Nancy's Notes From Florida

Moonlight Rhapsody – New Print Edition
June 13, 2023

I am excited to announce a new trade paperback edition of Moonlight Rhapsody, #2 in The Light-Year Series. This title was previously published by Dorchester and has been revised with added bonus materials. It’s also available in e-book format.

Moonlight Rhapsody

ORDER HERE 

MOONLIGHT RHAPSODY
Published by Orange Grove Press
Digital ISBN: 978-1-952886-07-2
Print ISBN: 978-1-952886-30-0
Cover Design by The Killion Group, Inc.
Interior Design by www.formatting4U.com

Disguised as a trader, Lord Rolf Cam’brii travels to the slave planet Souk on a secret mission to establish contact with the resistance. But when his ship crashes during an ion storm, he’s captured and thrown into a forced labor camp. Here he catches the eye of the beautiful female overseer, Ilyssa.

Ilyssa possesses the gift of siren song with the power to drive men mad, but no one realizes she’s a prisoner, too. Her parents are being held hostage by an overlord who uses her to control his enemies. Until Rolf’s arrival, she’s had no hope of escape. But now with his help, she could rescue her parents and leave the planet, if she can convince him to trust her.

Although Rolf doubts Ilyssa’s story, he accepts her proposal. They flee the labor camp and embark on a dangerous cross-country journey to freedom. Along the way, their attraction to each other grows. However, Ilyssa’s gift comes with a price, and to succumb to passion means losing her gift of song. Dare she risk everything for love?

Reviews

“A well-conceived plot, great characters, enough future technology and aliens to satisfy the dedicated science fiction fan, and a sensual romance all come together in a terrific story that will appeal to romance and science fiction readers alike.” The Paperback Forum

“An enchanting blend of futuristic romance and fantasy that lends itself to a totally immersive read.” Muddy Rose Reviews

“Scintillating and heart-stopping! Ms. Cohen has proven herself a master of this genre.” Rendezvous

“Nancy Cohen provides her readers with a swift-moving, thrilling futuristic romance. This tale, which could be sold as either a romance or a science fiction, will provide readers of either genre with a confectionary treat too sweet to resist.” The Talisman

“Nancy Cohen has a visionary gift of writing about the future in a manner that makes it seem like it’s happening today.” Affaire de Coeur

Excerpt

“Look at me,” Ilyssa commanded. When he’d raised his face, she said in a purposefully loud voice, “I have brought you here to act as my personal server.” 

Surprise sprang into his crystal blue eyes, but he stayed silent as she continued. 

“I’ll expect you to assist me with my meals, keep my chamber clean, maintain my wardrobe, and satisfy any other needs of mine that may arise. Hopefully, in time, you will grow to anticipate my requirements. You’ll sleep in the adjacent parlor. That way, you’ll be close at hand if I want you during the night.” 

“Pardon, mistress, but I’m not exactly clear on my duties,” he said in a soft tone. “You wish me to maintain your suite and serve your meals, but what else am I to do?” 

“My name is Ilyssa. You may call me that in private.” 

As she rattled off a list of chores, Rolf listened carefully, but it was the unspoken duties that worried him. She’d said she might want him during the night. That meant only one thing as far as he was concerned. She expected him to service her personally. Rolf wondered if he would be able to perform under forced circumstances. 

Studying her physical attributes, he decided it wouldn’t be too difficult. Soft waves of auburn hair cascaded over her shoulders. Tiny wisps framed a face with features so perfect they might have been chiseled from porcelain. Her eyes were a remarkable shade of green flecked with gold. His gaze drew to her lips, perfectly contoured for a man’s kisses. She was lovely, but with the beauty of an ice queen. It didn’t extend to her heart.

BUY NOW

New in Print - MOONLIGHT RHAPSODY, #2 in the Light-Years Series #fantasy #scifiromance Share on X

If you haven’t read my first book in the Light-Years series, CIRCLE OF LIGHT, enter to win it now along with 36 other Paranormal, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Romances AND a brand new eReader! CLICK HERE to enter June 5 – 14, 2023.

