Interview & Giveaway with Heather Massey

Today we have the Captain of the Galaxy Express and newly minted author Heather Massey with us. Heather, welcome to the Blah, Blah, Blah Blog, where the men are all handsome, the women are all gorgeous, and the yap runs wild and free.

Yes, I would love some bibimbap, thank you.

Heather? You’re on Earth. And with me. Sorry, you can have a Coca-Cola product. So, Coke, Diet Coke, Cherry Coke, or Captain Morgan Lime Bite and Coke? (Yes, these are your only choices, sorry.)

Can I have a Coke…and a smile? That’s the way it should be. In fact, I’d like to see the whole world smiling with me. :)

Surely! Before we teach the world to sing, or get into the interview, I’d like to catch those who might not know up on all that is Heather. Well, probably not ALL. I mean ALL would include things like her address, phone number, and social security number. Which, despite my best efforts, she hasn’t shared with me. So, let’s just go with all about her writing and blogging self and let it go at that.

Heather Massey is a lifelong fan of science fiction romance. She searches for science fiction romance adventures aboard her blog, The Galaxy Express. And for European readers, she covers the subgenre for Germany’s premier romance magazine, LoveLetter. Heather’s debut erotic sci-fi romance novel, Once Upon a Time in Space (Red Sage Publishing), features the last living descendant of Christopher Columbus on a desperate quest to find a new world. Standing in his way is Raquel, the deadliest space pirate in the galaxy.

For more information, visit her Web site at www.heathermassey.com.

Heather also likes Ennio Morricone soundtracks. A lot.

Isn’t she cool? So, without any more delay, on to the burning questions!

Q. What prompted you to become a writer? Was it voices in your head, a burning desire to tell a story, or just too creative for your own bad self?

A. It was the voices screaming in the heads of others—specifically people named “Ralph.” Said voices also informed me that there just wasn’t a future in iguana wrangling. Subsequently, I set my sights on fleshing out a story idea I’d been carrying around for years and years. Since my background was in another field entirely, I was hoping someone else might pen an adventure about a futuristic Christopher Columbus in space so I could read it, but strangely, no one could read my mind. I know. Scandalous.

When I realized I’d either have to write the story myself or take it to my grave, I decided to go for it. What did I have to lose? My collection of 174 live mutant iguanas? (Well, there is that, um….)

Q. Poor Ralph. And the iguanas. Huh. You know, I kinda like the title, “Ralph and the Iguanas.” It has a certain ring to it. But mutant iguanas is a whole ‘nother story. But I digress… So, writing styles -- outline or wing it, music (and what kind) or silence, chaos or serenity, only novels or other lengths as well?

A. I outline because of the structure it provides. I write in silence. I don’t have a Fortress of Solitude or anything, but I concentrate better if it’s quiet. Regarding length, the great thing about the digital market is that authors have the freedom to experiment with stories of varying length. That said, I might have a few experiments up my sleeves.

No wonder you’re twitching while sitting here. Would you like me to turn the music down?

Actually, I was hoping you could turn it up to eleven. I love me some Electric Light Orchestra when I’m not writing (Jeff Lynne, you’re money, baby!).

Shocking no one, I have the complete ELO oeuvre. Your musical wish is our command. Now, while the tunes are going, your first book, Once Upon a Time in Space, just released. Give us the ol’ author overview.

In the sea of stars, an epic love story is about to begin...

Earth is dying. Nick Venture, the last living descendant of Christopher Columbus, embarks on a dangerous mission to find a new planet and save humanity. This places him on a collision course with Raquel Donovan, the deadliest space pirate in the galaxy.

Raquel lives for one purpose: revenge against a horrible demon from her past. When an attempt to hijack Nick’s starship backfires, Raquel becomes his protector in order to avoid capture by the tyrannical Space Defense Corps.

Nick and Raquel are irresistibly drawn to one another despite the forbidden nature of their attraction. But the conflicted pirate’s deepest secret could tear the couple apart even as humanity’s time runs out….

Sex. Revenge. Pirates. Just like ye olde Prego, it’s in there. I couldn’t resist spinning a story that features an intrepid explorer clashing with a ruthless space pirate heroine against a post-apocalyptic backdrop.

