TOPIC: In a galaxy far, far away...with Jenna McCormick

Some of the most wonderful moments of my childhood included reenacting or creating my own scenes of such science fiction classics as George Lucas' Star Wars, Glen A.Larson's Battlestar Galactica (the original version) and Gene Rodenbury's Star Trek.

The TARDIS

Most days my friends went along with my desire to turn the Jacaranda tree in my front yard into an Viper or X-wing fighter.

We fought over whether we were going to be Jedi's or belong to the Dark Side of the Force. And how we so wished transporters or the TARDIS were actually real!

In many ways I never lost that obsessions with all things sci-fi. I still love watching SF TV shows and movies - old and new - V the TV series, Dr.Who, Lost in Space, Farscape, Firefly, Stargate, ET, Tron, Dune, Planet of the Apes, Alien, The Terminator, Mad Max, Fortress, Waterworld, Pitch Black, Independence Day, The Matrix, Armageddon, I,Robot, I am Legend, Avatar, District 9, Cowboys & Aliens...the list is endless.

My love for sci-fi didn't stop at TV shows or movies. I loved reading the genre as well.

I became a huge fan of authors like Anne McCaffrey, Andre Norton, Patrick Tilley, David Brin and Sharon Green.

And then I discovered science fiction romance - the best of all worlds!

So, for those of you who don't know what it is, or for those who love it as much as I do, this is a blog series devoted entirely to science fiction romance and the authors who write it for our enjoyment.

Strap yourselves in, prepare to jump to Warp 9 and you never know...you might find yourselves in a galaxy far, far away...addicted to a new genre...and a new author...

My first SFR guest author is JENNA McCORMICK. 

Bio: A little fantasy goes a long way...

Born on Sanibel Island (Florida, USA) somewhere between the fifth and seventh bottle of Rosa Regale, Jenna McCormick writes big girl erotic romance with a touch of out of this world fantasy.

Her hobbies include scouring the Internet for the perfect pair of boots and stirring up trouble, much to the dismay of her alter ego, mystery writer Jennifer L. Hart.

YOUR THOUGHTS ON SFR: 
Has the SF genre always fascinated you?

Absolutely. I grew up on Star Trek: The Next Generation, and can still recall all the lyrics to the TNG parody version sung to the tune of Billy Joel’s We Didn’t Start the Fire.

Jean Luc, Gorgie’s spec’s, mysteries on the holodeck…

What SF/R addictions can you lay claim to? (collect Star Wars paraphernalia, closet Trekkie, you've watched Buck Rogers a million times etc.)
Never a closet Trekkie, no I didn’t have enough sense for that, LOL!

I was always, BAM out there, in your face with my geek-ri-tude. Loved Star Wars, some of the first adult novels I read were the continuation on the series.

And I was a rabid fan of both Firefly and Farscape.

Is there any one author, TV show, movie, producer, actor, other influence that inspires you?

Jax

Oh, a whole bunch. I’m easily influenced, LOL.

As far as SFR, I’d have to say Ann Aguirre’s Sarantha Jax series is all I’ve ever wanted in SFR.

What sucked you in to writing science fiction - as opposed to being just a fan or reader of SF and whether it's straight SF, space opera, SFR or any other combination?
Honestly I tried to write paranormal and I stunk at it. My brain kept leading me into outer space. It’s what I’m hardwired for and while I do enjoy paranormal, it’s not my passion the way SFR is.

As an author published in SFR, have you seen or do you see the genre gaining popularity in the marketplace?
Absolutely. Books like THE HUNGER GAMES are setting the bar and well established authors who used to write in other romance subgenres are branching out into SFR.

I think that’s exactly what the genre needs both fresh new voices (ahem;-) and ones that they trust immerse readers in the subgenre give them a real chance to fall in love with it. For some reason, SFR scares off many traditional romance readers, but I think having a good experience with it is crucial.

YOUR WORK:
Published work in the SF/R genre: One full length, NO LIMITS, two novellas in a trilogy and one Medieval Times Space Opera as the other (non-erotic romance) me, Jennifer L Hart.
Publisher/s: Kensington, Sanibel Moon Books, and self-pubbed.
Your website: www.authorjennamac.com 

Congratulations on your newest release, NO LIMITS - it came out on Jan.1st with Kensington Aphrodisia. Can you share a little about the book?
Thank you!

Title: NO LIMITS
Publisher: Kensington Aphrodisia
ISBN 13 978-0758272850
Order from: Amazon or Barnes & Noble

All Genevieve Luzon wants is to be loved by one man, a seemingly impossible task in New-New York City at the start of the twenty second century. Sure, she can buy sex as easily as order a pizza on a Friday night, but finding a forever kind of love among her self-centered peers is no easy feat for the unemployed off-world vacation coordinator. When an old friend offers her the position of secret shopper to test out the male prostitutes, Gen can’t think of a good reason to refuse. Hell, if she can’t find Mr. Right, she might as well try on a sampler of Mr. Right Nows.

Yet the perks of her new position don’t compare to the strange attraction she has, not for one of the prostitutes, but a candle that seems to warm places of her she never knew existed. When a man appears out of the flame, Gen is sure she's found the one. Rhys is an empath, made a slave by the Illustra Corporation and he’s everything Gen could ever want. Except available. Because Rhys is on a mission. One that might claim his life. He must try to free his people, consequences be damned. Now, Gen must choose between turning her back on the only man she’s ever loved and the monumental task he has set for himself. Should she risk her life fighting a war hidden from polite society against those who wish to control us all?

Is love really worth fighting for?

What unique slant have you given SF in NO LIMITS?
Well, I started the story on future Earth and then took my characters out into space. Usually, the story is one or the other, set on futuristic Earth or out in space. I never was any good at coloring in the lines.

What do you think readers will like the most about the story?
The many, many sex scenes. LOL!

Is NO LIMITS the first in a series or a stand-alone?
First in the series. I’m currently working on the sequel, NO MERCY, about Zan the space pirate. He’s yummy, a total bad boy anti-hero and I can’t wait to play with him some more.

FAVOURITE PICKS
Now for a little bit of fun - think back to all the TV shows/cartoons, movies and books you've read in the SF/R genre and answer the following...

SF/R hero: Mal Reynolds.
SF/R heroine: She-Ra. Totally counts - she was born on planet Eternia!
SF/R villain: Q.
SF/R alien race: The Borg.
SF/R technology: I’m going to be an ego maniac here and name my own. The health shield in NO LIMITS. On future Earth everyone is equipped with personal shields to obliterate foreign DNA. I’m a germaphobe and this sounds a lot better than living with a can of Lysol strapped to my hip.
SF/R space craft: Moya from Farscape. I just had to toss in a living ship in her honor.
SF/R TV show or movie: Jeeze, if I had to pick just one…. Gotta be Firefly. There were so many hidden gems and nuggets of sheer brilliance in that show.
SF/R quote made by a character/actor/person: “That’s a dumb planet!” – Mal Reynolds from Firefly.

Jenna, thanks for sharing your take on science fiction romance, it's been fantastic having you launch this blog series - all the best for your new release, NO LIMITS!
Thanks so much for hosting me, Kylie!

If Jenna's book, NO LIMITS, interests you, keep an eye out on her website or blog for more information about her blog tour!