Space Opera

Illustration of a flying car above a futuristic megacity. Illustration by Carol Van Natta and Dall-E.

Space Opera Tech on My Wish List

Ever had that moment when you come up with a wonderful idea for technology, then think, “Wait, why don’t we have this yet?” An interviewer recently asked me which single technology from my futuristic Central Galactic Concordance (CGC) universe I’d want in real life. They made me choose just one, but I have so many!…

Illustration of a futuristic sci-fi couple in love, with a high-tech background. Illustration by Carol Van Natta.

Technology Shapes Love

I love technology because it makes our lives better (except when it’s misbehaving). Technology is great for keeping us connected, but it also creates new challenges and opportunities. Let’s look at how future technology shapes love in my Central Galactic Concordance space opera romance series. Technology to Connect We’re all connected, right? A quick text…

Lark and a griffin from An Entanglement of Griffins, a space opera romance by Carol Van Natta. Illustration by Carol Van Natta.

Playlist for An Entanglement of Griffins

In my latest space opera romance novella, to save her stolen griffins, Lark Sutrio, an outcast with a troubled past must forge an uneasy alliance with Pim Okaansson, a charming space traveler whose hidden talents and pirate connections may be her only hope. As I was song-skipping around YouTube, as one does when avoiding Boring…

Illustration of a quilt depicting a rocket launch, and the numbers "2025" across the top. Image by Carol Van Natta and MidJourney

Plans and Goals for 2025

Last year was a “rebuilding year,” the euphemism I like to use when things didn’t go as planned. However, I made some changes that I hope will keep me more on track in the coming year. These are my plans and goals for 2025. Goals Are Dreams with Deadlines Dreaming big, then making attainable plans…

Galactic Pirates Collection: A Kickstarter Special

Galactic Pirates Collection: A Kickstarter Special

Announcing my first Kickstarter campaign — whee! I’m calling it the Galactic Pirates Collection, a Kickstarter special. It’s in pre-launch right now while I finalize all the parts that make it special. ❗ UPDATE 27 Feb 2024: CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED! ❗ The campaign will start a short run at the end of this month. If you…

Coloring Pages Just For Fun

Coloring Pages Just For Fun

Sometimes when I need a break so my brain can have time to think, but I can’t go for a walk, I get generative AI art services to make some coloring pages just for fun. As is always the way with A.I. anything, some attempts are more successful than others.  Fair warning: This is image-heavy…

Illustration of a woman wearing futuristic armor and a service dog seated next to her, generated by MidJourney.

Disabled Veterans, Service Dogs, and Spaceships

What do disabled veterans, service dogs, and spaceships have in common? When I was invited to participate in the first of several Pets in Space® anthologies, and later took over as editor, my favorite thing about them was the charity focus. Of course, I love science fiction romance, but the chance to help Hero Dogs…

Illustration of a fantasy animal with large ears and a densely muscled body. Illustration by Adrian DKC.

A Pilot and Her Pet

A Pilot and Her Pet Gargoyle In “Stellar Drift,” my novella in the Pets in Space 8 science fiction romance anthology, the heroine Sairy has a pet gargoyle named Kyala. A pilot and her pet… what?  A gargoyle, you say? Yes. In the worlds of the Central Galactic Concordance, it’s all kinds of illegal to…

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 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…