Let's explore the world of
Science Fiction and Space Opera
with
Charlene Newcomb
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| Welcome to my Blog! Wander through wonderful worlds real and fictional, meet interesting people, visit exciting places and find a few good books to enjoy along the way! |
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| About the Book |
ECHOES OF THE STORM
by Charlene Newcomb
A rebel double-crossed. A world fallen. And a relentless enemy who will not rest…
Revolution. Double agents.
Spaceships called crusaders.
Freedom fighters.
Mercenaries (er, businessmen).
Galactic unrest. Space battles.
Ground assaults. Secret passageways. Lots of explosions!
Jack Gamble is a shattered man. His lover betrayed him. His contacts in the resistance are scattered. And his best friend may be dead.
With the Galilei Empire closing in, Jack’s ship is intercepted by mercenaries under the command of Captain Ben Stone. Can Jack turn Ben to his cause, or will Ben turn him?
But Jack can’t afford any emotional entanglements. Not now. He has a rebellion to win and a homeworld to reclaim before the planet and its people are lost to the Empire forever.
If you like action-packed science fiction adventure with undercover spies, ace pilots, special forces teams, wild battles, and a slow-burn romance, then this space opera is the book for you.
Buy links - https://mybook.to/EchoesoftheStorm
(available on Kindle Unlimited)
About the Author
Charlene Newcomb, aka Char, writes historical fiction and science fiction. Her award-winning Battle Scars trilogy is set in the 12th century during the reign of Richard the Lionheart. Her writing roots are in the Star Wars Expanded Universe (aka Legends) where she published 10 short stories in the Star Wars Adventure Journal. Scifi/space opera fans should check out Echoes of the Storm, her original novel published in 2020. Char returns to medieval times with her latest novel Rogue in 2023.
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Author Interview
Why Echoes of the Storm?
Star Trek was my original science fiction obsession as a teenager in the late 1960s. I dreamed up stories about that universe with a whole cast of characters interacting with the crew of the USS Enterprise but never wrote them down. Star Wars came along in May 1977 and I was a fanatic from day 1, but it wasn’t until the 1990s when novelist Timothy Zahn wrote Heir to the Empire, a ‘sequel’ to Return of the Jedi, that my own imagination came to life and I put pen to paper.
The first short story I submitted to the Lucasfilm-licensed Star Wars Adventure Journal (SWAJ) was published in 1994, and many more followed. When the SWAJ died in 1997, and without a traditionally published science fiction novel in my portfolio, my days writing Star Wars fiction essentially ended.
What’s a writer to do? Start working on an original SciFi novel of course! It was 1998 when the first words of Echoes of the Storm were typed. I managed to write about half the book when real life interfered. The manuscript went untouched until around 2005. I took a look at it and thought ‘this isn’t half bad’ and then promptly fell back into real life. In 2009 I hit the keyboard again but the medieval bug took over and I was immersed in the crusades of the late 12th century. With three books of my Battle Scars trilogy published by 2018, I wanted a break from historical research. Echoes finally got its due, and I am proud that others have recognized it:
1st Place, CYGNUS Book Awards for Science Fiction,
Chanticleer International
Gold Medal, Book of the Year 2020 – Fantasy – Coffee Pot Book Club
indieBRAG Medallion honoree
1. What was the first novel you read that made you think: ‘Wow, I want to write like this!’
That would have to be Timothy Zahn’s Heir to the Empire. He inspired me to begin my writing journey.
2. What book (fiction or nonfiction) is a treasure that you’d pass on to a grandchild.
I have a signed first edition of Heir to the Empire that I hope would be treasured by one of my young grand-padawans who, at 18 months, 3 years, and 5 years, are already learning about Star Wars.
3. If you found a genie in a magic lamp what would your three wishes be?
I would wish 1) for the ability to write one new book every year; 2) for my Battle Scars trilogy to be produced as a mini-series for television; and 3) for my children and grandchildren to enjoy long, healthy, and happy lives.
4. If you could have a holiday anywhere in the world (for free!) where would you go?
I want to vacation in St. Ives, Cornwall, in a cottage by the sea with great views!
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5. Your favourite time period – and why
I don’t think I’d be writing novels taking place during the 12th and 13th centuries if that medieval era wasn’t my favorite. I was a US History major, and always imagined myself writing a time travel novel about a 20th century CIA agent who got whipped back to June 1776. He obviously would become one of Washington’s spies…
Instead, I became obsessed with Robin Hood and preferred the legends that had him serving Richard the Lionheart during the Third Crusade. That led to my deep dive into that era. The people, places, and politics - some stranger than fiction - are absolutely fascinating.
6. Name one thing you regret that you didn’t do
I will always regret not talking to my parents and grandparents more about their own childhoods and learning more of their parents and grandparents. I have names and birth- and death dates, but what did they do? What were their daily lives like in the mid-to-late 1800s/early 1900s? So many missing pieces…
7. Name one thing you’re pleased that you did do.
I am thrilled that I attended my first Historical Novel Society conference in 2015 and had the opportunity to meet and have lunch with the wonderful Sharon Kay Penman. I also was invited to sit with YOU, Helen, at dinner, and met other writers like Anna Belfrage and Alison Morton who I consider good friends and confidants!
[Helen: The friendship is reciprocated Charlene!]
this month's themed tour guests:
Samantha Wilcoxson
Anna Belfrage
the authors of 1066 Turned Upside Down
Inge H. Borg
Charlene Newcomb
Alison Morton
Marian L Thorpe
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You might also like
books written by Helen Hollick
Website: https://helenhollick.net/
Amazon Author Page: https://viewauthor.at/HelenHollick
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The Jan Christopher Cosy Mysteries
set in the 1970s
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The SEA WITCH VOYAGES
nautical adventures set during the Golden Age of Piracy
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| Coffee Pot Book Club Bronze Award2022 |
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THE SAXON SERIES
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| The story of the events that led to The Battle of Hastings in 1066 Harold the King (UK edition) I Am The Chosen King (US edition) 1066 Turned Upside Down an anthology of 'What If'' tales |
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| The Forever Queen (US edition) a USA TODAY BESTSELLER A Hollow Crown (UK edition) |
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KING ARTHUR
The Pendragon's Banner Trilogy
The Boy Who became a Man:
Who became a King:
Who became a Legend...
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| Book 1 -THE KINGMAKING Coffee Pot Book Club Bronze Award 2023 |
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THE PENDRAGON's BANNER TRILOGY |
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| US editions |
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Historical Stories of Exile by 13 popular authors Cryssa Bazos, Anna Belfrage, Elizabeth Chadwick, Cathie Dunn, J.G. Harlond, Helen Hollick, Loretta Livingstone, Amy Maroney Alison Morton, Charlene Newcomb, Elizabeth St.John, Marian L Thorpe, Annie Whitehead. With an introduction by Deborah Swift |
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| Charlene has a story included in this anthology Amazon: FREE ebook! |
NON-FICTION
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When I saw "Storm" in the title, I was of course hooked. But you not only take it outside - you really take it outside... into space. How fascinating! Keep the spaceships flying, Charlene.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Inge!
DeleteHelen, thank you for letting me talk about Echoes today on your blog! You rock!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure
DeleteHa! You're the only writer I know who is as adept at describing fighting with a broad swaoord as with a light sabre !
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anna! I'm just thrilled I've been able to do both and have writer friends who have encouraged me and been huge cheerleaders along the way.
ReplyDelete