purist Temple allows the Temple to operate like a realm within a realm. Both the Crown and the Temple have a council that assists the leadership with decisions regarding law and religion, respectively.

2006-08-26T10:04:00.000-07:00

About Draxis…

It is said that all stories follow one of only a handful of basic formulas, and any well-crafted work of fiction will mold itself to a time-tested standard.

When I started writing Draxis, I had no idea that I was embarking on a literary journey that was, in essence, a retelling of the Legend of King Arthur. That's what it evolved into, without it being my intent.

Of course, there are a few notable twists to my story, but the characters fall into place in near perfect parallels.

The noble King Alii'us (A LEE’ us), who laid claim to the throne of Draxis only after a test that proved him as the rightful heir.

The wise and mysterious physician, Arcidem Tekk, a Merlin of sorts with the power of medicine as his magic and the knowledge to influence and manipulate the future.

Katrina Wells, the reluctant and bewildered Queen Guinevere, who struggles to understand her importance in an alien society as she rises to become the legend that has preceded her.

Timmar Lokk, the last of the Dumarrakhan, an ancient, dark order of warriors and assassins, and the Black Knight of Draxis.

Captain Tram Tell, a man driven by duty, but torn by the circumstance of his birth and the hushed rumors of his secret heritage. But is he Lancelot....or Mordred?

Altus -- the Draxian Morgana Le Fey – a seductive embodiment of greed and corruption who hides behind a shield of righteousness, and awaits his chance to destroy King Alii’us and once again bend the world of Draxis to his will.

And Draxis itself, the magnificent realm that arose from the ashes of a much earlier, much more glorious empire that perhaps predated–and shaped--all civilizations on Earth. Draxis represents Camelot, the utopian society bound by law, religion and a code of honor.

The Stone of Tixor equates to The Sword in the Stone, that which holds the power to determine the ruler.

And just like Camelot, what is ultimately at stake is the destruction of the empire.

2006-07-24T11:12:00.000-07:00

About Draxian Trilogy... This blog was created as a companion to my Draxian Trilogy series. This work blends fantasy, legend, science fiction and myth into a world not beyond possibility, and maybe not so different from our own—or from what our own might have been.

Book 1 centers on Katrina Wells, a woman who is abducted from a campsite in Iowa and carried across time and space. Thrust into a vortex of political intrigue and opposing powers, she finds herself in a world where her own legend has preceded her. Believing she has fallen victim to mistaken identity, Katrina finds herself pursued by the king, protected by a captain, stalked by a deadly assassin, and at odds with the High Priest—an influential man who has much to gain by her defection.

Katrina soon learns her role is much greater than she imagined, for she may be the key to survival for an empire in decline—a realm that predates all civilization on Earth.

Welcome to the world of Draxis...

Draxian Trilogy

Draxian Trilogy in Conversion

Command Presence

The Derby Wears Black

It's Derby Week!

New Feature: A Symbolic Calendar

Switching Gears

Interview with Barbara Elsborg

Draxis is Dark While We Party on STARS

Lisa Shearin's Debut Novel Receives Nomination

Number Pyramid

Happy Holidays from Draxis

It's Balloon Fiesta Time!

Determination and Other Ramblings

Posting Days

Recommended

Sometimes the Dragon Wins

Admiral Kel-Paten Stands for Questions

Draxian-Related Short Story

Draxian Trilogy a Scavenger Stop

Vocabulary Game #1

Name That "Actor"

Ensemble Casts

Congrats "Flick"

Sometimes the Dragon Wins

THE DOWN HOME ZOMBIE BLUES

Spoilers: The Struggle Between Too Little and Too Much

Thoughts on a Pen Name

Snippets From Work

Sometimes the Dragon Wins

Crash Proofing

Critique Circle: Where I Am When I'm Not Blogging

R E L A U N C H

On World Building

T-Minus Eight Days and Counting...

Expect More Soon

Review: GAMES OF COMMAND

Sister Blogs

Blog Successfully Updated