Shalia's Diary Monday Post

Dad, Dad, and Dad.  Do fathers know best?  http://shaliasdiary.blogspot.com/

Goodbye, 2013

It astounds me that another year has flown by.  While I’m always excited by the thought of new beginnings and new adventures, I admit I’m in no hurry to see this year end.  2013 was amazing for me, courtesy of my awesome readers.

This was my most successful year so far for my writing.  I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am to all of you who have supported and encouraged my endeavors.  It’s not just that you’ve read my books.  You’ve cheered me on when I needed it most.  You’ve been wonderful, and any time I get down or unmotivated, I only have to think of my readers.  Every time I hit an obstacle, you urge me on.  It’s you who have made this journey worthwhile and for that, I am forever thankful.

New Year’s Eve, I will drink a toast to you all.  You cannot imagine how happy you make me.  All I can do in return is keep writing (of course!) and wish everyone a prosperous, healthy and happy 2014.  May your fondest dreams come true, my friends.

Much love,

Tracy

Shalia's Diary Thursday Post

Choices, choices.  http://shaliasdiary.blogspot.com/

Shalia's Diary Monday Post

Shalia gets some surprising news in time for Christmas.  (On a side note, I'm amazed that the diary schedule lined up so perfectly with Christmas this year!)  http://shaliasdiary.blogspot.com/

Merry Christmas!

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and Santa is good to you!  And now for your Yule time enjoyment (and because I don't feel like writing a blog after all the decorating, present-wrapping, and eggnog drinking), here are cute men in seasonal attire:

Merry Christmas to all!  If you're on the naughty list, I hope it was for all the right reasons!  ;)

Shalia's Diary Thursday Post

Will it be a blue Christmas for Shalia?  http://shaliasdiary.blogspot.com/

Alien Rule Re-released

Alien Rule is back out with a new cover.  There are a few changes, but as I've mentioned before, it's mostly small details and grammar-related alterations.  If you have the original, feel free to pass on this one.

If you gotta have it though, you can find it at the usual suspects:  Smashwords, Amazon, Amazon UK, and Barnes & Noble.  You can also pick it up in print.

Shalia's Diary Monday Post

Breaking the news...and each others' hearts.  http://shaliasdiary.blogspot.com/

Shalia's Diary Thursday Post

The unclannable Imdiko.  http://shaliasdiary.blogspot.com/

WIP Wednesday – Clan Beginnings: Clan, Honor, and Empire

            Something else suddenly occurred to Rajhir as he studied the nervous-looking doctor.  Bringing Flencik home just to give Gegra the sense Rajhir was obeying his father’s dictates wasn’t fair to this Imdiko.  That he had been ready to use Flencik in such a way brought a sense of shame to the Dramok. 

            He took a breath.  “You’re right.  I’m being an ass for suggesting such a thing.  Dinner out for two then.  Do I impress you with the fine dining I can afford, putting my excellent breeding on display?  Or would you prefer I take you where I can feed you huge slabs of meat a man of your size obviously requires, then get you drunk, and maybe take advantage of you later?”

            Flencik’s mouth fell open.  His gaze ran down the length of Rajhir’s body and back up again.  His face turned blood red.

            Then the Imdiko bellowed laughter, the sound echoing down the corridor and making people nearby pause.  Rajhir chuckled at his companion’s mirth.  Flencik had a wonderful, rolling laugh that shook his entire body.  It lit his face, making him twice as handsome as before.  Something in Rajhir’s groin tightened to see it.

            Well hell, maybe he’s not the only one suffering from infatuation.  I really do like this guy.

            When Flencik recovered enough to speak, he shook his head at Rajhir.  “By the ancestors.  You are determined to keep me off-balance, aren’t you?”

            “Absolutely.  Where am I taking you tonight, Imdiko?”

            Flencik threw his hands in the air in a gesture of surrender before starting towards the transport again.  “Somewhere relaxing.  But don’t think that means I’m agreeing to be bedded.  I still don’t know you well enough and you seem a bit demanding for my tastes.”

            Rajhir gave him a narrow look but remained quiet until they reached the transport.  He said in a strong tone, “I think you might like demanding, Flencik.  If that’s the case, you will definitely like me.”

            Flencik paused for an instant, still smiling like it was a joke.  Rajhir didn’t miss how the Imdiko’s eyes widened however, or the fact that he swallowed hard before speaking.  “No, I don’t like demanding men that much.  I prefer equal give and take.”

            He stepped onto the transport.  Rajhir prevented the door from shutting right away.  Flencik was not going to get the last word, and he was certainly not leaving thinking Rajhir wasn’t the one in control.

            Looking into that gentle face, Rajhir said, “Damn.  It’s going to be a shame if I have to punish you on our first date because you lied to me.  You know, you aren’t so big on your knees, and that’s exactly where you want me to put you.”