 

Enter Now to win two free books at Booklovers Bench in our June 1 – 22 Giveaway

 

Coming Next in Print: Starlight Child, #3 in the Light-Years Series on July 11, 2023


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Root Beer and Royalty
June 10, 2023

Check out my latest guest blog post, upcoming release, and two giveaways below!

Root Beer Cake Recipe

Want a recipe for Root Beer Cake? Learn about the history of root beer and get a cake recipe on my post at Lois Winston’s Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers. Also see how the drink relates to the pioneer village in STAR TANGLED MURDER. Comments Welcome!

 

New Print Edition

A desperate nobleman captured as a spy and a sultry songstress test the limits of their relationship as they flee their enemies on an outlawed planet in MOONLIGHT RHAPSODY – “An enchanting blend of futuristic romance and fantasy that lends itself to a totally immersive read.” Pre-Order the trade paperback edition due for release June 13th or read the ebook now –

Moonlight Rhapsody

Giveaways

June 1 – 22

CLICK HERE to win two free books at Booklovers Bench in our June Giveaway

 

June 5 – June 14

Escape to other worlds by entering to win 37 Paranormal, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Romances, including my book, CIRCLE OF LIGHT, and a brand new eReader! ENTER HERE!

 

My June newsletter is going out soon. Sign up here and don’t miss an issue! 

 

 

 


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A Character’s Voice
June 4, 2023

Do you ever listen to how story characters speak? I don’t mean what they say, but how they say it. I wasn’t as aware of this factor as I should have been until I put my first four mysteries into audiobooks. Then I realized each character needed a distinctive voice quality.

Now that I’m working on a new book, I need to assign each cast member a voice type. To help me in this task, I’ve devised this list of characteristics.

Then there’s the difference between a person’s speaking voice and their tone. A person with a Southern drawl could give a clipped reply. Or a man with a hoarse voice could speak in a tight tone out of concern for a loved one. How do you differentiate? I would say tone conveys emotions. Voice is what you’re born with in a physical sense, and manner of speech involves cadence, accents, dialects, slang and such. Not very academic, but neither am I. There you have it.

gravelly
grating
gruff
harsh
high-pitched
hoarse
hushed
husky
loud
nasal
raspy
scratchy
shrill
silky
smoky
smooth
soft-spoken
strident
sultry
throaty
velvety

What else would you add to the list?

A Character's Voice #writingtip #amwriting Share on X

Podcasts

I’ve recently been guest author on a couple of podcasts. Check them out here:

Nancy J. Cohen visits The Book and Life Podcast hosted by Kristal Fleming

“Let’s Write a Cozy Mystery” with Nancy J. Cohen on the Florida Writers Podcast

Giveaways

Enter Here to win two free books at Booklovers Bench in our June Contest.

June 1st is the start of Hurricane Season in Florida. On my latest Booklovers Bench post, I discuss how hurricane prep relates to writers. Leave a Comment Here and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a signed copy of Trimmed to Death (U.S. residents only).

Trimmed to Death


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Circle of Light – New Print Edition
May 16, 2023

I am excited to offer a new trade paperback edition of Circle of Light, #1 in The Light-Year Series. This title was originally published by Dorchester and has been revised with added bonus materials. The idea came as a dream, and when I woke up, I realized I had to finish the story. Circle of Light was my first published book and winner of the HOLT Medallion Award. If you’re in the mood for an escapist read with adventure, mystery, and romance, this is the book for you.

Circle of Light

Published by Orange Grove Press
Digital ISBN: 978-1-952886-06-5
Print ISBN: 978-1-952886-29-4
Cover Design by The Killion Group, Inc.
Interior Design by www.formatting4U.com

Attorney Sarina Bretton believes in facts, not fantasies of faraway planets. Then Captain Teir Reylock of the Coalition Defense League kidnaps her from Earth and whisks her to worlds she couldn’t have imagined. While she’s stunned at first, Sarina is even more astonished when Teir says he’s taking her to marry a member of the High Council. Through this union, she is destined to become the legendary Great Healer and save the galaxy from a devastating plague.

