Sci-Fi & Romance With a Kick - by Vijaya Schartz

I always thought pure Sci-Fi could benefit from a little more human (or alien) emotion, and pure romance lacked in action, adventure, and plot. For me, a good read should have all of the above, that's why I write Sci-Fi romance. The road has been difficult at best, but finally publishers are starting to realize that these two genres were meant to mix to make a new category, for which bookstores still have to find a slot on their shelves. Romantic Science Fiction, or as I call it, Sci-Fi & Romance with a kick, has a wide readership eager for more books.

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The first publisher to give me a chance was Triskelion Publishing. They started in 2004, mixing romance with other genres, like gothic, urban fantasy, and Science Fiction. From an e-book publisher they went on to trade paperbacks and now mass market paperbacks, carried by all major bookstores. You may visit them at http://www.triskelionpublishing.com/

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Since then, larger publishers realized the potential of sci-fi romance and you can find these books slowly filling the shelves, although the booksellers still do not know where to place them. So our fans have to look very hard for them. Often in romance, these books are called futuristic, but the definitions vary greatly among authors and publishers. Is the emphasis on the romance? Or is it on the futuristic plot? My opinion differs from most. I think there should be an equal amount of plot and emotion. When the perfect balance is achieved, the reader, male or female, will enjoy the story.

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Yes, I said male. My readers are equally male and female. When I talk to a male reader, I say there is sex in my books. When I talk to a female reader, I say there is romance in my books. The truth is, men don't mind romance as long as you don't call it that, if the story is exciting. And women don't mind a little techno talk, as long as there is a romantic thread and tension throughout and a happy ending. I call it the best of both worlds.

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Another trend in romantic sci-fi is that the heroine is strong and very often kicks butts. That's my girl! No damsel in distress here. She often saves the hero's sweet little butt. Right you are. Maybe it's because I'm a black belt in Aikido that I like strong heroines, but publishers like them, too. The modern women is no victim and takes control of her destiny, no matter how hard it gets.

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If you are looking for a good sci-fi kick butt romance, check out my titles at Amazon here:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index%3Dbooks%26field-author%3DSchartz%2C%20Vijaya/102-5291164-3280150

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And if you want to know more about my books, just visit my website at:

http://www.vijayaschartz.com

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Have a wonderful day.

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Vijaya