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My observations as a reader, news about current and future novels, guest posts, independent author adventures, and more.

fantasy illustration of a pretty Black woman with flowers in her hair, generated by MidJourney

A.I. Art for February 2023

A.I. Art for February 2023 Like most endeavors, learning to use A.I. tools takes time and practice. Plus, the tools are in active development, meaning we users are all shooting at a moving target. This is my A.I. art for February 2023. Click the images below to see bigger version. For people using smaller devices,…

It's your last chance to get Pets in Space 7 science fiction romance anthology before it leaves the galaxy forever.

Farewell to Pets in Space 7

Farewell to Pets in Space 7 Just a quick reminder that Pets in Space 7 is a limited-edition anthology. They’re only on the planet for a short visit. If you don’t already have your copy, this is your last chance. Otherwise, it’s farewell to Pets in Space 7 forever. Don’t miss out — get Pets…

illustration of a diecut sticker with a rocketship and stars, generated by MidJourney

A.I. Art for January 2023

A.I. Art for January 2023 I’ve been spending more of my time at MidJourney, and less at the other services. I just don’t seem to be able to produce images that please me at NightCafe or DALL-E. Here are images created by A.I. art for January 2023, including prompts and commentary. To keep myself from…

Illustration of a futuristic car and building emblazoned with "2 0 2 3"

Onward Into 2023

Onward In 2023 After one hell of a year full of changes in 2021, this last year was comparatively stable (lingering pandemic notwithstanding). However, I’ve come to realize that stability and harmony aren’t necessarily the same thing. Last year, I made a giant-sized whiteboard list, and even did some of it. This coming year, I’d…

A.I. Art for December

A.I. Art for December I’m still having too much fun with A.I. art, so I’m sharing more of my adventures with you. (See previous posts here and here.) This is my A.I. art for December.  NOTE: I used MidJourney (MJ), DALL-E (D-E), and NightCafé (NC) for the images. “Prompts” are the description you input into…

Ice Age Shifters Audiobooks

Ice Age Shifters Audiobooks  I’ve been wanting audiobook versions of my Ice Age Shifters series, and now they’re finally here. Shifter Mate Magic and Shift of Destiny started showing up at the audiobook sellers this week. The whole series is being professionally narrated by David Brenin, who has produced more than 300 audiobooks and does…

Service Dog, Hero Dogs, and Pets in Space

Service Dogs, Griffins, and Heroes

Service Dogs, Griffins, and Heroes The griffins in An Entanglement of Griffins, my story in Pets in Space 7, are an adventurous lot. They are bold, delightful, mischievous, and utterly charming.  Griffins might qualify as emotional support animals, if you don’t mind that they’ll get into anything and everything. They can’t help it. That kind…

More Fun with A.I. Art

More Fun with A.I. Art A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about my adventures with A.I. art. This is a followup with more images and more lessons learned. I’ve mostly had more fun with A.I. art, but I’m also discovering its limitations. And my limitations, too.  Prompts: The Key to Success Prompts are…

Art by NightCafe.studio, prompt by Carol Van Natta. Illustration of a spaceship.

Adventures in AI-Generated Art

Adventures in AI-Generated Art AI-generated art is a hot topic these days. Color me intrigued.😻 So, I went on a bit of a quest to see what’s happening. These are my adventures in AI-generated art in the last month. Yes, I should have been writing, but there it is. NOTE: This is a graphics-heavy post…

Illustration of a cat in a space suit, tangled lines, and a rocket ship

Vacation for August

Vacation for August Just a quick note to say I’m not lost in space, I’m just taking a little vacation from blog posts for August. I’ll pick back up with new posts again in September. Graphic licensed from YAYImages.com

Text that says nothing compares to the magic of books

Space Opera Romance Paperbacks

New Space Opera Romance Paperbacks For you paperback fans, I’ve been updating my space opera romance series with new paperback versions. There’s great comfort in holding a book in your hands, and knowing where you are in the story. Plus, I love seeing my snazzy cover designs in print. So, here are the space opera…

The Shady Pet Trade Industry

The Shady Pet Trade Industry

The Shady Pet Trade Industry in My Space Opera Series The Galactic Pets Collection in my space opera series features three tales of adventure, romance, and pets. In the background of all three stories is the shady pet trade industry. The Pet Trade Operates in the Shady Parts of the Galaxy In the far future…