Shawna Hunter's Blog - Posts Tagged "sci-fi"
Why my next book is NOT erotica
I am currently in the process of editing my 11th book. This story, tentatively titled 6s and 7s, will follow an enforcement officer (a cop) siding with a rebel to unravel a mystery that threatens their entire world. It is a world dominated by a social ranking system that looks at 3 characteristics. Appearance (including genetics), Intelligence and Morality with a heavy weight placed on the first category as it is thought to indicate the other two. From 1-10 these ranks indicate the sort of employment you can pursue, the food and healthcare you receive, where you can live and (basically) your overall quality of life.
There are benefits to the system, and unlike some dystopian stories I do explore them, but there are those who do not like it. Some, like the main character Zeta, want systemic change. Others want a more radical solution. That solution unites Zeta and officer Theta Beauline despite their ideological and rank differences.
It's a story of co-operation, common ground, mystery and action. Both characters slowly come to see the other's point of view to an extent but getting past their divisions is not easy. The story has many sci-fi elements and a lot of fun world building.
What it does not have is sex. I know its a departure for me and there are mentions of sex and a lot of wink, wink, nudge, nudge innuendo but overall I've created a story that would be just a little north of PG-13 (mostly for language). The reason for this is both to challenge myself creatively and to provide my family with a book they can actually talk about.
You see I get complaints all the time that friends and family would love to support me and talk about my books but that they don't feel comfortable discussing erotica. The genre, perfectly fine though it may be, still carries the stigma of being something dirty, something to be hidden in the sock drawer. As such those closest to me have never read any of my works nor have they felt comfortable recommending them to others. It really sucks to be an author with 10 published books and to go to social events only to be reminded in a whisper "try not to mention those sex books ok?"
So 6s and 7s will be for all those prudes that love me but won't admit it. Don't worry though, book 12 is half written already and it will be erotica. A return to Brooke's Hollow and the election saga! I am, first and foremost, an erotica author after all and though I take my loved ones into consideration I will never be ashamed of the fact.
There are benefits to the system, and unlike some dystopian stories I do explore them, but there are those who do not like it. Some, like the main character Zeta, want systemic change. Others want a more radical solution. That solution unites Zeta and officer Theta Beauline despite their ideological and rank differences.
It's a story of co-operation, common ground, mystery and action. Both characters slowly come to see the other's point of view to an extent but getting past their divisions is not easy. The story has many sci-fi elements and a lot of fun world building.
What it does not have is sex. I know its a departure for me and there are mentions of sex and a lot of wink, wink, nudge, nudge innuendo but overall I've created a story that would be just a little north of PG-13 (mostly for language). The reason for this is both to challenge myself creatively and to provide my family with a book they can actually talk about.
You see I get complaints all the time that friends and family would love to support me and talk about my books but that they don't feel comfortable discussing erotica. The genre, perfectly fine though it may be, still carries the stigma of being something dirty, something to be hidden in the sock drawer. As such those closest to me have never read any of my works nor have they felt comfortable recommending them to others. It really sucks to be an author with 10 published books and to go to social events only to be reminded in a whisper "try not to mention those sex books ok?"
So 6s and 7s will be for all those prudes that love me but won't admit it. Don't worry though, book 12 is half written already and it will be erotica. A return to Brooke's Hollow and the election saga! I am, first and foremost, an erotica author after all and though I take my loved ones into consideration I will never be ashamed of the fact.
New Book Update
Update:
Fingers crossed that my beta reader will have my WIP finished by this weekend and I can make the finishing touches.
The story, roughly 60k words, is a dystopian/scifi cop drama set in a future where society issues ranks based on your physical appearance, intelligence and demonstrated moral character with a heavy focus on appearance as its thought an outward sign of the other traits. Your job, where you live, what food you are allowed to eat are all based on your rank. Cosmetics are outlawed, who you can marry is heavily restricted and aging is sometimes seen as a fate worse than death. On the plus side technology (especially medical) is vastly advanced, people work hard, exercise and take care of themselves and the environment is on the mend. Some people are VERY happy...others, predictably, are not. An underground movement of what the media calls Whiners is rising and their plan could come down to genocide. Standing in their way are a cop who has dedicated his life to defending the system and a rebel who hates the system but won't kill innocent people to see it end.
My beta reader has likened the first half to the first Divergent movie (which she loved) and praised the world building. I had a blast writing this story as well and I'm very pleased with the result. I can't wait to share it with you all.
Fingers crossed that my beta reader will have my WIP finished by this weekend and I can make the finishing touches.
The story, roughly 60k words, is a dystopian/scifi cop drama set in a future where society issues ranks based on your physical appearance, intelligence and demonstrated moral character with a heavy focus on appearance as its thought an outward sign of the other traits. Your job, where you live, what food you are allowed to eat are all based on your rank. Cosmetics are outlawed, who you can marry is heavily restricted and aging is sometimes seen as a fate worse than death. On the plus side technology (especially medical) is vastly advanced, people work hard, exercise and take care of themselves and the environment is on the mend. Some people are VERY happy...others, predictably, are not. An underground movement of what the media calls Whiners is rising and their plan could come down to genocide. Standing in their way are a cop who has dedicated his life to defending the system and a rebel who hates the system but won't kill innocent people to see it end.
