Secret Project Revealed, Foxes, and Cats (Podcast)
Secret Project Revealed, Foxes, and Cats
Carol Van Natta's Video Podcast #6
This is my author podcast number 6, wherein I reveal my secret project, and talk about foxes and cats (or the lack thereof).
Astute readers will note the number above and deduce there are previous videos:
Podcast #1 ~ Podcast #2 ~ Podcast #3 ~ Podcast #4 ~ Podcast #5
This podcast is a recorded Facebook Live session from Friday, 13 April 2018. See https://youtu.be/pqkeDe0CM-4
For those who won't watch a 12-minute of video of anyone who isn't Mary J. Blige or Morena Baccarin (not that I blame you), here's the TL;DW (too long; didn't watch) synopsis.
Foxes
I'm jealous of my author friend Steph Pajonas, who writes a fabulous Japanese-culture-inspired science fiction romance series, and a cozy mystery series as well. A whole family of foxes made a nest—den?—in her backyard, and she gets to see the mother and 4 kits every day. She smartly bought a wildlife video camera, so she gets to see their nighttime activities, too—she's posting edited segments on her website. If I was ever to have a pet besides cats, I'd want a fox. Domesticated, mind you, not cruelly trying to tame a wild animal. I even put one in Minder Rising, book 2 of my space opera series. My cats think all space opera is improved by the addition of cats, so you'll see a few more of those in the series. (Note: Cats appear in Last Ship Off Polaris-G and Jumper's Hope. Cats and about 12 other pets appear in Pet Trade.)
Despite bribery with catnip and tuna, the producer cat did not make an appearance because pills. Or more specifically, nasty tasting anti-allergy medicine. I don't think she appreciates how expensive the stuff is. She is now suspicious of anything small, white, and cylindrical.
Ta-dah! Music! Fireworks!
Secret Project Revealed!
I am ridiculously excited to finally be able to tell you about a secret project I've been working on for months. It's a new paranormal romance series called Ice Age Shifters. Yes, it's true, I've gone to the dark side. <cue evil laugh>
My muse and I love space opera, because that's our home planet, but we also love traveling to visit other genres. A couple of years ago, USA TODAY and NY Times bestselling author S.E. Smith invited me to be a part of the initial launch of her Kindle Worlds project, and my story in that series is In Graves Below. I had such a great time writing it that I thought I'd try my hand at my own series, and Ice Age Shifters is the result.
I know I said “dark side,” but the new series isn't really dark. As a matter of fact, it's more light-hearted than my space opera series. The main characters have exciting adventures, with obstacles and villains to make them fight to find their happily-ever-after, but they do it with humor and fun. At least one of the sexy lovers is an Ice Age shifter, a throwback to a prehistoric animal that's extinct, and usually bigger and badder than modern shifters. As you might imagine, this difference can make it hard to fit in with their family’s pack, pride, or clan. Fortunately, their destined mates find them deliciously desirable.
Despite the name, the series isn’t really cold, either. Shifters, ancient races (elves, fairies, vampires, wraiths, ogres, etc.), and humans with magic have created sanctuary towns. These are magical places where they can live in peace, away from the ignorant or fearful outside world—and sometimes from their own kind. Kotoyeesinay, Wyoming, is one such town, but there are others. When the town grants sanctuary, they’re more than just letting you stay, they’re accepting you into their community and their hearts.
So I probably should have said, yes, it’s true, I’ve got to the light side with humor and heart. The books are shorter than my space opera series, because sometimes, that's just the right length for an evening read.
Book 1 in the series is SHIFTER MATE MAGIC. Here's an exclusive first-look at the cover, designed by the fabulous Amanda Kelsey of Razzle Dazzle Design.
You'll be able to reserve your copy of SHIFTER MATE MAGIC from Amazon starting Thursday, 19 April 2018. For US and UK readers, it will be in the Kindle Unlimited program. Book 1 will be 99¢.
Release date: 15 May 2018
In my next podcast, I'll read a short excerpt for you, and talk about the next books in the series.
If you're so inclined, you can watch me live on Facebook on an upcoming Friday.
