Mere Rain's Blog - Posts Tagged "new-release"
Fix the World
I and the other contributors to the newly-released science fiction anthology Fix the World were kindly invited to share some thoughts, and reading recommendations, with Amazing Stories.
Nine ‘Fix the World’ SF Anthology Authors Discuss Story Inspirations
Mere Rain, "In Light"
The work of fixing the world is never done. But it may get easier.
Inspiration for your story?
“We’re from the government and we’re here to help.” Everyone laughs. Reagan made it a joke and so did Men in Black. My friend who went to work for the government as a naive and optimistic college grad quotes this line and laughs, but bitterly, because he’s disillusioned after years of wanting to help and feeling stymied. Why is it so hard to fix things, anything? Why is it so hard to get help? What would it be like to live in a society where being helpful and trustworthy was the default, where admitting problems and asking for help was normalized? Where we fixed things before they were horrifically broken?
Next for you as an author?
I’m working on a historical fantasy and a contemporary romantic fantasy. I’d like to revisit the world of this story and elaborate on earlier space-exploration era that’s alluded to briefly by the characters, but I probably won’t have time this year. Of course, as soon as I say that I have this idea I really want to write… Excuse me, I just have to make a few notes, I’ll be right back…
To Be Read Next?
I’m looking forward to Firebreak, the new release by Nicole-Kornher-Stace, in which a woman discovers that her country’s celebrity super-soldiers are actually war orphans who were enslaved and experimented on for profit, and determines to take down the corporation that controls them and everyone else.
I also want to read Aliette de Bodard’s Fireheart Tiger, a romantic fantasy set in a universe inspired by precolonial Vietnam.
These are two authors I trust to bring insightful views, but in an entertaining and character-driven way.
Nine ‘Fix the World’ SF Anthology Authors Discuss Story Inspirations
Mere Rain, "In Light"
The work of fixing the world is never done. But it may get easier.
Inspiration for your story?
“We’re from the government and we’re here to help.” Everyone laughs. Reagan made it a joke and so did Men in Black. My friend who went to work for the government as a naive and optimistic college grad quotes this line and laughs, but bitterly, because he’s disillusioned after years of wanting to help and feeling stymied. Why is it so hard to fix things, anything? Why is it so hard to get help? What would it be like to live in a society where being helpful and trustworthy was the default, where admitting problems and asking for help was normalized? Where we fixed things before they were horrifically broken?
Next for you as an author?
I’m working on a historical fantasy and a contemporary romantic fantasy. I’d like to revisit the world of this story and elaborate on earlier space-exploration era that’s alluded to briefly by the characters, but I probably won’t have time this year. Of course, as soon as I say that I have this idea I really want to write… Excuse me, I just have to make a few notes, I’ll be right back…
To Be Read Next?
I’m looking forward to Firebreak, the new release by Nicole-Kornher-Stace, in which a woman discovers that her country’s celebrity super-soldiers are actually war orphans who were enslaved and experimented on for profit, and determines to take down the corporation that controls them and everyone else.
I also want to read Aliette de Bodard’s Fireheart Tiger, a romantic fantasy set in a universe inspired by precolonial Vietnam.
These are two authors I trust to bring insightful views, but in an entertaining and character-driven way.
December updates, sales, and freebies
I failed to update in November even though I released a novella I was very excited about – a low angst contemporary romance featuring
★ Enemies-to-realizing-you-were-both-crushing-on-each-other.
★ There are plenty of beds, actually. Very disappointing.
★ Glitter
★ The problem with having an efficient fake-fiance is that he might organize the wedding before you break it off...not that you really want to break it off.
This book was vastly improved by feedback from romance author Emily Alter, who writes both YA and adult stories. Please check out her books!
Personal update, feel free to skip ahead:
I got covid early in November, and the fatigue is serious stuff, be careful during the holidays, friends! And then while I was still ill my father passed away unexpectedly. So these two things are why no updating or promo happened.
I have a Christmas short releasing next weekend!
JMS Books has a holiday short story series themed "Naughty or Nice" and I (unusually for me!) went with a "Nice" guy who wants to get his ex back by going to a holiday party with someone his ex hates. This is a fluffy contemporary romance and does not have any bibliophile burglars or murderous demons like my previous holiday stories.
"Nice and Vicious" can be pre-ordered (at a discount) from JMS. And if you aren't already aware, JMS has a free book every day through the 24th, so head over there even if you aren't interested in holiday stories, there is lots of variety.
https://www.jms-books.com/mere-rain-c...
Lastly, it's almost time for Smashwords' annual End of Year sale. All of my books on the site will be half off from December 15 through January 1. Many other books from JMS and other publishers will be on sale for 25% or 50% off.
Best wishes for Yalda, Chanukkah, Kwanzaa, Solstice, Christmas, New Year, or whatever winter holiday you celebrate. And if you don't celebrate, I hope you are okay with that and not sad. I'm not doing much this year and will probably be available here or on twitter or facebook if you need company, or just want to chat about books or food.