My beta reader has likened the first half to the first Divergent movie (which she loved) and praised the world building. I had a blast writing this story as well and I'm very pleased with the result. I can't wait to share it with you all.
New Release...new genre
Don't worry, I haven't abandoned erotica. I did, however, have an idea for a novel and I pursued it. The result? 6s and 7s which should drop in the next few days. This is a scifi/dystopian/cop drama. The feel is somewhere between Divergent and Bladerunner. Its NOT YA but it has that feel. It also lacks any explicit sex. This is a novel that you won't have to hide in your sock drawer. You can read it in public without getting embarassed when your free hand starts to wander!
The story takes place in a technologically advanced society ruled by "The Ranking System." Under this system everyone gets a 1-10 number based on their physical appearance, intelligence and moral character. Appearance is heavily favored, however, with the other factors just slightly tilting the scale. This seems harsh but it has benefits. Cosmetics are outlawed save for reconstructive surgery and so people take better care of themselves. They focus on study, health and longevity. Its not all great, however, and a rebel faction called The Whiners is on the rise. These increasingly violent malcontents have an unknown leader and when their plots turn genocidal one of their liutenants will defect.
This defector, Zeta, will join forces with our main character Theta Beauline, a staunch defender of the system. They may be ideological opposites but they'll have to put those differences aside before a revolution begins. Zeta may hate the system and Theta may protect it but neither wants to see change born from an ocean of blood. The only question is who is the real enemy and can they stop this threat in time?
I've been thinking about this story for a while. The world today is so divided and so I saw great appeal in a story about finding common ground and working together. I do enjoy the commentary on beauty standards, how we judge people and whether we value the right traits. Above all I had a lot of fun putting my Sociology background to work crafting this society. I didn't want a clear black and white. Both sides have merit and its up to the reader to decide if the system helps or harms society in the end.
Its always fun to stretch my creative wings and explore new territory. Hopefully you will all join me in this, my first literary journey where everyone (for the most part) keeps their pants on.
The story takes place in a technologically advanced society ruled by "The Ranking System." Under this system everyone gets a 1-10 number based on their physical appearance, intelligence and moral character. Appearance is heavily favored, however, with the other factors just slightly tilting the scale. This seems harsh but it has benefits. Cosmetics are outlawed save for reconstructive surgery and so people take better care of themselves. They focus on study, health and longevity. Its not all great, however, and a rebel faction called The Whiners is on the rise. These increasingly violent malcontents have an unknown leader and when their plots turn genocidal one of their liutenants will defect.
This defector, Zeta, will join forces with our main character Theta Beauline, a staunch defender of the system. They may be ideological opposites but they'll have to put those differences aside before a revolution begins. Zeta may hate the system and Theta may protect it but neither wants to see change born from an ocean of blood. The only question is who is the real enemy and can they stop this threat in time?
I've been thinking about this story for a while. The world today is so divided and so I saw great appeal in a story about finding common ground and working together. I do enjoy the commentary on beauty standards, how we judge people and whether we value the right traits. Above all I had a lot of fun putting my Sociology background to work crafting this society. I didn't want a clear black and white. Both sides have merit and its up to the reader to decide if the system helps or harms society in the end.
Its always fun to stretch my creative wings and explore new territory. Hopefully you will all join me in this, my first literary journey where everyone (for the most part) keeps their pants on.
Pimpin' ain't easy
Much of my author presence is dedicated to my erotica works so a pure Sci Fi novel is a bit tricky. It's great to have one for those pimp posts on facebook that specify "no erotica" but in terms of getting the book in front of actual science fiction readers? That's far more difficult.
6s and 7s
6s and 7s
Can an evil society do good?
In my new novel, 6s and 7s, I present a futuristic society in which you are given a 1-10 rank based on your appearance, intelligence and moral character with heavy emphasis on appearance. Your quality of life depends on your rank so your life LITERALLY depends on how you look.
That's unjust and objectively evil.
Yet, in this world they've ended global warming, cured diseases, erased transphobia, etc. These things and the technology to achieve them were invented because people were pushing to increase their intelligence, demonstrate their moral character and improve their health (and thereby looks) to better their rank. The unjust system they live under motivated them to do a great deal of good.
So, can an objectively immoral society do good? Are the Whiners right that the injustices need to be stopped even if some of the benefits go with them? Or are the conservatives like Theta right in thinking that the benefits are worth a bit of injustice?
I never came to a solid decision while writing and I think both arguments have merit. So, I just don't know.
Decide for yourself I guess:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...6s and 7s
That's unjust and objectively evil.
Yet, in this world they've ended global warming, cured diseases, erased transphobia, etc. These things and the technology to achieve them were invented because people were pushing to increase their intelligence, demonstrate their moral character and improve their health (and thereby looks) to better their rank. The unjust system they live under motivated them to do a great deal of good.
So, can an objectively immoral society do good? Are the Whiners right that the injustices need to be stopped even if some of the benefits go with them? Or are the conservatives like Theta right in thinking that the benefits are worth a bit of injustice?
I never came to a solid decision while writing and I think both arguments have merit. So, I just don't know.
Decide for yourself I guess:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...6s and 7s
