Writing Science Fiction by Diane Burton #Giveaway

I write science fiction because I believe in the future. I grew up in the days of Sputnik and the Space Race. President John Kennedy said we were going to the moon in that decade, the 1960s, and, by golly, we did. Back in those days, every launch was televised. So exciting to watch that cloud of smoke as the rocket lifted—oh, so slowly—off the launchpad and into the sky.

We explored the moon several times. Then we backtracked, built the International Space Station, and practiced for missions beyond our moon. Once we do go farther into our solar system, I’m certain we’ll set up colonies. Because that’s what humans do—we send out explorers, followed by adventurers, then we colonize.

My new release, Rescuing Mara’s Father, A Science Fiction Adventure, goes in reverse. The story starts in a colony on the frontier of space, the Outer Rim, then takes the reader to a “civilized” planet, a planet in the throes of a rebellion against an evil ruler. Why? To rescue fifteen-year-old Mara’s father from the queen’s clutches.

While the characters—Mara, her best friend, eleven-year-old Jako, and his brother, sixteen-year-old Lukus—have no idea what they’re up against, Mara’s determination leads them on a quest.

I have no doubt that somewhere, out there, are planets colonized by humans. They found “Goldilocks” planets where everything is “just right” for humans to live and thrive. Will we ever meet those humans? Will we ever travel to those planets? Not in my lifetime. In my grandchildren’s? I hope so. I wrote Rescuing Mara’s Father for those grandchildren that they will believe in the future. Maybe one of them will be an astronaut and “go where no one has gone before.”

3 friends, a hidden starship, a quest

Her father is gone! Taken by the Queen of Compara’s agents. Mara has to rescue him before the Queen tortures and kills him.

Instead of the kind, loving father she’s always known, he’s become demanding, critical, with impossible expectations—not just as Father but also as the only teacher in their frontier outpost. Mara would rather scoop zircan poop than listen to another boring lecture about governments on Central Planets. Give her a starship engine to take apart or, better yet, fly, and she’s happy. Now, he’s gone.

Never mind, they’ve had a rocky road lately.

Never mind, Father promised she could go off planet to Tech Institute next month when she turns fifteen, where she’ll learn to fly starships.

Never mind, she ran away because she’s furious with him because he reneged on that promise. Father is her only parent. She has to save him.

Along with her best friend, eleven-year-old Jako, and his brother 15-year-old Lukus, Mara sets off to find her father. Her mentor, old spaceport mechanic, seems to know why the Queen captured Father. In fact, he seems to know her father well. But, does he tell her everything? Of course not. He dribbles out info like a mush-eating baby. Worse, he indicates he’ll be leaving them soon. And Lukus can’t wait to get off their planet. Mara’s afraid they will all leave, and she’ll be on her own. Despite her fears, Mara has to rescue her father.

Rescuing Mara’s Father, A Science Fiction Adventure, is appropriate for middle grade students (4^th grade & up). It's now available at most online vendors.

Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ Kobo ~ B&N ~ Smashwords

  

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Bad Boys - I Think its a Disease

BAD BOYS - I think it's a disease.



What causes the normal conservative woman to go crazy when they see a good-looking bad boy? Is it the shades, the tight pair of jeans, the long hair, the Harley parked out front, or is it a non-diagnosed disease, we as women, are born with, that makes us want to cast aside our inner inhabitations and run off into the sunset with one?

Hopefully you’ve had more common sense than I’ve previously known when it comes to these shaded hunks; because Honey, I’ve become possessed more than once.

It all started when I was five. I was out camping with my grandparents and along came Brian, the shaded six-year-old…

And then there was Roger, Norman, Tom, David, Michael, Butch, Tony, Cecil, Bob, Robert, Blackie, Bill, Dale, Anthony, and, and, and…

I think you’re beginning to get the picture. Thankfully, I ended up with one that I perceived as a bad-boy who ended up being one of the good guys. But before I found my bad-boy hero, I often asked myself the question: What magical lore did they possess which caused me to loose my mind and go a bit bonkers?

 Here are my conclusions.

 First off, one must recognize bad boys come in many variations. There are some seriously bad apples out there; ones you want no part of. You know the ones I’m talking about; those that have had serious run-ins with the law, can’t seem to stay out of jail, can't keep their hands off of other women or keep their noses out of the white powder. Try looking the other way and find a slightly milder variety of bad boy, one who has learned to channel their high testosterone in a positive light and aim it in your direction. It’s okay if they drive too fast, drink a little too much on occasion, or want to sweep you off to a motel every chance they get, because in the long run, they’ll treat you right and you’ll be in for a romantic ride of your life.

Researchers say there are reasons we fall for the bad boy, not that I personally agree with all of their findings, but I think they are worth mentioning.

 1. The strong appetite for adventure.  Okay, they got me here. Ever since I was old enough to look, the bad boy screamed, adventure and boy did I have some. Have you ever dreamed of being the center of attention of the famous rock star,  football player, MMA fighter? I know I have. Or were you the one who secretly had fantasies of being with the military hero or secret agent's mistress? Bad boys scream excitement, adventure and erotic fantasies.

 2. The impulse to “save” the wayward man.  Most real bad-boys (those that I mentioned above) are beyond saving. You either take them as they are, or leave them standing next to that Harley. Believe me when I tell you the really bad ones will change you more than you know. If you're not ready to follow them to jail or a gun fight at the Okay corral, leave these guys alone and find another. They don't want to be changed anymore than you do.

 3. Father-Daughter relationships. Are we looking for someone who reminds us of our rogue daddy? Do we fall for the older guy? Who really knows, I don’t.

I’d love to hear what makes you fall in love with a hopeless hero, that perpetual bad-boy who captures our heart and holds on to it like a pair of Harley handlebars.