Author Ciara Knight Weighs in on Science, Ninja News, and Ninja out of the Shell

Special treat today! Author Ciara Knight is here to talk about the science in science fiction. Or rather, that lack thereof. (Hey, I can totally relate!) Take it, Ciara…

I’d like to thank Master Ninja Alex for allowing me to be here today. You are the most giving blogger I know, and you write my favorite genre, science fiction. I’ve always wanted to write in this genre, but avoided it. I hope you don’t mind, but that’s what I’m going to talk about today.

No, not Science!

I’ve avoided writing science fiction because I’ve always been scared of the supporting science. When I began writing The Neumarian Chronicles, I fell completely in love with the story, characters, and plot. I started typing my ideas down as they came flooding in with little effort until I hit the dreaded technology question. What is the power source?

The Neumarian Chronicles is a futuristic post-war setting with airships, so I couldn’t ignore this problem. I consulted some old friends including a mechanic, NASA writer, fighter pilot, and my hubby (The man is aggravatingly brilliant. Of course, I find that totally sexy).

I researched heat engines (Internal combustion and external combustion), electric, pneumatic motors, and molecular motors. I found each one had some issues. In Weighted and the beginning of Escapement (book I of The Neumarian Chronicles) they are in the Mining Territory, located in the wasteland (AKA western USA). I did some research on natural resources that would have likely survived the war, and discovered uranium as an option. Great, I’ll have the airship use a nuclear steam-powered Stirling engine. Problem solved, right?

No.

There are ships, trains, and boats from other areas. I continued my research and discovered what else would most likely survive a great war. Coal in one region, salt-water in another, etc…

You’ve probably already solved my dilemma, but I was so deep in research I didn’t see the obvious.

*Palm to head* Dah!

Why does there have to be one technology? There is no internet, phone, or easy transportation. This world is rebuilding under tyrannical rule. There would be no ONE power source. They would be scavenging for whatever they could to survive.

The funny part is that most of the science isn’t discussed in the book, but I know how everything works. Also, you smarty-pants out there won’t call me out for using the wrong power source. Okay, I know someone will, but that’s okay. I loved the process and learned so much about science, technology, and myself as a writer.

Now, I totally accept the roll of a fearless Ninja of science. Well, at least in my writing.

Weighted blurb:

The Great War of 2185 is over, but my nightmare has just begun. I am being held captive in the Queen’s ship awaiting interrogation. My only possible ally is the princess, but I’m unsure if she is really my friend or a trap set by the Queen to fool me into sharing the secret of my gift. A gift I keep hidden even from myself. It swirls inside my body begging for release, but it is the one thing the Queen can never discover. Will I have the strength to keep the secret? I’ll know the answer soon. If the stories are true about the interrogators, I’ll either be dead or a traitor to my people by morning.

Author bio:

Ciara Knight writes to ‘Defy the Dark’ with her fantasy and paranormal books. Her debut novel, The Curse of Gremdon, was released to acclaimed reviews, securing a Night Owl Top Pick and five stars from the Paranormal Romance Guild. Also, released in 2012 is her young adult series, Battle for Souls.

For a full list of her work, please go to her website.

Ciara is extremely sociable and can be found at Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and her blog.

Ninja News

Milo James Fowler at In Medias Res is holding a contest for the latest volume of Bardic Tales and Sage Advice (in PRINT), which includes his story "The Second Option." Visit his blog for details.

Part Three of Andrew Leon’s book, Shadow Spinner, is available for free on Amazon now.

Thanks to everyone who visited Teresa at Journaling Woman last Friday. Glad you liked my writing tip.
I think it’s my new motto!

Today is the special cover reveal of EJ Wesley’s new book!! 
Congratulations, EJ!!!

And he's holding a giveaway at his blog, so check it out.

My movie trivia question on Friday – which movie series/franchise has TWO films in the top ten of all time? Believe it or not, Pirates of the Caribbean! On Stranger Tides and Dead Man’s Chest are both in the top ten with over a billion dollars each. (No idea why, but that’s the answer.)

Beyond the Ninja Shell

Several of you commented that you enjoyed finding out things about me at Teresa’s blog that you don’t find here. I’ll admit, I don’t divulge much on my own blog, whether because I’m a private person, or yeah, I’m still shy, or just the fact I don’t think I’m all that interesting. So I’ll leave it up to you guys – what do you want to know? I won’t reveal all, but I’ll do my best. And snark may or may not be involved.

Questions for Ciara about science? (Hey, can’t ask me – I still don’t know how a teleporter works.) Get the trivia question right? And anything you’d possibly want to know about the Ninja…?

Epic Ninja News and the YOU ROCK! Award

Did you miss me Wednesday? I'm taking a few days off here and there to work on my next book. (And heads up – I won’t be posting on Monday either.)

Today I have an interview/review over at Michael Pierce Books. Michael is the author of Provex City and I’m honored to have a guest spot at his blog today.

Epic Ninja News!

Ciara Knight is revealing the cover art for her next book today – Weighted! And you can add it to your Goodreads shelf now. Congratulations, Ciara!

