S.J. Pajonas's Blog

It's not always about where you're going, but sometimes it's about what you're doing.

The post Life Aboard a Spaceship appeared first on S. J. Pajonas.

Ships come and go, and the cycle never ends.

The post The Departure appeared first on S. J. Pajonas.

“Please come home. We miss you.”

I’m not sure if I ever want to “go home.”

The message blinks on the little screen of my comms unit, the words stark against the green glow. I shove it back into my pocket and pull my jacket tighter. Out here, the wind is the only voice, whispering through the tall, yellow grasses that cover these hills. It carries the scent of damp earth and blooming flowers after the long rain that moved south overnight.

Two moons and a ringed giant hang in the sky, a constant, silent audience. I love it here. “Home” was recycled air and crowded corridors, a million people telling me who I should be. Here, the only path is the one I make with my own two feet. They say they miss me, but do they miss me, or the space I was supposed to fill? In this valley, vast and empty and all mine, I feel more at home than I ever have before.

The post “Please come home. We miss you.” appeared first on S. J. Pajonas.

In An Unforgiving Desert, the Novato Desert is more than just a backdrop for the story — it’s a character in its own right. This harsh, unforgiving landscape shapes the narrative, influences character development, and adds layers of tension and intrigue. In this post, we’ll explore how the Novato Desert impacts storytelling and why setting can be as vital as any other character in a novel.

The Novato Desert: A Living, Breathing Entity

From the moment Skylar and Kalvin crash-land in the Novato Desert, it’s clear that this setting is not just a passive environment but an active force in the story. The desert’s vastness, its relentless heat, and its ever-shifting sands create a sense of isolation and danger that permeates every scene.

I count backwards and think of everything I know about the Novato Desert — frequent sand storms, high temperatures, arid, and dry. Nothing much lives there, except for some of the deadliest desert cats, venomous scorpions, and hawks that’ll claw your eyes out. It’s not a vacation spot, by any definition. There are a few data stations in the rocky mountains, but the Sonoma Weather Service has to replace them often because they go missing during sandstorms. I think we’re in trouble. Big trouble.

“How are your survival skills?” Kalvin calls out. “Thirty seconds to parachute.”

“Oh, you know, the basics.” Minimal, Kalvin. I have minimal skills in surviving a desert that wants nothing to do with humans. I grew up on a spaceship. Ask me if I can survive a rapid decompression or space debris, and I’m good to go. But this? No.

Still, I’ve read enough books on desert survival in the past. Why? I have no idea. Because I was bored and there was nothing else to do growing up except read? Yes, most likely. I sift through my brain, hunting for anything we can use. Thank goodness for small favors. Book learning is what I’m best at.

This quote sets the stage for Skylar’s introduction to the desert. She’s going to have to call on all her knowledge to get out of this. The Novato Desert is not just a place; it’s an adversary that Skylar must contend with throughout her journey.

Creating Tension Through Isolation

One of the most significant ways the Novato Desert functions as a character is by creating tension through isolation. As Skylar and Kalvin navigate this desolate landscape, they are cut off from civilization, resources, and potential allies. This isolation heightens the stakes and forces her to rely on her wits and resilience.

“It’s a bad idea to talk too much. We let out a lot of water when we talk, but…” I can’t help myself. “There were five colonization attempts on this continent. Sand storms that lasted weeks impeded two of the attempts. They were so long that each time the teams gave up and left. The storms always dissipated a day or two after they were gone, though. It was dreadful luck.”

We cross the top of one dune for another and keep going.

“Two attempts didn’t work out because equipment kept going missing. Then finally, Sonomans established a small town near the sea to the east. That one was wiped clean by a two-week sandstorm. A hundred and twenty lives were lost.”

I debate whether to tell Kalvin this. “Uh, then there were three people who tried to cross the desert on foot. You know, a little expedition type thing.”

“What happened to them? Or maybe I shouldn’t ask.”

“They were never seen again. Even with trackers and tons of safety precautions.” And after seeing what the sand did to our life pod, I have a good idea of what happened to those people. The sand scares the crap out of me.

