It's been a while since I've updated this blog, which is mainly due to a lack of interest in blogging, working on other publication projects, and holiday travels.

So here's the news:

THUGLIT ISSUE 21 is now available at amazon.com with my latest short story, PARADISE. This is the first story I've written using Maui as the setting, and the first story with a character in recovery. I loved writing this story, and was so thrilled that editor extraordinaire, Todd Robinson, felt the same way. This is my second story published in this stellar magazine, and I encourage you to check it out. You'll probably want all the back issues to binge on. Don't miss my story, WHEELS, in Issue 6.

http://www.amazon.com/THUGLIT-Issue-21-Travis-Richardson/dp/1522999787/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1452292323&sr=1-1&keywords=thuglit+21

BREED, my science fiction novelette, is available with new cover designed by Jacob Wylen in hard copy at createaspace.com.  It will be available at amazon.com in 3-5 days. This was my first try at science fiction (50's style adventure), and erotica. I've talked before on how I ended up meshing the two genre's, and will say again, it's just one of those creative monsters that creeps out when you aren't looking or worrying about who likes what. I'm proud of this story, despite some initial booing over sexual content.

I'm also working on the audio version narrated by Jacob Wylen. This should be available at amazon.com in the next week or so. Jacob is a talented soul, and is getting ready to make a move to Hollywood. I'm very lucky he read BREED, and was excited to work on this project. He loved it so much, he designed a new cover, which as some of you may recognize, is a throwback to old science fictions mags of the 1950's. The kind my dad used to hide in his bottom desk drawer, and that my brother and I used to steal, hide, and read.

I hope you venture out into the new world of Rena Robinett, and enjoy the visit.

 

BREED AVAILABLE AGAIN....

Revised copy of BREED is once again available at createspace.com, and will be on Amazon.com in a few days. Had some issues with consistency of main characters name in original copy that for some reason neither myself nor my editor caught. Should be all good now.

https://www.createspace.com/5607002

EDITS BE DAMNED.

Unfortunately, had to make further corrections to print copy for BREED.  Publications on hold for a few days at Amazon.com. Updated copies will then be available. 

BREED FIRST NOVELETTE PUBLISHED

 

https://www.createspace.com/5607002 

http://www.amazon.com/Breed-Mrs-Rena-J-Robinett/dp/1514892499/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1440277147&sr=1-1&keywords=rena+robinett

My first novelette is now published. BREED was created originally because I had not yet written a science fiction story, and I wanted to do something in memory of my dad, and the copies of Galaxy Magazine that I used to steal from him when I was a pre-teen. Those magazines were my first introduction to Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, and Harlan Ellison. I wanted to write an adventure story, like the ones that first hooked me on science fiction.

Then an odd thing happened. I was caught up trying to read 50 Shades of Grey, mind you, only out of curiosity. I was so disturbed by how badly written the prose were, and how generally not sexy the book was overall, I never got past chapter 2. I realized I'd never tried my hand at any kind of erotica. I've never really felt any need to write about sex, and have in fact, been intimidated by the whole idea. But it made me curious to see if I could, in fact, write an erotic scene. Somehow that idea, and my idea for a science fiction story became intertwined, and that's how BREED was created.

I suppose, as a writer, I was a bit naive about the impact this story would have on readers. I took the original copy of BREED to a writer's group, and was, admittedly stupidly, surprised by the reaction that several readers had. They were offended by the nature of my interactions, and the scenes I portrayed for my lead character. Some of their comments made sense to me, and I did go back and do extensive rewrites. One of the comments had to do with the "rape" content of the story. I did not agree with that viewpoint very simply because, as a woman who has been raped three times in my life, I am very clear on the difference between rape as a real event, and fictional erotica. I honestly did not see any correlation in this story between the two. There are those who will disagree with this view, and as a woman and a writer, I respect their right to do so.

I then sent a copy to a professional editor at a popular science fiction magazine, telling them about the reactions I'd had, and asking their opinion about the sexuality of the piece. They felt the sex was not gratuitous, and fit the story. I then sent the story to my own editor, who had positive input.

I have been a reader and a writer all my life, and I have great respect for both sides of the view. Ultimately, the reader will decide how they feel about this story. I have been true to my imagination, and as a writer, that's the best I can do.

UPDATES ON DAYLIGHT PRINTING & WRITER'S ANGST

Finally, Mystic Moon is back in print at Amazon.com. My fantasy novelette, Daylight, is included. It's only .99c on Kindle and I doubt I'll see much money from the publishers. A strange brew to be sure. But at least they published my story, and for that I'm grateful.

 http://www.amazon.com/Mystic-Collection-Midnight-Magick-Fantasy-ebook/dp/B00ULQEO5A/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1432338334&sr=1-3&keywords=mystic+moon

or check out the website where all six stories are linked.

www.renarobinett.com


I decided recently that instead of badgering myself about writing a memoir for my husband; having to go to Maui and slog through two storage containers to find our old love letters and all my journals, I will write what I can today as a love letter. Maybe sometime later I will be inspired to put all that other stuff together, but to be honest, now it's just making me not want to work on what I have.

I was discouraged recently about ever getting published again, when I got a great detailed email from an editor about my erotic space drama. Firstly, disputed the input I got from a writer's group I declined to remain in who rebuked the un-PCness of my sex scenes, saying the sex was not gratuitous, and fit the story well. Gave me detailed instructions on what needed to be done in rewrite, and ask to see story after it was reworked. Thrilling! It's a tough rewrite, but I'm determined. Gave me a boost. I was so inspired I sent out several more stories.

I also emailed some people I hadn't heard back from, only to find out they never received my stories. So I got to resend them, and hope for positive response.

The final positive thing was an email I received from my tattoo artist who had gone online and read one of my stories, which she loved so much she's having her mom and her husband read it. She's also ordered Thuglit. It's great when you receive direct feedback from a reader! It makes it all so worth it, even though I've been writing since I was five years old with no one reading me.

I went to a book signing last night for Neal Stephenson's new book, SEVENEVES. Someone asked him how he created his characters. "That's like asking a dog how he scratches his fleas...it's just what I do." Best writing quote to date. Whatever the outcome, it's what I do.

Rena...

MY NEW WEBSITE AND OTHER STUFF...

I made this...My new website.


http://renarobinett.weebly.com/

Updated information on Fabula Press link for Aestas 2014 Anthology collection.

STALKER: Fabula Press 2014 Annual Aestas Anthology.
http://www.amazon.com/Aestas-2014-Miscellaneous-authors/dp/1503233790/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417143337&sr=8-1&keywords=aestas+2014

I have not heard back from the new publisher who took over the rights for Mystic Moon. I am waiting to receive the information for the second printing in Amazon. I was assured the collection would be reprinted.

I am now listed as an author in Goodreads, and all of my anthologies are available to review. Please take time to write a review, as this is an essential support for authors.

Daylight in print.

DAYLIGHT is now available online at Smashwords. 

DAYLIGHT. https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/506000

STALKER. http://www.amazon.com/Aestas-2014-Miscellaneous-authors/dp/1503233790/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417143337&sr=8-1&keywords=aestas+2014


WHEELS http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DQ3PIZK/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

BRIDGES
http://www.inkapturemagazine.co.uk/2013/12/


BREATH
http://www.strangerviews.com/short-stories/breath-short-story-rena-robinett/