Guest post with author Susan Kelley - Minimal Viable Population

I'm still enjoying some family vacation time, but I have a special treat for you. Please welcome the wonderful Susan Kelley to my blog!

MVP: Minimal Viable Population

I’m thrilled to be here on Christine’s blog and take it over for a day. Let’s talk some genetics science stuff.

Survivors of the Apocalypse, my three book dystopian romance series, is set three hundred years in the future. A virus has nearly wiped out mankind. Inside a doomed city are thousands of people, surviving by keeping their sterile city completely closed to the outside. But there are people outside the doom who survived the pandemic. They’re living rugged, frontier lives, but they have plenty of resources. The thing they don’t have is a large population.

This forces the frontiersman to reach out to the city, hoping to recruit people so they can maintain a MVP, minimal viable population. What is that number for humans? There are many examples in science of species being brought back from extinction, some with as few as one breeding couple. But what about humans?

There are plenty of opinions on that, ranging from 50 couples to 10,000 or even 50,000. The TV show Salvation put that number at 160, which is a number sometimes quoted in the scientific community. The population would have to careful to prevent inbreeding. Why is inbreeding bad? After all, many of the old noble houses in Europe, and let’s not forget the Tsars of Russian, who married relatives for generations. And that most famous of fictional inbreeding stories, Game of Thrones, showcases how common though not always accepted marrying a close relative was in medieval times. Here’s an interesting debate on those numbers.

Now for the bad:

Any birth defects that are in the family line become more likely to appear.

Genetic issues that are recessive are more likely to come up if related people have offspring.

Successive generations of close inbreeding will decrease the diversity more and increase the rate of bad mutations.

Siblings or parents and kids (super disgusting) marrying are the worst. They share 50% of their DNA. First cousins share 12.5% and until rather recently, wasn’t considered that bad of a thing. Before people became more mobile, most people were born, lived, and died within less than a ten-mile radius. They didn’t have many options. It was also a way to keep wealth within the family. Once people moved around more and women had more say in their futures, first cousin marriage started to be frowned upon. In some parts of the USA, it is against the law though the US is the only western country that has such a prohibition. However, there are groups of people in the world who still practice it. Read more interesting facts about cousins marrying.

On the fictional series like Game of Thrones, we see the Targaryens have many family members who suffer from some mental issues. But what we really want to know is if Jon and Daenerys should have children, being aunt and nephew? Most of today’s societies would consider that an incestual relationship. But then again, it’s in Westeros.

But back to my series, the outsiders are smart enough to understand they need a larger gene pool. But can the city people survive the outside air where the virus still lurks? Can the outsider people possibly convince the city folks that a match with a rugged frontiersman is the best thing for mankind?

The last book in the series, Exile’s Savage Lady, is now available along with the first two books at all major eBook retailers. Robin Linden was saved was saved by the outsiders when he was exiled from the city by a corrupt government. Now he’s determined to return to the city and bring the cure to the starving, oppressed population. Kerry Gibbs was raised with her brothers on the wild frontier and isn’t afraid of anything. Until he realizes she might lose the strong, quiet big man back to the city he feels responsible for saving. Her only choice is to sneak into the city with Robin and make sure he doesn’t get himself killed. Robin is willing to sacrifice himself to save those unfortunates, but Kerry is going to do everything she can to make sure he survives. The city is a dangerous place and neither of them may make it out alive.

Amazon Link

Susan Kelley has been writing for more than ten years and has nineteen published romances. She resides in a large country home in central Pennsylvania where she has raised six children alongside her husband of many years. Deer, turkeys, hawks, and other wildlife cavort outside the window of her office where she writes fulltime. Find her:

On her blog, Susan Says

On Facebook

On Twitter

What do you think about marrying cousins? How close is too close? How many people would you put on a ship to populate a space colony?