At the capital city of Bimordus Two, Sarina discovers the wonders of an advanced civilization. She also awakens to her passion for Teir, who is assigned as her personal bodyguard. He returns her regard, but he’s sworn to duty. He must protect Sarina from the Coalition’s enemies and from his own desire. If Sarina fails to fulfill the legend, the law decrees she’ll be executed. The only way they can be together is to unlock the legend’s secrets and expose the hidden truth.

PRAISE FOR CIRCLE OF LIGHT

“This action-packed novel will excite and satiate fans of science fiction and romance works alike. Nancy Cohen is a tremendous talent whose novel will remind readers of the Star Wars trilogy.” The Talisman

“Nancy J. Cohen is a writer whose amazing talent propels readers into a universe filled with strange new worlds, amazing technologies, and unusual species that would have made George Lucas sit up and take notice.” Affaire de Coeur

“Circle of Light is a well-constructed futuristic romance that will appeal even to die-hard Star Trek and general science fiction readers. Great plot, believable aliens, and interesting locations.” The Paperback Trader

“Nancy Cohen sparks your imagination and melts your heart with her wonderful tale of galactic adventure and star-crossed lovers.” Marilyn Campbell, award-winning author of The Innerworld Affairs series

Order Now

Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G8N73QW
Amazon Print: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952886295/
BN Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/circle-of-light-nancy-j-cohen/1026238160?ean=2940186571490
BN Print: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/circle-of-light-nancy-j-cohen/1026238160?ean=9781952886294
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id6445872746
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/circle-of-light-9
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=FXetEAAAQBAJ
Books2Read: https://books2read.com/CircleofLight
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1341299
Indiebound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781952886294

Booksellers & Librarians – This title is available through Ingram and at Overdrive and Hoopla.

CIRCLE OF LIGHT blends sci-fi, mystery and romance into a fast-paced, escapist tale. #spaceopera #romance Share on X

GIVEAWAYS

Reader Drawing

To celebrate this new release, I’m giving away an advance reading copy of Silver Serenade. Leave a comment here to be entered into the drawing. Winner will be selected and notified by email on May 23. In return, an honest review at your favorite online bookstore would be greatly appreciated.

Booklover’s Bench

Enter Now to win two free books from Booklover’s Bench in our monthly giveaway.

 


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Story Questions
May 8, 2023

A great way to maintain suspense in a story is to keep the reader asking questions. This will entice her to keep turning pages to see what happens next.

The Ark television series on the SyFy channel has an intriguing premise. Earth’s environment is ruined, and mankind seeks another viable planet to colonize. They send out an ark ship named Ark One. But along the way, something hits their ship. It awakens everyone from cryogenic sleep and they learn their command crew has perished.

Several questions arise at once:

What caused the disaster? Was it an impact like an asteroid, an attack, or sabotage?
Is there a saboteur on board?
Who killed the imposter posing as a crewman?
What did this fellow know about their acting captain’s past that she wants to keep hidden?
Did she murder him?
Whose influence got her on board at the last minute? What makes her so special?
Meanwhile, is anyone left on Earth? Did the other planned arks have time to lift off?
And the big question is – Will they survive?

Each time one question is answered, another disaster occurs that raises more questions.

In my Bad Hair Day series, once my main character fulfilled her basic story arc, I had to add new questions. At the end of Star Tangled Murder, book #18, a reader asked:

“With Dalton retired, is this dynamic duo hanging up their sleuthing shoes? Is Marla really going to be content working less and keeping her nose out of everyone else’s business? Will Dalton be happy with a life full of teaching, hobbies, and being a stay-at-home dad? I am very interested to see what the author has planned.”

See what we’ve done here? As soon as one set of questions is answered or a character arc is complete, you need to immediately insert more issues. Keep the reader guessing, not only about whodunit in the mystery but also about the main characters. The questions can be external, such as who attacked Ark One? Or they can be internal, such as what may be hidden in a character’s past that we need to know?

Story Questions Raise Suspense in a Novel #plotting #amwriting Share on X

Questions create suspense, and that’s what keeps readers turning pages.

GIVEAWAY

Enter Here to win two free books at Booklovers Bench in our May giveaway!

 


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