Kalvin is quiet for a while.

“Sorry. I should have kept that last bit to myself.”

“No. I should know what we’re up against. I’m just… I’m gonna think on this for a bit.”

“Sure.”

And suddenly, I’m not a fan of silence.

I’d rather we talk to each other.

But I press my lips together and keep walking.

Skylar’s struggle with isolation is not just physical but also emotional. The desert strips away her usual support systems, leaving her vulnerable yet determined. Even Kalvin is feeling the same way. This vulnerability allows readers to connect with her on a deeper level as she confronts both external dangers and internal fears.

The Novato Desert serves as an antagonist in many ways. Its unpredictable weather patterns, treacherous terrain, and hidden dangers constantly challenge Skylar’s survival skills. Each obstacle she faces is a direct result of the desert’s harsh conditions.

The desert’s antagonistic role is evident in scenes like this one where Skylar must navigate quicksand while battling dehydration and exhaustion. The environment itself becomes a formidable opponent that tests her limits at every turn.

Influencing Character Development

The Novato Desert plays an integral role in shaping the characters' development, especially Skylar, who undergoes significant growth throughout the story. Her experiences in this unforgiving landscape force her to confront her deepest fears and insecurities, ultimately emerging as a stronger and more self-assured individual.

Skylar's journey through the desert is not just a physical trek but also an emotional and psychological one. The challenges she faces strip away her defenses, revealing her vulnerabilities and pushing her to her limits. This process of breaking down and rebuilding is important for her character development.

Her time spent navigating the treacherous terrain and battling the elements serves as a catalyst for personal transformation. She learns to embrace her vulnerabilities and recognize her worth independent of others' opinions.

Kalvin's character development is also influenced by the desert. Initially skeptical of Skylar's abilities, he gradually comes to respect and admire her strength and intelligence. The harsh conditions of the Novato Desert force him to rely on Skylar, breaking down his preconceived notions and leading to a deeper understanding between them.

The Power of Setting as a Character

In An Unforgiving Desert, the Novato Desert is more than just a backdrop — it’s a character that shapes the story in profound ways. Its harsh conditions create tension through isolation, serve as an antagonist that tests the protagonist's limits, and influence character development by forcing growth through adversity.

As an author, crafting such a setting involves careful attention to detail and an understanding of how environment impacts narrative. By treating setting as a character in its own right, writers can create stories that are not only engaging but also deeply resonant with readers.

Start the Amagi Series today with An Unforgiving Desert!

Skylar Kawabata, an accomplished pilot fighting for her future, must defend her ship, the Amagi, and her very name from her estranged family, who are driven by the vicious lies of the abusive consort Dominic in the Amagi Series.

Find out more!

The post Setting as a Character: The Novato Desert’s Impact on Storytelling appeared first on S. J. Pajonas.

I'm participating in two Bookfunnel promotions this month that have a lot of free books for y'all! All you have to do is sign-up for the author's newsletter and they'll be sent right to you.

Check out these Future Forward books

Check out these Free Romance PNR Fantasy and Sci-fi books

I hope you find some awesome books to read!

The post New Free Books for November appeared first on S. J. Pajonas.

The city holds its breath after midnight.

The post Nighttime in Neo-Kyoto appeared first on S. J. Pajonas.

When we were in Tokyo in September 2024, my husband and I stayed at the Conrad across from Hamarikyu Gardens. It was our first day in the city so we took it easy and strolled around the gardens before heading to a sumo tournament in the evening.

The post Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo, Japan appeared first on S. J. Pajonas.

Come for the parts, stay for the noodles. A quick tour of the docking bay market.

The post A Tour of a Space Station Market appeared first on S. J. Pajonas.

In Rosa’s New Game, Rosa Kimura’s identity is shattered when she loses not just one, but both of the core pillars she’s built her life on, forcing her on a difficult journey to discover her worth beyond her roles. For so many of us, what we do is who we are. It’s a concept that is both a source of pride and a potential trap, and I love exploring that fine line. When your life is tied to your work, it can be really hard to let go if you’re fired or sidelined.