Review for Tombs: A Chronicle of Latter-Day Times of Earth

Blurb:

It had been a time when the world needed legends, those years so long past now. Because there was something else legends could offer, or so the Poet believed. He didn't know quite what—ghouls were not skilled at imagination. Their world was a concrete one, one of stone and flesh. Struggle and survival. Survival predicated on others' deaths. Far in the future, when our sun grows ever larger, scorching the earth. When seas become poisonous and men are needed to guard the crypts from the scavengers of the dead. A ghoul-poet will share stories of love and loss, death and resurrection. Tombs is a beautifully written examination of the human condition of life, love, and death, through the prism of a dystopian apocalypse.

 

My review:

In the distant future where land and seas are polluted, an eater of the dead searches old stories for legends. This ghoul-poet, rare among his kind, seeks to learn more than heroics. The times are dismal, needing something much more powerful. Sharing with us tales of love and loss, life and death, the poet examines the human condition on a planet that is heaving its last breaths.

This is a mesmerizing collection of short stories all set in our distant future where the sun is frying Earth and many humans left are ill or mutated. The Tombs is the place where people bring their dead, a massive walled cemetery and city. There are those that work and live in the Tombs, serving the dead and protecting them from ghouls. I was fascinated by this dystopian world, the various people and their cultures. Every story brings the reader deeper into the world, unveils something beautiful and horrifying. Those two things are twined intricately here as we dance with gothic tales of life and death.

My favorite stories include "The Beautiful Corpse" as I did wonder if Gombar was loved as much as he loved. "The Female Dead" with the embalmer who so loved that he did everything he could to protect a beauty's corpse from the ghouls. There were only a few survivors in "City on Fire" and one was a woman who made the final trek for the man she loved.

 

It's release day for the Tombs!

Share your congratulations with the author

and buy the book on Amazon or B&N!

You can find James Dorr on his site.

James is one of the writers who belong to the local critique group, S.C.I.F.I. (South Central Indiana Fiction Interface) which I attend every month. He has over 500 pieces of short fiction published, and I've learned so much about the art of short story writing from him. This collection of stories is my favorite from him yet.

RPGs & Writing - Imagination and Friends

I'm kicking off a series of posts about how playing role-playing games (RPGs) has affected my writing. This topic not only excited me, but other authors I know. I'm eager to have some of my writer friends share their experiences through guest posts too.

I've always loved writing stories. It can be a lonely venture, though. I used to play imagination games with my friends where we'd play out stories. Back then, I had never heard of RPGs. I didn't play my first Dungeons & Dragons game until I was in university. But I was already addicted to something else before then.

I loved playing PBeM RPGs. What are those, you ask? Play by email (or play-by-post) RPGs are games groups of people as their characters interact together in a predefined environment. Many groups have rules about not only the parameters of the world but also the conduct of the players and subject matter allowed.

I played in all sorts of groups. Most of them in Yahoo Groups. Fantasy, science-fiction, dystopian, and tons of Harry Potter groups. Yes, I do love playing in that world!

 

What I liked most about these RPGs was that I didn't know what the other players would come up with next. I loved the twists and turns, the weird surprises, and the amazing stories we created together. Since I'm a pantser, I reveled in it.

With all these different types of worlds, I was able to experiment with different writing styles and various characters. I discovered that I loved to write about relationships - be it romantic, friends, enemies, etc. It was the characters who attracted me and drove me to become the character focused writer I am today. (One of the most character driven groups I had been in was a dystopian called Descent Into Sin. Deep, dark stuff.)

While these RPGs helped to mold me into the writer I am today, there was something else I loved about them: the friends I made. These friends encouraged me to write more of my own original work and gave me the strength to submit it to various venues. I had my first short story published because of their support. And even to this day, over fifteen years after I started in my first PBeM group, I'm still in contact with some of these amazing people. Not all of them write or play anymore, but they have never ceased to be fantastic cheerleaders and super friends.

Have you ever play in a PBeM RPG? A tabletop RPG like Dungeons & Dragons? What were your experiences like?

