2024 COVERS

2024 covers

Welcome to the Dark Side!

We are writers mainly from Australia and New Zealand who write speculative fiction with romantic elements. Be it fantasy, paranormal, dark urban fantasy, futuristic and everything in between.

Saturday 18 July 2015

Darklight On ... JL Addicoat


Today's Darklight On  is ... J.L. Addicoat
 
Welcome, J.L.


 
 


Your latest release is Entangled Destinies. What inspired you to write this book?

I wrote Entangled Destinies over two consecutive years during NaNoWriMo.

Originally titled ‘The Bottle’, the book developed from a comment my husband Kevin made about finding a bottle with a message inside. We talked over a few ideas and he suggested I write it. Really, what he said was, ‘A bottle is found washed up on a beach with a message inside. Write a story about it.’

So, for the next 30 days I did.

 
Did you plot or pants this novel?

A bit of both really. The first part had each Chapter loosely plotted, until I got to Chapter Eight which became, Nine, Ten, Eleven, Twelve and Thirteen.

The second part, written over the second NaNoWriMo stint was totally pantsed. I knew what I wanted to happen and where I wanted it to lead, but the characters took off on their own little journey.

However, they didn’t get it all their way. In first edits, I rewrote the last ten thousand words.


What genre would you place Entangled Destines in?

That’s not an easy question. This novel has smatterings of a few genres. There’s Horror, Paranormal, Romance, Contemporary and Science Fiction. A bit of nearly everything I think.


When is your Entangled Destinies due to be released?

Release day for the ebook is the 22nd July, but could be a few days early.

I am self-publishing the paperback, and these will be available from my website hopefully around the same time.


~~~
 
Thanks, JL


E-Book Cover
 
 
Paperback Cover 
 
 



Blurb

Can a message found in a century old bottle bring a government to its knees?

Have you ever found yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time?

When Sarah glances out the window in time to see her employer, Edmund Starke, emerge from the shadows covered in blood, only her mistress’ brave actions allow Sarah to escape with her life.

With only a small bag and her diaries, she needs to leave England, but can she gain passage on a ship bound for America without Edmund’s henchmen catching and dragging her back?

 
 Buy the ebook here: Rogue Phoenix Press
 

About the Author

J. L Addicoat, (better known as Jenny or Jen) grew up in a small suburb in Melbourne.

Her mother, a German immigrant, pushed her to learn to read at an early age so she could give her mother a better understanding of the English language.

Books and J. L. soon became best friends and a means to escape to other worlds, be they fantasy or science fiction, J. L. loved them.
 
She now lives in a small rural Queensland town, with her husband Kevin and two spoilt felines.

 
 
Find J.L. here: Website / Facebook / Twitter


Saturday 11 July 2015

Enchanted Orb with Anna Hackett

 
Today we have Anna Hackett, science fiction and action romance writer, joining us and her book, Hell Squad - Marcus is free.

 
“Inspiration is only the beginning.”Anna Hackett

I love to hear about the inspiration behind my favourite authors’ stories. Sometimes inspiration strikes like lightning in a dream, in the shower, or in the middle of a movie. Sometimes story ideas grow over time, stewing a little until the ingredients come together.

My latest series, Hell Squad, had a couple of sources of inspiration. This is a post-apocalyptic, action-adventure, science fiction romance series. Aliens have invaded and the series focuses on the human survivors (primarily a rough, tough group of soldiers) and their battle against the aliens. The first source of inspiration was obviously a long list of movies, TV shows, games, and books. You’ll probably see shades of Jurassic Park, Independence Day, Falling Skies, and Gears of War in Hell Squad.

The second source of inspiration was the romance in the first book, Marcus. I had a clear image of a tough, scarred, battle-hardened soldier and a beautiful society girl. In what situation would these two very different people fall in love? The middle of an alien apocalypse, of course!

And the third source of inspiration was the science behind the gadgets and weaponry in Hell Squad. Most of the technology that’s mentioned (the series is set about a hundred years into the future) is based on current research projects to develop exoskeletons, weaponry and armour.

BUT, like I said above, inspiration is only the beginning. Having a great idea is easy…making it a reality takes effort, hard work and determination. I’ve published four Hell Squad books this year…and there are more in the works that will be out before the end of the year. My number one tip I have for anyone struggling to bring their inspired story ideas to life: write every day. Not when you feel like it, not once the kids are back at school, not starting tomorrow. Every day, even if it’s only for a short time (and I think this can be applied to anything we want to achieve, not just writing!)

When I decided to get serious about my writing, I pored over interviews by successful authors. One thing jumped out at me…they all mention writing every day and not making excuses. Inspiration is easy, getting the words on the page is where we have to knuckle down and make it happen.

So, how many words did you write today? And how many are you going to write tomorrow?

About the author: Anna Hackett
I'm passionate about all things action romance. I love stories that combine the thrill of falling in love with the excitement of action, danger and adventure. I write about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it's possible for all of us to do the same. www.annahackettbooks.com

Grab the first book in Hell Squad, MARCUS, for FREE:


Blurb:

In the aftermath of a deadly alien invasion, a band of survivors fights on…

In a world gone to hell, Elle Milton—once the darling of the Sydney social scene—has carved a role for herself as the communications officer for the toughest commando team fighting for humanity’s survival—Hell Squad. It’s her chance to make a difference and make up for horrible past mistakes…despite the fact that its battle-hardened commander never wanted her on his team.

When Hell Squad is tasked with destroying a strategic alien facility, Elle knows they need her skills in the field. But first she must go head to head with Marcus Steele and convince him she won’t be a liability.

Marcus Steele is a warrior through and through. He fights to protect the innocent and give the human race a chance to survive. And that includes the beautiful, gutsy Elle who twists him up inside with a single look. The last thing he wants is to take her into a warzone, but soon they are thrown together battling both the alien invaders and their overwhelming attraction. And Marcus will learn just how much he’ll sacrifice to keep her safe.

Download your FREE copy!

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