★ Enemies-to-realizing-you-were-both-crushing-on-each-other.★ There are plenty of beds, actually. Very disappointing.
★ Glitter
★ The problem with having an efficient fake-fiance is that he might organize the wedding before you break it off...not that you really want to break it off.
This book was vastly improved by feedback from romance author Emily Alter, who writes both YA and adult stories. Please check out her books!
Personal update, feel free to skip ahead:
I got covid early in November, and the fatigue is serious stuff, be careful during the holidays, friends! And then while I was still ill my father passed away unexpectedly. So these two things are why no updating or promo happened.
I have a Christmas short releasing next weekend!
JMS Books has a holiday short story series themed "Naughty or Nice" and I (unusually for me!) went with a "Nice" guy who wants to get his ex back by going to a holiday party with someone his ex hates. This is a fluffy contemporary romance and does not have any bibliophile burglars or murderous demons like my previous holiday stories."Nice and Vicious" can be pre-ordered (at a discount) from JMS. And if you aren't already aware, JMS has a free book every day through the 24th, so head over there even if you aren't interested in holiday stories, there is lots of variety.
https://www.jms-books.com/mere-rain-c...
Lastly, it's almost time for Smashwords' annual End of Year sale. All of my books on the site will be half off from December 15 through January 1. Many other books from JMS and other publishers will be on sale for 25% or 50% off.
Best wishes for Yalda, Chanukkah, Kwanzaa, Solstice, Christmas, New Year, or whatever winter holiday you celebrate. And if you don't celebrate, I hope you are okay with that and not sad. I'm not doing much this year and will probably be available here or on twitter or facebook if you need company, or just want to chat about books or food.
"Didn't Know We Needed" this Smashwords Sale
(Yes, I have a weakness for puns. Yes, I sing every time I see the title It's Not Unusual to Be Loved by an Alien. Badly.)
Didn't Know We Needed is available now, and is included in the Smashwords sale that runs through the 9th of March. As are several other of my books!
There are many other authors on sale! Some I've picked up so far: Ellie Thomas, K.L. Noone, Amy Spector, Addison Albright, Holly Day, Ofelia Gränd, R. Cooper, Kaje Harper, Fearne Hill, R. Phoenix. I haven't read Amy Aislin but she has a set of hockey romances for free.
Didn't Know We Needed is available now, and is included in the Smashwords sale that runs through the 9th of March. As are several other of my books!
There are many other authors on sale! Some I've picked up so far: Ellie Thomas, K.L. Noone, Amy Spector, Addison Albright, Holly Day, Ofelia Gränd, R. Cooper, Kaje Harper, Fearne Hill, R. Phoenix. I haven't read Amy Aislin but she has a set of hockey romances for free.
Small but naughty story
Liam wants Professor Levin.
Professor Levin want Liam to do his homework.
(spoiler: they both get what they want.)
Out April 27th. You can pre-order Office Hours from the publisher's site.
JMS Books.
Professor Levin want Liam to do his homework.
(spoiler: they both get what they want.)
Out April 27th. You can pre-order Office Hours from the publisher's site.
JMS Books.
September, suddenly busy!
I have a fantasy novella releasing this weekend!
Princes, entering an arranged marriage to end a war—or at least that was the plan before they were ambushed and left on their own in the forest. Can they work together, even though one of them may be the traitor?
Preorder Princes at War from the publisher at a temporary low prince of $3.37.
Also from the publisher only, I'll have a couple books free from Sept 28 to Oct 5.
My sapphic Gothic In the Dark Heart of Winter and contemporary mm romance Didn't Know We Needed. Just cuz I felt like it.
I also have a 17k story in a MM paranormal anthology called Love is Magic which is a fundraiser for SantaCan, a charity that buys holiday gifts for children in foster care. The stories are holiday-gift themed.
https://readerlinks.com/L/4995814
...And speaking of Christmas, I'll again have a free short book included in JMS Books annual Advent Calendar, which is a different freebie each day. This year mine is a best-friends-to-boyfriends with ace rep.
Princes, entering an arranged marriage to end a war—or at least that was the plan before they were ambushed and left on their own in the forest. Can they work together, even though one of them may be the traitor?
Preorder Princes at War from the publisher at a temporary low prince of $3.37.
Also from the publisher only, I'll have a couple books free from Sept 28 to Oct 5.
My sapphic Gothic In the Dark Heart of Winter and contemporary mm romance Didn't Know We Needed. Just cuz I felt like it.
I also have a 17k story in a MM paranormal anthology called Love is Magic which is a fundraiser for SantaCan, a charity that buys holiday gifts for children in foster care. The stories are holiday-gift themed.
https://readerlinks.com/L/4995814
...And speaking of Christmas, I'll again have a free short book included in JMS Books annual Advent Calendar, which is a different freebie each day. This year mine is a best-friends-to-boyfriends with ace rep.