* * * * *

I would like to extend an invitation to any writers who have played RPGs. I'd love for you to guest post on my blog about your experiences. If you're interested, please leave your email in the comments below, or email me at christinerains.writer@gmail.com.

Snow on Cinders cover reveal

How far would you go to protect your family?

A peculiar metamorphosis has taken shape since the final days. And the planet is in the throes of healing.

Fulvio McTullan leads his family and a band of misfits to form a new settlement, far from Tallas and it’s nefarious Elites. Their journey takes them into uncharted territories where strange creatures are lurking. It’s a battle of survival, not only from the creatures, but the mutated earth as well. 

Meanwhile, Pomfrey Addler, an oppressive Elite squashes the insurrection in Tallas. Suddenly, citizens begin to vanish in the middle of the night and his daughter, Paniess is hell bent on revenge.

Fraught with mishaps, Fulvio finally locates the perfect place to settle. They begin to rebuild until they receive a call. A call which will lure them back into the clutches of Tallas.

Snow on Cinders by Cathrina Constantine

Publisher: CHBB

Cover Design: Melissa Stevens of The Illustrated Author

Release Date: October 24, 2015

Genre: Dystopian/Family Saga/Paranormal Thriller

SNOW ON CINDERS is a TALLAS sequel.

Review for Tallas

Blurb:

In a decimated world, setting foot outside the protected village of Tallas is certain death—or so they say. Mutations caused by those in the wilderness have plagued Tallas’s citizens—or so they say…

For Doogan and Keeyla their belief in a Free Tallas has lost its glimmer. And when their young son, Fabal, is given a very dangerous assignment, they risk everything to protect him. Fleeing Tallas, they head for the wilderness. But when they are ambushed by cruel Mediators, Doogan is recaptured, and while Keeyla and Fabal escape, she is severely injured. Can the two of them survive in the wilderness? Will Doogan getaway from the clutches of the Mediators? And are the terrible legends about the monsters beyond the walls of Tallas true?

My review:

Young Fabal is waken by his mother Keeyla in the middle of the night and she leads him on a daring escape from their protected village into a post-apocalyptic wilderness. The Elite claim Tallas is the only safe place in this ravaged world, but life might be harsher inside with the vicious Mediators running things. Fabal's father Doogan is captured but Keeyla continues on with her son in search of his grandfather. Both monsters and Mediators lurk in the dark. Can they survive in this perilous land?

TALLAS is a wonderfully written YA dystopian fantasy. The world building is brilliant. Tallas is this haven in a chaotic world full of fascinating mutants and terrifying monsters. It's a mystery as to what exactly happened, but that's the draw of it. The history of the village itself tells like an ancient legend even if Tallas isn't that old. This world holds all sorts of possibilities for many stories.

As interesting as the world is, it's the cast of characters that make this a great read. Fabal might be small and young, but he's brave. He's definitely his father's son. Doogan is a smart man in a tough situation. I could never guess exactly what was going to happen next. Keeyla is his perfect complement. I also loved Fulvio, Smelt, Swan, Knox, and Tibbles. And there are bad guys a plenty. Loathsome and just plain downright detestable.

I recommend this to young and old readers alike! An original dystopian tale that holds you from start to finish.

Buy the book here!

Find out more about Cathrina Constantine at:

Website * Blog * Facebook

Beacon Goddess Fish Tour & Giveaway - Writing Romance: Teen vs. Adult

I am excited to welcome the lovely and talented Angela Brown to my blog today. She's promoting her newest novel, Beacon. It's my favorite book from her yet. Check out my review. She's talking romance and holding a mega giveaway! Be sure to follow her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions and increase your chances of winning.

Writing Romance: Teen vs. Adult

Hey Christine and thank you so much for letting me drop in for a visit. 

As some of you may know, I write and publish across the romance spectrum, from teens to adults. Beacon, my YA urban fantasy dystopian, is written for a teen audience with a lot of focus on the main character’s journey of self-discovery. Part of that involves her romantic feelings for a certain best friend with smoldering silver eyes.

