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Tuesday, January 3, 2012

TOPIC: In a galaxy far, far away...with Jenna McCormick

Some of the most wonderful moments of my childhood included reenacting or creating my own scenes of such science fiction classics as George Lucas' Star Wars, Glen A.Larson's Battlestar Galactica (the original version) and Gene Rodenbury's Star Trek.

The TARDIS
Most days my friends went along with my desire to turn the Jacaranda tree in my front yard into an Viper or X-wing fighter.

We fought over whether we were going to be Jedi's or belong to the Dark Side of the Force. And how we so wished transporters or the TARDIS were actually real!

In many ways I never lost that obsessions with all things sci-fi. I still love watching SF TV shows and movies - old and new - V the TV series, Dr.Who, Lost in Space, Farscape, Firefly, Stargate, ET, Tron, Dune, Planet of the Apes, Alien, The Terminator, Mad Max, Fortress, Waterworld, Pitch Black, Independence Day, The Matrix, Armageddon, I,Robot, I am Legend, Avatar, District 9, Cowboys & Aliens...the list is endless.

My love for sci-fi didn't stop at TV shows or movies. I loved reading the genre as well.

I became a huge fan of authors like Anne McCaffrey, Andre Norton, Patrick Tilley, David Brin and Sharon Green.

And then I discovered science fiction romance - the best of all worlds!

So, for those of you who don't know what it is, or for those who love it as much as I do, this is a blog series devoted entirely to science fiction romance and the authors who write it for our enjoyment.

Strap yourselves in, prepare to jump to Warp 9 and you never know...you might find yourselves in a galaxy far, far away...addicted to a new genre...and a new author...

My first SFR guest author is JENNA McCORMICK. 

Bio: A little fantasy goes a long way...

Born on Sanibel Island (Florida, USA) somewhere between the fifth and seventh bottle of Rosa Regale, Jenna McCormick writes big girl erotic romance with a touch of out of this world fantasy.

Her hobbies include scouring the Internet for the perfect pair of boots and stirring up trouble, much to the dismay of her alter ego, mystery writer Jennifer L. Hart.

YOUR THOUGHTS ON SFR: 
Has the SF genre always fascinated you?
Absolutely. I grew up on Star Trek: The Next Generation, and can still recall all the lyrics to the TNG parody version sung to the tune of Billy Joel’s We Didn’t Start the Fire.

Jean Luc, Gorgie’s spec’s, mysteries on the holodeck…

What SF/R addictions can you lay claim to? (collect Star Wars paraphernalia, closet Trekkie, you've watched Buck Rogers a million times etc.)
Never a closet Trekkie, no I didn’t have enough sense for that, LOL!

I was always, BAM out there, in your face with my geek-ri-tude. Loved Star Wars, some of the first adult novels I read were the continuation on the series.

And I was a rabid fan of both Firefly and Farscape.


Is there any one author, TV show, movie, producer, actor, other influence that inspires you?
Jax
Oh, a whole bunch. I’m easily influenced, LOL.

As far as SFR, I’d have to say Ann Aguirre’s Sarantha Jax series is all I’ve ever wanted in SFR.

What sucked you in to writing science fiction - as opposed to being just a fan or reader of SF and whether it's straight SF, space opera, SFR or any other combination?
Honestly I tried to write paranormal and I stunk at it. My brain kept leading me into outer space. It’s what I’m hardwired for and while I do enjoy paranormal, it’s not my passion the way SFR is.

As an author published in SFR, have you seen or do you see the genre gaining popularity in the marketplace?
Absolutely. Books like THE HUNGER GAMES are setting the bar and well established authors who used to write in other romance subgenres are branching out into SFR.

I think that’s exactly what the genre needs both fresh new voices (ahem;-) and ones that they trust immerse readers in the subgenre give them a real chance to fall in love with it. For some reason, SFR scares off many traditional romance readers, but I think having a good experience with it is crucial.

YOUR WORK:
Published work in the SF/R genre: One full length, NO LIMITS, two novellas in a trilogy and one Medieval Times Space Opera as the other (non-erotic romance) me, Jennifer L Hart.
Publisher/s: Kensington, Sanibel Moon Books, and self-pubbed.
Your website: www.authorjennamac.com 

Congratulations on your newest release, NO LIMITS - it came out on Jan.1st with Kensington Aphrodisia. Can you share a little about the book?
Thank you!

Title: NO LIMITS
Publisher: Kensington Aphrodisia
ISBN 13 978-0758272850
Order from: Amazon or Barnes & Noble

All Genevieve Luzon wants is to be loved by one man, a seemingly impossible task in New-New York City at the start of the twenty second century. Sure, she can buy sex as easily as order a pizza on a Friday night, but finding a forever kind of love among her self-centered peers is no easy feat for the unemployed off-world vacation coordinator. When an old friend offers her the position of secret shopper to test out the male prostitutes, Gen can’t think of a good reason to refuse. Hell, if she can’t find Mr. Right, she might as well try on a sampler of Mr. Right Nows.

