In Search of Lesbian SFR: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

[Join me in welcoming author Cathy Pegau (DEEP DECEPTION) to The Galaxy Express. She's here to discuss the challenges of discovering lesbian science fiction romance. The challenges are many, and they go beyond the usual suspects. Once you've read her guest post, we look forward to hearing your thoughts about the topic!]

One of the main concerns an author has, other than telling a boffo story, is getting people to actually buy and read her books. Which means the book needs to be found and picked out of a crowd of others. This is challenging enough when a book is in a genre the reader already enjoys; they know where to go to get their favorite sort of stories.

But what about when a reader is ready to try something new or venture outside their comfort zone? What’s the best way to go about finding new material? Relevant books and authors have to pop up when a curious reader plugs particular terms into a search engine. For standard genres like science fiction or romance, there is no lack of places to get suggestions. For science fiction romance, it becomes a bit more difficult, but if you’re reading this you’re already on a fabulous SFR site and know where to find more.

But I write lesbian science fiction romance. Talk about a niche genre. How could a reader find *the* story that will begin their journey of lady love in space, on another planet or in an alternate universe?

A Brief Break

Dear passengers, The Galaxy Express will be on a brief break, but I expect to be back on the proverbial track in about a week. I'll also have limited access to both the Internet and email. To anyone waiting for a response from me, thanks for your patience.

In the meantime, visit Spacefreighters Lounge, Smart Girls Love SciFi & Paranormal Romance, and SFR Brigade for science fiction romance-related news and content.

Joyfully yours,

Heather

Making 'Em Laugh: The Challenges of Comedic Science Fiction Romance, Part One (Starring Diane Dooley & Lucy Woodhull)

Diane Dooley here. I recently invited author Lucy Woodhull to get virtually drunk with me at my favorite hole-in-the-wall bar. Why? 'Cos I needed someone to commiserate with me about the difficulties of writing humor. It's the hardest thing ever. On a scale of one to ten, I consider it a fifteen. Lucy, though. She makes it look easy. It's easy, right, Lucy? Right?  *slides over bottle of tequila*

Lucy:  *Eyes tequila bottle warily.*  I don't slurp anything with a worm in it unless it's off Captain America's six-pack, because I'm klassy.  I'll stick with my dirty martini, which I drink because of the word "dirty," and not for the pleasant gasoline-y hangover.

Nay!  Writing humor ain't half as hard as selling it.  I'm afraid this stuff just shoots right outta my brain, like vomit after I get klassy all over Chris Evans.  So, my point is, carry around a Dignity Bucket in case you meet one of the Avengers.  Wait, what?

Diane: Dammit. I guess I'm stuck with eating my own worm. Again. Pass the Dignity Bucket, will ye. Never seen one of them before in my life, more's the pity. I could have used this on many an occasion.

You got one thing right, Lucy. On a scale of one to ten selling humor is a twenty. So what nefarious deeds did you have commit to sell your Ragnar and Juliet stories. C'mon, Lucy. Suck down that dirty martini and share the gory details. Who exactly did you have to sleep with? And, um, was she any good?

Lucy:  Funny enough, it was the kind and delightful editor Tina Burns at Liquid Silver Books (now with Carina) who bought Ragnar and Juliet.  I'd written it, my first book ever, for an anthology call.  I got group rejected four days later.  As in: not "Dear Author," but "Dear Authors."  Ha!  I figured that would be my most wince-inducing rejection ever -- nowhere to go but up!  Tina bought R&J in 24 hours after the fabulous (and wicked-amazing cook) Nico Rosso, another sci-fi romance author, introduced us.  I have yet to sleep with Tina, and I'M WAITING, MADAM.

SFR News & Links For August 2013

Come aboard and enjoy some science fiction romance new release goodness! This month's roundup is on the light side because of a pending schedule change and blog break, but stay tuned because in the meantime, I'm racking up a bunch of fun content for the near future!

New releases

SKIES OF GOLD  –  (The Ether Chronicles #5; steampunk romance) – Zoe Archer

Two Lonely Hearts…

Kalindi MacNeil survived the devastating enemy airship attack that obliterated Liverpool, but even her engineering skills can’t seem to repair her broken heart. Seeking to put her life back together, Kali retreats to a desolate, deserted island—only to discover she’s not alone. Captain Fletcher Adams, an elite man/machine hybrid, a Man O’ War, crashed his battle-damaged airship into this deserted island after Liverpool, never expecting to survive the wreck. But survive he did.

One Desire…

Believing he is nothing but a living weapon, Fletcher is wary of his new-found companion—a pretty, damaged, but determined young woman. Together they are stranded on the deserted island, and it is only a matter of time until desire gets the best of both of them. Soon Kali and Fletcher find they may be just what the other needed. But a danger from beyond the island puts them to the test. Will it rip them apart or bond their hearts forever?