Weighted is a young adult post-apocalyptic with paranormal elements. It is a prequel novelette to The Neumarian Chronicles, and will be released August 2012. Book I, Escapement, will be released in 2013.

Blurb: The Great War of 2185 is over, but my nightmare has just begun. I am being held captive in the Queen’s ship awaiting interrogation. My only possible ally is the princess, but I’m unsure if she is really my friend or a trap set by the Queen to fool me into sharing the secret of my gift. A gift I keep hidden even from myself. It swirls inside my body begging for release, but it is the one thing the Queen can never discover. Will I have the strength to keep the secret? I’ll know the answer soon. If the stories are true about the interrogators, I’ll either be dead or a traitor to my people by morning.

Michael Malone’s new book, Blood Tears, comes out in paperback on June 6, but it is available as an eBook now. Congratulations, Michael! Visit his site, May Contain Nuts, for the links.

“Lady Gwen” Gardner tipped me off about this opportunity - Sharon Bayliss just signed a publishing contract with Curiosity Quills Press, and she’s having an Editor-Judged query contest (May 25-28) with a chance at a publishing contract for the winner. Go visit her site HERE to sign up. Thanks, Gwen!

Alex’s YOU ROCK! Award

Every year, I give out the YOU ROCK! Award to up to five blogger buddies. These are people who have become very special to me and been supportive friends beyond the call of duty. Past recipients include: Jeffrey Beesler at World of the Scribe, Gail at Familiar Spirits, Rusty Webb at The Blutonian Death Egg, Chuck at Apocalypse Now, George at CineMarvellous, Lee at Tossing it Out, Yvonne Lewis at Welcome to my World of Poetry, RaShelle Workman at A No. 2 Pencil Stat, and Hannah (who sadly no longer blogs) at Musings of a Palindrome.

I know SO many awesome people online that it was nearly impossible to narrow it down to five. I could give this to a hundred bloggers. So I cheated and picked seven! This year’s YOU ROCK! recipients are:

Matthew at The QQQE
I met Matthew around two years ago and at once identified with his attitude and demeanor. Can’t think of many others who are as supportive, honest, and genuine as Matthew. You think I am a commenting and networking Ninja, but my inspiration came from this man. And after working with him on a couple blogfests and the Challenge, I know he is for real. Maybe one day we’ll meet. Until then – thanks, Matthew. You the man! And you rock!

Old Kitty at Ten Lives and Second Chances
They say there are no guarantees in life, but that’s only because they haven’t met Kitty! She is one of the most consistent, stable, and faithful bloggers I know. And her comments are guaranteed to make me laugh every time! After two years of her positive, spirited presence, I don’t know what I would do without her. And Charlie. Kitty, you are a total doll and the brightest spot in the blogging world. You rock!

Ella at Ella’s Edge 
I met Ella during the first Challenge and she is the most thoughtful person I know. Her creativity knows no bounds and I watch it unfold on her blog with awe. Ella’s words flow like a peaceful stream and helped me develop an appreciation for poetry. Even more, she is a devoted friend who exchanges meaningful comments and observations. (Meaningful on her part – I probably just sound lame.) Despite the vast differences in our blogs, there is much about Ella to which I can relate. Ella, you rock on every level!

M. Pax at Wistful Nebulae
Mary is one of those people who flies just under the radar sometimes. But she is always THERE. In fact, I can’t remember a time when she wasn’t there! Mary has so many unique interests and she’s involved on every level, which I really admire. We share a lot of science fiction and geek interests, so I know hanging out with her in person would be a damn good time. She’s a gifted writer, excellent photographer, and special friend. Mary, you rock!

Roland Yeomans at Writing in the Crosshairs
I’ve followed Roland’s blog for a long time although at first I felt too inadequate to leave an intelligent comment. (Still feel like that but I comment anyway. I’m sure I amuse him.) Roland has a deeper understanding of the world than most and an appreciation for the human spirit in all its complexities. He truly paints with words. I am honored to have a friendship with this wise and devoted person. Roland, you rock!

Melissa Bradley at Melissa’s Imaginarium
I’ve come to know Melissa through a mutual admiration of all things geek. (And just where were all you cool geek girls when I was in school?) She’s a talented author, movie expert, and strong woman who knows where she’s going in life. Her friendship is unwavering and she goes to great lengths to support those dear to her heart. It’s easy to think of her as just one of the guys, but Melissa is a true lady. My dear, you rock!

Jeremy Hawkins at Retro Zombie
Last but not least, we have Jeremy. This guy is uber-cool on so many levels. Visiting his site, you might think he’s quirky, but Jeremy is the sanity in the midst of insanity. He is the voice of reason, colored by that awesome wit of his. A talented author and artist, Jeremy is beyond generous and willing to do anything to help another person. I appreciate his sincerity, his honesty, and his always positive attitude. Jeremy, you rock!

Whoa! Excited about Ciara’s next book? Plan to pick up Michael’s book or enter the query contest? Following those seven bloggers who ROCK? Seeing Men in Black III this weekend? Any other Memorial Day Weekend plans? Don’t forget to visit Michael Pierce Books. And have an awesome weekend!