Q. Sounds juicy! Next up, can we have an excerpt?

A. Sure thing! Here’s a scene from when Nick first meets Raquel. She’s about to raid his ship:

As the airlock hissed shut behind him, the last surprise Nick expected was the very Siren herself aboard his ship. Dark and still, she stood like a wraith in the shuttle opening. Their gazes locked as soon as he stepped forward into the bay. Momentarily dazzled, he didn’t anticipate the blow that landed squarely between his shoulder blades. The force of it sent him sprawling to the steel plated deck.

Stunned, all he could do was roll over, bringing the shuttle back into view. At first, Nick saw only a pair of clingy, knee-high boots as the Siren advanced with supple movements down the shuttle ramp. Then his gaze shifted to a brown gun belt, slung about her hips at a jaunty angle. But the distraction cost him. When the unknown assailant kicked him in the ribs, air shot like a torpedo from his lungs. What the fuck?

Nick barely had a chance to recover his breath when the man turned him roughly over and smacked him across the face. He grimaced against the pain of stung lips, and then a spurt of blood coated his tongue. Blinking, he tried to plan a move, any move, in self-defense. What kind of coward attacked from behind like that? Pirate cowards, apparently. When the thug forced him unceremoniously to his feet, he held up his hands in a conciliatory gesture. “Listen! I’m Nick Venture, and I’m in command of these ships. Let’s discuss this situation like rational people.”

Hatchet Face drew back his hand for another blow. Raising an arm to block the next attack, Nick added, “I won’t resist! Just give me a minute.”

By now, the Siren had reached the deck. Nick gazed at her, almost forgetting the mortal danger that hovered mere inches from his body. With a shipsuit that clung to her body in all the right ways, she looked even more stunning in person. The slinky motion of her stride seemed to electrify the very air surrounding her. Flesh tingled with anticipation, causing the hairs on the back of his neck to rise. This woman didn’t just invite attention, she commanded it. His assailant glanced at her, too, although he continued to stand poised for another hit. Then other pirates started circling, some with drawn weapons. The noose tightened, attracted to him as if he were a magnet. Silence gripped the bay as the face-off intensified.

Q. Nice way to leave us hanging! I know, I know, to learn the rest, we need to buy the book. Or win it. But we’ll get to that later. What’s it like, running a successful blog that deals with Science Fiction Romance exclusively, and now being published in SFR? It is like winning an Oscar for both screenwriting and acting or more like doubling the insanity?

A. It’s a total blast. Dare I say it…none of it feels like work. Being a stay-at-home mom allows me the time to indulge in my favorite subgenre. As far as the writing, digital publishing offers a similar flexibility. A java high helps with some of the gritty details, though!

I’ve met so many terrific readers, authors, bloggers, and industry folk during my journey. I plan on entertaining readers with sci-fi romance in one fashion or another for a long time to come.

Q. What’s next for you? Sequels, prequels, something different, heading to Disneyland?

A. More blogging about science fiction romance, of course! I’ve got a few jazzy features in development and I look forward to reading as many stories as I can cram into a week.

In addition to Once Upon a Time in Space, readers can download Heroes Are Forever, a free sci-fi romance short from my Web site (multiple formats available).

As for future stories, I’ve got a Muse who’s after me with a vengeance, so there are a few things in the proverbial pipeline. Also, I’m starting an iguana band and going on tour. Hello Cleveland!

Q. Good to hear! And, can I sing lead? Or play the tambourine? (Yeah, those are my only musical options.) Now, what’s one fact about you that someone who didn’t know you well or hasn’t read this blog wouldn’t know? Make it juicy -- my readers expect.

A. Nacho Cerdà’s film short AFTERMATH is in my DVD collection. I’ve seen it twice. Google it if you dare.

Awesome! I, um, don’t dare. But, thanks so much for being here today.

Now, Heather’s got a special treat for us. She’s giving away not one but TWO copies of her novel, Once Upon a Time in Space, to two lucky members of the Alien Collective. Just answer this question and leave your email address in order to be entered to win: If you were a space pirate, what snazzy moniker would you choose to show all you were a force to be reckoned with?