Built on Two Pillars: Soccer and The I.A.

At the start of the story, Rosa’s sense of self is deeply entwined with two things: her skill on the soccer field and her career as a counselor at the Interstellar Agency. Soccer isn’t just a hobby; it’s a passion, a release, the place where she feels most alive and capable. When a knee injury benches her indefinitely, the first crack in her foundation appears. Suddenly, the physical freedom and camaraderie that defined her are replaced by pain and the pitying glances of her teammates.

Her career at the I.A. is the other pillar holding her up. It’s more than a job; it’s her connection to a childhood dream of space exploration. She may not be piloting starships, but she’s an essential part of the mission, guiding the brilliant minds who are. She sees her contribution with pride, reflecting that it’s “a small piece of the puzzle, but it’s mine.”

It’s so easy to build our identities around these external labels — the athlete, the counselor, the employee. They give us purpose and a place in the world.

But what happens when they’re taken away?

Deemed “Non-Core”: The Crisis of Job Loss

The threat of layoffs at the I.A. becomes a terrifying reality, and the label they use — “non-core” — strikes at the very heart of Rosa’s value. The corporate-speak during the all-staff briefing is cold and impersonal, but for Rosa, the words are a personal indictment. “Difficult but necessary decisions.” “Support divisions.” She knows what that means. Her work, her purpose, is being dismissed as expendable.

The devastation she feels is profound. It’s a pain I think many of us can relate to or at least fear. It’s not just about losing an income; it’s about losing a part of yourself. Rosa puts it perfectly when she thinks, “Losing this job isn’t about income; it’s about losing purpose, losing myself.” To be told your life’s work is a non-essential luxury is a brutal blow, and it sends her spiraling.

Finding Her Voice in the Void

In what feels like her lowest moment, with her professional world crumbling, Rosa discovers strength she didn’t know she possessed. Instead of shrinking into the background, she finds her voice. Pushing past years of cultural and corporate conditioning that demand deference, she stands up and confronts the Agency Director. This was one of my favorite scenes to write. The moment a character finds their power, even when they feel completely powerless.

Her speech is not just a defense of her job; it’s a passionate defense of humanity itself. She tells him, “We are talking about human beings, Director. Their well-being is not a luxury item we can trim when funds get tight. It’s the foundation upon which all our successes are built.”

In that moment, she isn’t Counselor Kimura, a “non-core” employee. She is Rosa, a woman of conviction, fighting for what she believes in. It’s a turning point that may not save her job, but it begins to save her sense of self.

A New Game, A New Contract

Rosa’s journey of redefinition doesn’t end with a magical reversal of her layoff, but with the slow, difficult work of rebuilding on her own terms. The I.A., likely impressed (or shamed) by her outburst, offers her a part-time consultancy contract. It’s a complicated victory, a mix of vindication and lingering bitterness. But it’s also an opportunity.

This is where her growth truly shines. Instead of seeing it as a step down, she recognizes it as a chance to create something new, something that is truly her own. She starts to dream bigger, beyond the confines of the I.A. “But maybe someday I’ll open my own practice. Be my own boss. No ‘non-core’ labels attached.”

This shift is so important. Her worth isn’t dictated by an employer’s label. She’s beginning to understand that her skills, her passion, and her value are hers to define and direct. She’s learning to play a new game, one where she makes the rules.

We see her stripped of everything she thought she was, only to discover who she is truly meant to be. She learns that her identity isn’t a title or a position on a team roster. It’s the strength to speak her truth, the resilience to rebuild after loss, and the courage to define her own worth, both personally and professionally.

Don't miss out on Pets in Space 10!

Don’t miss your chance to escape into the stars with nine sizzling sci-fi romances — each with a pet who will steal your heart and a hero or heroine who will make it race. Grab PETS IN SPACE 10 and get ready to binge beyond the stars!

Find out more!

The post More Than A Job Title: Rosa’s Journey of Redefining Herself appeared first on S. J. Pajonas.

