Birthdays and Dilemmas

I used to hate and love the summer. I loved it because well, no school, lots of time to explore and play and fresh fruit. I was spoiled as a kid as we had a small orchard, which meant fresh peaches and nectarines. But I hated it because my birthday was in the summer, so I never got the party that all the kids during the year got.

Children are VERY focused on perceived unfairness. As an adult my birthday doesn't really mean that much except I'm getting older. But I still like presents. My big present this year (yes I got it before my birthday) is a new table for the deck. It is nice to sit out there and have dinner, the little one just wasn't cutting it. Granted I need to put it together, but it will be nice this holiday weekend to have people over.

I'm going to be smoking some hanger steaks, making potato salad, and enjoying talking to friends. And the odds are there will be some fireworks going on. What about you? Any plans for this evening to celebrate?

 As for writing and books, well… I'm working on it. I finished another short story that is pulp and rather amusing. Who knows if it will be accepted, if not I'll share it with you. But that does bring up a questions. For the most part I don't write romance into my stories at all—BUT I have a romance that I'm getting edited because it has been sitting on my hard drive for about six years. And I might as well get it published. Do you care as long as I clearly mark that it is a romance? Or should I do it under my romance pen name Renee Lovins? Oh! I forgot. So back when I started writing I wrote romance under Renee Lovins. I quit being able to write romance after my husband was killed, but I still have the stories out there. So if you enjoy romance you might like what is under Renee Lovins. There are two full novels and a bunch of novellas, all with different story types.

One last note from me - if you want to sign up to win free books (contest ends tonight) check out this give away - Urban Fantasy Giveaway You get 25 full books!

First up I have a free story for you from a friend and awesome writer. If you like hard fast mil-scifi check out Widowmakers. It is set during World War II and something has broken through into our world. It's fast paced and full of awesome fighting scenes.

Then if you like worlds full of magic, plots for the thrown, and a finished series, check out The Fate of Crowns. It might be YA, but that doesn't mean it isn't addicting.

Here is your microstory for the week. Enjoy the story and let me know what else you want to see in these newsletters. Don't be afraid to contact me and let me know what you are looking forward to this summer.

Yet

Even with all the centuries I have walked the planets, the solar systems, the galaxies, there is still something about this planet that always pulls me back. It is so pedestrian, no elevators to the moon, they haven't managed to leave their solar system, and they fight like matter and anti-matter.

Yet.

Their planet tries to kill them regularly, the life forms that evolved seemed built to kill their soft bodies, and the planet still moves and bucks, throwing everything they built crashing down. They have tides so strong it rips away ships, and their weather often scours building from the surface.

Yet.

They kill each other in the millions. Some live in palaces while others starve to death. They kill their brother for wealth and then pretend to grieve. They are petty, vile, judgmental, and selfish.

Yet.

They do insane things to reach the stars. They give at the oddest moment. When outside forces threaten they become a living wall of hope. They dream stories I've never seen and chase them with a ferver that outshines the stars. They reach out hoping for friendship even knowing they might receive hate. They let their children stand on their shoulders even as they drown beneath the weight.

I do not understand the attraction of this planet. Other planets, other species, are prettier, more advanced, kinder, even enlightened.

Yet.

I can not stay away. I sit on a beach and watch the stars come out knowing I love this small blue world.

I hope you liked! I'm off to write, market, and try to stay sane. Check out the Libertycon Virtual Con and see my panels. I'm on one with Patricia Briggs! SQUEEE!

Mel

Schedule for 2021 so far:

Dragoncon - September 2-6th, 2021

20Booksto50kVegas - November

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