WRITING THE FUTURE – NOT AS EASY AS IT SEEMS – by Vijaya Schartz
I write futuristic romantic novels… in other words, science fiction with a romance. Unlike the traditional science-fiction genre, usually preferred by male readers, this brand of science fiction includes a prominent heroine, a delicious hero, and an intriguing love story that develops along with the futuristic adventure. Ergo, it appeals to a large female readership, although I do have a number of loyal male fans as well.
Some futuristic novels are not really science fiction, just an excuse for a hot erotic romance, and not much else. Not mine. I’m dead serious about my science. The love story and the love scenes are there, of course, but make no mistake; the plot and the action are just as important. I write girls with blasters, guns, swords, and romance with a kick. That’s my log line… and cats. Lots of cats in my books, too… I love cats.
So what does it take to write such a book? A fertile imagination, and a whole lot of research. You wouldn’t think that research is important when writing about the future, but it is. What direction is science taking these days? What are the projections as when man will be ready to explore the universe in spaceships? What kind of weapons will soldiers carry? How far will man have reached? Readers of the genre know much about these things and will catch you on them if you are wrong. Even the well known science of Star Trek and Star Wars applies to writing futuristic romance. It’s not really science, but science is following their trends to manufacture the future. Remember these flip communicators in the first Star Trek series? Reminds you of cell phones, doesn’t it? It’s not a coincidence. I research mainly on the web and keep abreast of the new scientific discoveries. I also read in the genre. And watch movies.
That’s why my books featuring humans in space are post Twenty-Seventh century… Some are set at the start of the Thirty-First century. I assume that in a thousand years, we will have mastered space flight across the galaxy… if we have not destroyed ourselves.
Please leave a comment for a chance to receive a pdf copy of BOREALIS: BLACK DRAGON, a romantic science fiction novella set on a decrepit space station at the edge of conquered space. Find more about it at: http://www.vijayaschartz.com/blackdragon.html
Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Guns, Swords, Cats, Romance with a Kick
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Blurb of BLUE LIONESS:
In the face of Human slavery, Black Sword Captain Ariela of Kassouk must do the unthinkable. Rebel against the Mutant regime. But she cannot do it alone.
Ariela suspects the king’s death is no accident. And the tyrant who usurped the throne looks guilty as hell. As leader of the Human rebellion against the Mutant rulers, Ariela is desperate for help, and Lord Starro, the handsome Crown Prince of the Star Children, offers the technology the Human faction lacks. But can Ariela trust a spoiled, arrogant foreign prince who never fought a battle, and thinks he is destined to rule the universe? Is she trading one tyrant for another? No matter how kind, handsome, or fascinating, Starro has frightening mental abilities. And this alliance is not safe, especially for Ariela’s heart.
Blue Lioness REVIEWS:
“Wow! Talk about a real page turner! I absolutely Adored Blue Lioness. Ms. Schartz is an incredible storyteller with a very big imagination…The world building is so imaginative in this story that it just kept me turning the pages late into the night, because I was desperate to see what happened next and to see if Ariela and Starro were going to get their happy ending. If you love science fiction romance with stellar world building, and a beautiful love story, oh, and sentient big cats, then you do not want to miss this one. I for one am going to go out and buy the rest of the books in this series, and I encourage you to do so as well, Ms. Schartz is not to be missed!” - Coffee Time Romance
“Ms. Schartz’s new book Blue Lioness is a fast paced and compelling story that held me spellbound from the start. I for one can’t wait to read Noah’s Ark, the next book in the Chronicles of Kassouk series.” Fallen Angels Review (5 angels)
“Blue Lioness rips along at a great pace, and keeps you scrolling through pages on your e-reader, as fast as you can. Although it is part of a series, this one stands alone very well. Schartz has a very active imagination, reminiscent of JD Robb’s 2060 way of life.” Manic Readers – 4½ stars
Born in France, award-winning author Vijaya Schartz never conformed to anything and could never refuse a challenge. She likes action and exotic settings, in life and on the page. She traveled the world and claims she comes from the future. Her books collected many five star reviews and literary awards. She makes you believe you actually lived these extraordinary adventures among her characters. Her stories have been compared to Indiana Jones with sizzling romance. So, go ahead, dare to experience the magic, and she will keep you entranced, turning the pages until the last line. Find more at www.vijayaschartz.com
Contact Email: vijayaschartz@cox.net
Website: http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Blog: http://www.romancingscifi.blogspot.com
WHITE TIGER – RED LEOPARD – BLACK JAGUAR – BLUE LIONESS – SNATCHED – ALIEN LOCKDOWN – BOREALIS: BLACK DRAGON – ANAZ-VOOHRI – RELICS – KICKING BOTS – and more novels and novellas in other genres. https://www.amazon.com/author/vijayaschartz
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2012 Mary
I would think writing futuristic fiction would be very tricky. For a history course, I read a utopian novel written in 1887 and set in 2000. He didn't get the political developments right or the social changes, but the one thing I loved about the book was his anticipation of the concept of radio, including certain features, like the alarm clock radio. True, he had old technology, using telephone wires to bring music and–on Sunday–preaching intot he home, but he had knobs at the head of our hero's bed, which he could use to say when he wanted music to wake him in the morning, and, like the local classical station, he had program schedules the hero and heroine could consult. What the author meant as an incidental, pleasant detail ended up for me being the highlight of an otherwise slow, almost plotless, dipropaganda book. I wished I could travel back to tell him that at least he got that idea right.
Thanks for the great blog today. I love your books and covers. I know some of your covers havve won awards. Have a fun day.
Mary
I don't expect anyone will have Varina M's problems with Vijaya's books. No 113 year leaps into the imaginative future for her. Way to go above and beyond, Vijaya. The very idea of seeing into post 27th century leaves me hopeful — more hopeful than the Mayans anyway.
Thanks for the comments, Varina and Barbara. I also read old sci-fi novel of post apocalypse, and some were insightful, others obsolete. That's the difficulty of guessing the future. At least, by predicting so far in advance, no one will tell me I'm wrong, because I will be long dead. LOL
Interesting post. There's so much interesting research etc going on. I imagine thinking ahead to the 27th century might be challenging though.
The post was an interesting read. I need to check out Vijaya Schartz's works; they sound interesting.
I loved the blurb, book review and the cover. Which is amazing, the eyes are intense and they capture you. I would stop and pick it up off the shelf just to see what was inside the cover. the book sounds great and I'm going to have to check it out.
Great post.
Lynda
Hi Vidjaya. Liked your post. I wish you the best of luck. Awesome covers!
I find scifi particularly hard to write because the science has to at least be probable. Even that far into the future, it has to make sense! Sounds like you did made it work!
Excellent blog, Vijaya
Thanks for the great blurb! The cover of The blue Lioness is beautful.
I guess it would be hard writing futuristic romances since majority of it has to come out of your head! Great post!! And the book sounds amazing!!