In Rosa’s New Game, Rhys is introduced as “the one who got away,” or more accurately, the one who ghosted our heroine, Rosa, after a perfect first date. It’s a classic romantic setup for a guy we’re supposed to dislike, right? But Rhys’s story is so much more than that. His journey is one of romantic redemption, of a good man who made a bad decision under pressure and has to fight his way back, earning not only Rosa’s trust but his own self-respect. Oh, second chances. They are so satisfying to write.

The Ghost of Dates Past

At first, Rhys seems like the classic heartbreaker, disappearing after a magical date and leaving Rosa to question everything. We see their first date from Rosa’s memory — the easy conversation, the shared laughter, the undeniable spark, and a kiss that left her breathless. Then… radio silence. It’s the kind of behavior that immediately puts a hero on the naughty list.

But what I love to explore is the “why.” Why do people run? It’s rarely because they’re just jerks. For Rhys, it was a perfect storm of pressure and fear. As we learn in a bonus scene, he was being emotionally manipulated by a toxic ex, Chloe, who showed up at his door right after his date with Rosa. On top of that, he was confronted by Rosa’s fiercely protective sister, Demi, who warned him away. He tells Demi, “Look, it’s… complicated.” And it really was!

He panicked, thinking that backing away was the only way to avoid hurting Rosa. It was a cowardly choice, yes, but a very human one. Writing flawed characters who make big mistakes is so much more compelling than writing perfect heroes from the start.

Facing the Music

When Rhys and Rosa reconnect a year later, he doesn’t run from his past mistake but chooses to confront it, explaining the complicated situation that led to his disappearance. This is the first major step on his path to redemption. He could have ignored Rosa in his yoga class, pretended he didn’t remember her, or made a flimsy excuse. Instead, when she confronts him, he owns it.

He doesn’t try to sugarcoat his actions. He admits his weakness, explaining, “Chloe was a mess, showing up, crying, threatening… And then Demi comes at me like some kind of avenging angel? It freaked me out. I panicked. I thought maybe… maybe Demi was right. Maybe I would hurt you.”

His honesty is what cracks the door open for a second chance. He’s not the same guy who ran. He’s a man who has reflected on his past, understands his failure, and is willing to be vulnerable to fix it. This is the moment trust can begin to rebuild, and it’s a crucial scene for any redemption arc.

Choosing to Stay

Rhys’s real test comes when Rosa’s life implodes, and he’s faced with the choice to either run from the chaos again or prove he’s a changed man. After they sleep together, Rosa gets the email that she’s been laid off. In her panic and hurt, she lashes out at Rhys, accusing him of being another false hope and throwing his past ghosting in his face. The old Rhys would have retreated. In fact, he even has an easy way out — an offer to sell his yoga studio and leave town.

This is my favorite part of his journey. We get to see his internal struggle. He could take the money and run, escaping the complicated woman and her complicated life. But he chooses differently this time. He recognizes her pain and fear, and instead of taking it personally, he understands its source. He thinks, “Running away now wouldn’t just be cowardly; it would be validating her worst fears about me… This time, I stay.”

This is the core of his redemption. It’s not a grand, public gesture. It’s a quiet, internal decision to be steady, to be present, to be the man he wasn’t a year ago. He proves his change not just with words but with action — or, in this case, the powerful action of not running away. He shows up at her chaotic family home, endures her father’s interrogations, and ultimately makes a career choice that anchors him firmly in Yamato, and in her life.

Rhys earns his second chance. He isn't perfect, and that’s what makes his journey so compelling. He starts as a man who avoids complications and ends as one who stands firm in the face of them, offering the steady support Rosa needs as she navigates her own new game. He learns that real connection isn’t about finding an easy path, but about choosing to walk a difficult one together.

Don't miss out on Pets in Space 10!

Don’t miss your chance to escape into the stars with nine sizzling sci-fi romances — each with a pet who will steal your heart and a hero or heroine who will make it race. Grab PETS IN SPACE 10 and get ready to binge beyond the stars!

Find out more!

The post Redemption and Romance: Rhys’s Second Chance in Rosa’s New Game appeared first on S. J. Pajonas.