Being a YA novel, I chose to approach the romance angle the same as I’d done with my other YA novel, Neverlove. In YA, there’s an opportunity to jump on the newness of crushes and first loves. Couple that with the yo-yo crazy hormonal tizzy that is adolescence and writing romance for teens becomes a deep dive into angst, confusion, and blossoming love from lenses unclouded (This is regarding an unclouded - or less than really grimy-dirty - past and present with experiencing romance).

Within YA, I also tend to keep things a little sweeter, cleaner, especially when it comes to sex. Touches are evocative. Kisses are fire, but if I have my characters embark on a sexual encounter, I’ll keep “the act” details to a minimum or perhaps go with the “fade to black.” This is a preference, not a necessity for writing romance for teens. As much as we adults would like to think young people don’t know - or shouldn’t know - about some of the grittier things when it comes to romance, think again. Writing is an art (to some it isn’t but that’s a debate for another time) and art is certainly an imitation of life.

My new adult and adult romance differs slightly for a couple of reasons.

1. By the time we’ve hit college or step into the first day at that new job, we’ve experienced a first love, maybe even a second or third. We’ve crushed on someone who had no intentions or desires to reciprocate those feelings. Many times, they probably had no clue of the unrequited love. When we’ve reached adulthood, we’ve harbored the anger, frustration, and pain of heartbreak. So when I write my romance titles geared toward a new adult/adult audience, the main characters tend to experience the ups and downs of the romance through lenses clouded by past hurts as well as past joys. Love may not be brand new, but can spring from a beautiful place of renew-ness.
2. Sexual encounters are purposeful and may include more details. As a note, the titles I publish under my Rayven Godchild pen name are erotic in nature so yes, the sex is far more detailed than projects under my Angela Brown name.

So yeah, writing romance for teens is different for me than when I write for adults. Having some of the differences helps so that when I approach a writing project, I know what bounds - or lack thereof - I’m working with to direct my word choices.

What are your thoughts on writing romance for teens vs. adults?

Blurb:

Tsunamis reduced the USA into a shell of itself, called The Fold. Surviving humans and vampires joined forces to form The Colony, where registered citizens do as they're told.

They donate blood quarterly and dream of being chosen as Attendees for the Jubilee celebrations, that is, everyone except Macie Breen. With high school graduation near, she’s anxious to ditch the rules in hopes of starting a new life with Thane, an unregistered and also her best friend.

Her hopes fizzle when Macie is selected as an Attendee, forever registered. Any future with Thane…impossible. Being chosen comes with another unexpected price.

Truths about The Colony blaze into ashes and lies when she discovers the vampires haven't kept their part of the bargain. Worst still, Macie’s life unravels as her stint in the city of Bliss forces her to face daunting truths about who, and what, she really is.

Excerpt:

Thane tapped the door. “Would it help if I said I didn’t see anything?”

“No!”

He snickered some more. I cringed. Embarrassment coursed through me, heating every inch of my skin.

“Would it help if I told you what I did see looked beautiful?”

I hesitated half a heartbeat. “Don’t lie to me!”

“It’s not a lie.” He didn’t laugh. His voice, his tone, quiet, honest.

I stared at the door and wanted to giggle myself. Flutters erupted in my belly.

Buy Beacon at

Amazon * Evernight Teen

About the author:

Born and raised in Little Rock, AR, Angela now calls Central Texas home. She's a lover of Wild Cherry Pepsi and chocolate/chocolate covered delicious-ness. Steampunk, fantasy and paranormal to contemporary - mostly young adult - fill her growing library of books. Mother to a rambunctious darling girl aptly nicknamed Chipmunk, life stays busy. Her favorite quote keeps her moving: "You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Author links: Blog * Goodreads * Amazon * Facebook * Twitter

Angela will be awarding a $75 giftcard to one lucky random winner!