Yet the perks of her new position don’t compare to the strange attraction she has, not for one of the prostitutes, but a candle that seems to warm places of her she never knew existed. When a man appears out of the flame, Gen is sure she's found the one. Rhys is an empath, made a slave by the Illustra Corporation and he’s everything Gen could ever want. Except available. Because Rhys is on a mission. One that might claim his life. He must try to free his people, consequences be damned. Now, Gen must choose between turning her back on the only man she’s ever loved and the monumental task he has set for himself. Should she risk her life fighting a war hidden from polite society against those who wish to control us all?

Is love really worth fighting for?

What unique slant have you given SF in NO LIMITS?
Well, I started the story on future Earth and then took my characters out into space. Usually, the story is one or the other, set on futuristic Earth or out in space. I never was any good at coloring in the lines.

What do you think readers will like the most about the story?
The many, many sex scenes. LOL!

Is NO LIMITS the first in a series or a stand-alone?
First in the series. I’m currently working on the sequel, NO MERCY, about Zan the space pirate. He’s yummy, a total bad boy anti-hero and I can’t wait to play with him some more.

FAVOURITE PICKS
Now for a little bit of fun - think back to all the TV shows/cartoons, movies and books you've read in the SF/R genre and answer the following...

SF/R hero: Mal Reynolds.
SF/R heroine: She-Ra. Totally counts - she was born on planet Eternia!
SF/R villain: Q.
SF/R alien race: The Borg.
SF/R technology: I’m going to be an ego maniac here and name my own. The health shield in NO LIMITS. On future Earth everyone is equipped with personal shields to obliterate foreign DNA. I’m a germaphobe and this sounds a lot better than living with a can of Lysol strapped to my hip.
SF/R space craft: Moya from Farscape. I just had to toss in a living ship in her honor.
SF/R TV show or movie: Jeeze, if I had to pick just one…. Gotta be Firefly. There were so many hidden gems and nuggets of sheer brilliance in that show.
SF/R quote made by a character/actor/person: “That’s a dumb planet!” – Mal Reynolds from Firefly.


Jenna, thanks for sharing your take on science fiction romance, it's been fantastic having you launch this blog series - all the best for your new release, NO LIMITS!
Thanks so much for hosting me, Kylie!


If Jenna's book, NO LIMITS, interests you, keep an eye out on her website or blog for more information about her blog tour!

41 comments:

  1. I think TV shows such as Star Trek are what introduced me to the world of Sci-Fi. It's such a fascination and different world -not always pretty but cool. I read from multiple genres but still need to read more Sci-Fi romances so I'm glad to see more out there. I'm all for love and HEA, wheather it's down to earth or out of it.

    Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  2. Very cool interview Jenna! You sound a lot like me in many ways. I wonder if other SFR authors echo similar feelings?

    Great questions, Kylie!

    Jenna, congrats on the release of No Limits! I truly can't wait to read this one.

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  3. Fun interview! I suppose its not too cool to admit that The Jetsons started me on space shows? Great feature!

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  4. Mal And She-Ra...Awesome! Princess of Power. :)

    A great interview! Love that you like to blur the boundaries. All the best with your new release!

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  5. Great post :-) I came to sci-fi very late in my life and pretty much ignored the kids in my neighborhood who reenacted Star Wars lol Best wishes on the book!

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  6. I loved this post! And all the pics that went with it.

    Ahh...FARSCAPE. I still dream about John Crichton. ;)

    Thanks for sharing, Jenna and Kylie! I'll Tweet and FB it.

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  7. Kyle, Thanks so much for having me! Love the intro, especially the Terminator reference. "I traveled through time for you Sarah Conner...."Le sigh.

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  8. Na, I'm so with you there, I was practically born with a remote in my hand and my Dad was a big Sci Fi fan.

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  9. Kaye, We SFR writers are a brand all our own!

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  10. Pauline, hey, I wanted to BE She-Ra to fend of the evil dentist so I'm not going to cast stones!

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  11. Jessica, yup, She-Ra is why I'm the Intergalactic Princess.

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  12. Sandra, you're proof positive that it's never to late to come to the dark side!

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  13. Heidi, thanks so much for all of your help!

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  14. honestly, ive never been a fan of sci-fi anything! still looking forward to reading this, tho, because i already know how you write and you have yet to disappoint!

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  15. Heather, that's one of the best compliments I've ever had!

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  16. Congrats on the release of No Limits, Jenna! :) It's great that you're writing what you're passionate about - I'm sure it shows in the book.

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  17. There's so many shows and films listed in there that got me going too! Good luck with the tour!

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  18. Na, it's amazing the impact Star Trek has had on at least 3 or 4 generations. And so much of the techno-jargon has crept into out language, so that even if someone's not a Trekkie they recognise the phrase/word anyway!