            Flencik’s mouth dropped open again.  Before he could say anything, Rajhir added, “We’ll discuss your true submissive tendencies over dinner.  I’ll pick you up from the medical center this evening.”

Release tentatively scheduled for March 2014

Shalia's Diary Monday Post

Name that kid.  http://shaliasdiary.blogspot.com/

December 2013 Update

Shalia’s Diary:  Book 2 is now available at all the usual suspects:  Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords.  Also in print.

This month’s blog entries will reveal why Imdiko Betra is not clanned, the huge mistake Shalia makes with Clan Dusa, her newfound options when it comes to clanning, and Dad Nayun’s big news.

Clans of Kalquor 2:  Alien Rule – Electronic rights return to me in December 15.  I am ready to roll out Alien Rule for re-release as soon as that happens.

Clans of Kalquor 5:  Alien Slave and Netherworld II:  Blood Potion No. 9:  Barnes & Noble has pulled these two books from its virtual shelves with no explanation.  As I will not get the rights back to those books for some time yet, I cannot do anything about that.  If you want either for your Nook, you will have to get them from Smashwords, which carries Nook-compatible ebooks.  The link for Alien Slave is http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/133804 and for Blood Potion http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/169723.

New Year’s Challenges

Start a new book each month:

(January)  Clans of Kalquor 8:  Alien Caged – Done and released. 

(February)  Clan Beginnings:  Clan, Honor, and Empire – Finished with the first draft of the Rajhir and Flencik portion of the story.  Moving on to Breft now.  Tentative release is set for March 2014.

(March)  First Mataras:  Michaela –Writing a bit here and there.  Planning for a June 2014 release. 

(April)  Clans of Kalquor 9:  Alien Indiscretions –The outline is done, writing a little here and there.  Tentative release set for September 2014.

(May)  Clan Beginnings:  Clan and Crown – All  work on hold.

(June)  Brianna’s Clan -  All work on hold.

(July)  Clans of Kalquor 10:  Alien Hostage – All work on hold.

(August)  Clan Beginnings:  Clan Bacoj (Untitled) – All work on hold.

(September)  Clan Companions 1 (Untitled) – All work on hold.

(October)  Clans of Kalquor 11:  Alien Revolt –All work on hold.

(November)  Clan Beginnings:  Clan Erybet (Untitled) – Outline done.  Further work on hold.

(December)  Nuns of Europa story of aspirant Tina, who was claimed by Sub-weapons Commander Osopa’s clan.  Character sketches in progress.

You know what that means:  I successfully started a new writing project every month for the year as I challenged myself to do.  A lot of groundwork has been laid for upcoming stories, which you will see in the next couple of years.  Lots to look forward to!

Everyone please have a safe and wonderful holiday. 

Shalia's Diary Thursday Post

News Shalia doesn't want to hear.  http://shaliasdiary.blogspot.com/

WIP Wednesday – Clans of Kalquor 9: Alien Indiscretions

Imperial fathers Yuder and Tidro are involved in an old argument.  With the Basma’s rebellion, things have gone from bad to worse in the Empire.  Secrets are about to come out, which could tear apart Kalquor.

                “They will learn the truth of the Earthers being brought here to Kalquor.”

                The Imdiko rolled his eyes.  “So?  Everyone always suspected it was an imperial decree that sanctioned the first abductions.”

                “But they had no proof.  With this threatened rebellion, it could lead to more trouble.”

                Tidro snorted.  “Rebellion.  The fools and their ridiculous defense of the ‘pure’ Kalquorian.  We were dying out, Yuder.  What choice did we have?”

                Of them all, Tidro had always been convinced that they did the right thing.  It had been Zarl and Yuder who had held reservations about kidnapping the Earther females that now gave the Empire hope.  In the end, for better or worse, desperation had won out.

                To his Imdiko, Yuder said, “Why we made the decision we did doesn’t matter to those who oppose the mixing of Kalquorians and Earthers.  The fact remains we took women away against their leaders’ wishes – and sometimes against the women’s wishes – which led to war with Earth.  Many of our own perished, and Earth is a dead world now.”

                Tidro’s tone turned hot.  “Due to the crazy religious faction that ruled that planet.”

                “Due to us taking their females in order to continue our culture,” Yuder corrected firmly.  “Let’s not pretty this up, my Imdiko.  No matter how desperate we were, we did something that resulted in billions of deaths.  Billions, Tidro.”

                Tidro still wouldn’t accept any of it as their doing.  “We had no idea how mad their leaders were.  How could we know they would destroy themselves like that?  It’s not like we set up the explosives and knowingly blew the planet up!”

                It was easy to be patient with his Imdiko since Yuder had long given up on changing his mind about the issue.  “It doesn’t matter what we did or didn’t know at the time.  What matters is it happened, and the likelihood is great that Zarl’s records will show our complicity.  The disaffected will flock to the Basma’s rebellion once it comes out.  There will be many shouting for justice for the dead.  I want you out of here before that happens.”

Tentative release date set for September 2014