  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wicked Wednesday - trends in paranormal romance for spring 2013

I always keep an eye on what's hot and what's not in paranormal romance. I like to see what readers are eating up and discover something new for myself. It helps with my marketing too.

Vampires and werewolves still dominate the market. You might hear that no one wants to see any more, but that's not true. Readers want their alpha wolves and mysterious tall dark strangers of the night. So if you have a vampire story you really want to get out there, don't worry. The market hasn't cooled. People are wanting to see something new with them, though. A little twist on the legend is all it takes.

I keep waiting to see steampunk take a big leap, but it hasn't gained too much popularity since its original jump a few years ago. It has its niche, but it doesn't seem to be growing.

Dystopians are popular with the YA readers. Adult readers prefer contemporary stories.

Sci-fi romance is inching its way forward. I do believe you'll see more and more of it.

Everything is about series now. If you want to make it with a paranormal romance, it needs to be a series. Many of them are on-going with no end in sight.

Trends come and go and come again. It's difficult to say what's going to be the next big thing. Yet I can guarantee paranormal romance is here to stay, and your book might just start off the next huge trend.

Do you pay attention to what's happening in the market of your genre?

Weighted Release Day Blitz

Weighted (Prequel Novelette)

The Great War of 2185 is over, but my nightmare has just begun. I am being held captive in the Queen’s ship awaiting interrogation. My only possible ally is the princess, but I’m unsure if she is really my friend or a trap set by the Queen to fool me into sharing the secret of my gift. A gift I keep hidden even from myself. It swirls inside my body begging for release, but it is the one thing the Queen can never discover. Will I have the strength to keep the secret? I’ll know the answer soon. If the stories are true about the interrogators, I’ll either be dead or a traitor to my people by morning.

Now available on

Smashwords,

Amazon,

and B&N.

Check out a fabulous excerpt here!

Ciara writes to ‘Defy the Dark’ with her fantasy and paranormal books. Her debut novel, The Curse of Gremdon, was released to acclaimed reviews, securing a Night Owl Top Pick and five stars from the Paranormal Romance Guild. Also, book I, Rise From Darkness, from her debut young adult Battle For Souls series, secured glowing reviews and won July Book of the Month from Long and Short Reviews.

Her first love, besides her family, reading, and writing, is travel. She's backpacked through Europe, visited orphanages in China, and landed in a helicopter on a glacier in Alaska.

Ciara is extremely sociable so please feel free to connect with her at her blog, website, Twitter, Goodreads, or Facebook.

Upcoming books in The Neumarian Chronicles:
Escapement (Book I) - Early 2013
Pendulum (Book II) - Mid 2013
Balance (Book III) - Early 2014

Other books by Ciara Knight:
Battle for Souls Series
Rise From Darkness
Fall From Grace
Ascension of Evil - Coming in October

Third time's a charm - Lucky 7 meme

I want to give a big thank you to the wonderful and nerdy

 L.G. Keltner for this award.

I've done it a couple times before, but hey, it's a lot of fun.

Plus, she had a different badge to go with it!

Here are the rules:

1. Go to page 77 of your current manuscript

2. Go down to line 7.

3. Copy down the next 7 lines.

4. Tag 7 others. (I'm not going to tag anyone. Take it if you want it!)

This excerpt is from an older manuscript entitled LEX. It's ten years old this year. If I don't have a title, I always named my story after the protagonist. It's a dystopian romance. Lex is unlike any other heroine I've ever written. She's not hard, bitter, witty, magical, nor is she a fighter. She's very naive and thinks in strange ways. Her strength is in that innocence, because with it comes unwavering hope.

Here's the excerpt:

"All of us here outside the city live without the dust. We're able to make our own happiness without using the drug to induce it. A lot of people think Faery Dust is very bad. That's why in the Hearth yesterday the others were so insulted you asked for it. You didn't know you were asking for a bad thing, but they were offended nonetheless." Aelwyd spoke softly.

"I didn't mean to say something bad. I only want to make people happy."