Writing a new genre - Sci-fi stories

This is the second in a series of authors talking about their experiences when writing a new genre and my guest this month is the lovely Tatum Throne who had two sci-fi stories out with different publishers within a few weeks of each other.

*waves* Thanks for having me on your blog today! I’m here to share my experience writing a new genre. It was way more exciting than I ever thought it would be.

I started writing my first Sci-Fi a year ago. I honestly made the mistake of mentioning to someone that I was working on a Sci-Fi. They immediately started pre-judging my book, telling me that Sci-Fi fans are very particular and I have to do it right. *snort* That there are rules to follow. *eye roll* That I really shouldn’t write it as I won’t do it right. Excuse me? The only rules I follow when writing a new book are the ones my muse lays out for me. I go where my muse always takes me or he starts fighting me and then all writing comes to a stop. That’s the worst place to be as a writer.

(Just to clarify this was at a writing conference when I pitched my Sci-Fi to an editor - no relation to my current publishers - who immediately cringed when I told her it was Sci-Fi. I was then told that Sci-Fi doesn't sell well. I was taken aback because I didn't realize I was only in the writing business if my work sells well. I didn't realize that they only took authors on who they think their work will do well and make them tons of money. It also made me understand that they're not in the business of truly growing authors. No one hits a home-run their first book out. It takes time to build a following.)

I won’t mention who this editor was as I do respect her experience. Sci-Fi doesn’t sell well at all. I was warned that I was basically wasting my time. Huh? I’m a writer. I never waste my time doing what I love. If I don’t write what my muse orders me to, I can’t let the book go. I have to write it! *sigh* So, here I am with this great story that I’ve been told Sci-Fi romance fans will hate and I’m wasting my time. Wow.

Words have power. I’m glad I didn’t listen to those two who didn’t have my best interest at heart. They were looking at the bottom line. Contact [Titan Year 1] hit ARe’s best sellers list while still on pre-order. It then went on to hit #10 on Amazon under Sci-Fi M/M romance. So, happy I didn’t listen. Where would my book be if I had? Probably sitting at the bottom of my work in progress file.

I love writing Sci-Fi romance. I love writing about really hot sex with aliens. I love the idea that they know about us but are staying away. I get easily caught up in the fantasy of Sci-Fi. I mean…what would you do if they contacted you? I know what I would do.

Contact [Titan Year 1] found a home with Luminosity Publishing and has gone further than I ever wished, dreamed, and planned. I am absolutely thrilled fans are loving this series. I have big plans for it. I’m currently working on book two!

Happy reading!

That was fascinating reading. I was horrified that anyone would tell an author that writing a particular genre is a waste of time! Regardless of how well it sells, with each book we write we develop our writing skills.

I asked her a follow up question, “Knowing that both books came out about the same time and you were editing them one after another, did you find it difficult to jump from one to another bearing in mind they are both sci-fis or did you get confused trying to remember which 'world' you were in? And did you have any tricks to avoid this?"

Her answer was, “With having two Sci-Fi books out about the same time, I had to take copious notes and make detailed character spreadsheets that explained all alien traits. I built two completely different worlds and I want to make sure I stay true to each. It wasn't difficult to keep them separate in my mind but as I build on each series, I don't want to make mistakes."

Thanks, Tatum. That is good advice.

If you want to know more here are the blurbs and buy links for both her stories:

Contact [Titan Year 1]

What would you do if they contacted you?

NASA scientist Cooper Hart is dying. He’s determined to spend his final days hoping to hear a signal from a far away world. When the encryption first comes in, he quickly discovers that this isn’t a prank. They want to meet.

Elian Moten has spent the last four years searching for a life form compatible to his. His world is dying from the lack of ability to reproduce. They need males to repopulate. After researching the planet within the Benidi Region, also known as Earth, he chooses Cooper Hart to bring back to the royal family. He isn’t prepared for the intense attraction he feels for Cooper or the overpowering urge to claim him.

After three months aboard the Titan, Cooper wakes up to discover he isn’t dead. He’s been given a second chance, but he’s not sure if he’s prepared to take it. When he looks at Elian, he only knows how to say yes.

Reader Advisory: Sci-Fi MM erotic romance, containing consensual relationship between human and alien. Light BDSM, spanking.

Luminosity Publishing

Amazon US

Amazon UK

ARe

Deep Salvage [ISA 1]

[Siren Publishing Classic ManLove: Erotic Alternative Futuristic Sci-Fi

Romance, M/M, spanking, HEA]

Ehren Tovar has just escaped the war towers. To flee off planet, Ehren pretends to be a synthetic life. When he’s sold to Captain Talen Runak, he quickly falls for the warrior. Too bad he has no idea he’s really a human who is using him to get back to Earth.

Talen tries to ignore the intense attraction he has for the synthetic life but can’t. There is something different about him that turns him on. As a Dom, he’s always chosen his submissives wisely. He’s never thought about taking a Syn on before.

Despite covering his tracks, Ehren knows that Talen suspects that there is something different about him. Unable to fight the growing attraction, Ehren knows it won’t be long before the captain discovers he’s human. What will Talen do to him when he finds out he’s really not a Syn?

Siren Publishing

Will be available on Amazon in a few weeks.

Next month, Bella Settarra is talking about writing Cowboy books.