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  19. Kaye, looking at the variety of comments it seems many of your feelings resonates with others! LOL

    Pauline, whatever works to switch us on to SFR! And Sandra, doesn't matter how late we find SFR, welcome to the addiction! :-)

    Jessica, glad you enjoyed the interview.

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  20. Heidi, I too share your love of John Crichton *drool*.

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  21. Heather, in the near future your conversion to SFR I see! (bad imitation of Yoda here)

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  22. Renae & Pippa thanks for dropping by. Jenna had some great answers to the interview questions. Amazing how familiar/similar some of her favorites were.

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  23. Congratulations on your new release Jenna! I'm adding this to my list. I haven't read too much SFR but I'm definitely adding more of it to my reading list this year. I have to agree about "Firefly", it was such a brilliant show and when they killed it off, I just couldn't believe it, but then they kill off a lot of shows I like..lol...

    Good luck with the blog tour!

    ringpop2010 at gmail dot com

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  24. Congrats on your release, Jenna! NO LIMITS sounds like an awesome read and I'm really looking forward to it. And I totally relate to being "hardwired" to write SFR (and read it).

    I didn't see Defying Gravity listed in your TV series line up. If you've never seen it, you should definitely check it out. It's a Near Future SF with a healthy dose of R.

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  25. Love the little taste of "No Limits". I agree with a previous commenter Heather (my sister!)and can't wait to read it! Thank you!

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  26. Maria, I'm still in mourning for Mal and the gang. Glad he's on Castle though so I can get my Fillion fix!

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  27. Laurie, thanks. It's funny I do have Defying gravity on my need to watch and return to my Dad soon pile. He still has my season one of Burn Notice and season three of Weeds though. I will be sure to watch it sooner rather than later!

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  28. Taterbug, love the handle! Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  29. Congrats on your new release, Jenna - and I can't wait for No Mercy!

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  30. Maria, I often have a Firefly marathon, just to relive the entertainment and wonder I experienced when I first discovered the series. Not sure how many lines I can quote from the characters now, but they live on! LOL

    Laurie, I'm going to have to go look Defying Gravity. Never heard of it. Maybe it hasn't been released here in Australia yet, which wouldn't be unusual. Or it could've been put on some ungodly hour late at night like they do most SF/F/para shows.

    Hi, taterbug & Gail - hey, Jenna looks like you have made some prospective sales, woohoo!!!

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  31. I actually have some old Star Trek comic books. The technology in those was impressive for the time.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  32. I watched a bunch of shows when the SciFi channel first started programming. Cannot rememeber the name but one show had to do with aliens living amongst the humans and fighting for control against the human rebels. Somewhat like V but the invaders were not reptiles. I would love to have that show on DVD.
    linze_e at hotmail.com

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  33. I'm still annoyed that they cancelled Firefly. There was nothing not to like about it. We've watched the series so many times and yet it always seems fresh, you know? Rather than thinking about how I know what comes next, I just get caught up in it all over again. Superb series. Mal is the man!

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  34. Darn, I missed Star Wars comics?

    If you remember the name of that show, lindseye, could you let me know - I'm always looking for a good DVD to add to my collection. :-)

    Sondrea, it had me fuming when I heard Firefly had been cancelled. Here in Australia, the network put the show on at the ungodly hour of 11.30pm (how is that supposed to help with ratings????) - like they do with most SF shows.

    Any author/entertainer/artist/musician knows it takes time to get a following. It's a real shame the network only gave Firefly one season before they decided the ratings weren't good enough.

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  35. Lindseye...if you might recognize the series name if you saw it, there's a listing on Wikipedia of the shows which are now and have been on Sci-fi (now Syfy) channel since it began. Some have little blurbs next to them. You can find it here:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Syfy_programs

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  36. The shows you listed were favorites in my youth, especially Lost in Space. The reruns were on cable when my own children were small so I got to relive it with them.

    I'm still sad about Firefly too. What a stupid move on the part of TV executives!

    Enjoyed the interview!

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  37. Sondrea thanks for the link. I will have to bookmark that since I watched a lot of shows on SciFi when it first started that I never saw anywhere else.

    I think the show was War of the Worlds, which I missed on it's original run as I was away at school and did not have access to tv. I will have to track down the DVD and see.

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  38. Erotic romance plus science fiction- yum, yum!
    mcv111 at hotmail(dot)com

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  39. So great to see so may SFR fans out there - and which shows helped addict you to the genre! LOL

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  40. How funny that so many of us love/loved Firefly! I was just tweeting some of Mal's quotes the other night as I was watching Serenity. That Joss Whedon is brilliant. I watched Farscape, too, and I watch Battlestar Galactica on the BBC. I got my hubby the complete series (and the movies) of Babylon 5 for Christmas. It's a gift for both of us.

    catherinelee100[at]gmail[dot]com

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  41. Catherine, you lucky duck on those Christmas gifts! I only got to see a few episodes of Babylon 5 before they rescheduled it to an impractical hour (late night). I've been wanting for years to rewatch it again! :-)

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