Title: Conviction
Series: A New World, Book Two
Author: M.D. Neu
Publisher: NineStar Press
Release Date: March 25, 2019
Length: 103900
Genre: Science Fiction, LGBT, Space travel, aliens, politics, grief, interspecies romance
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Synopsis
A little blue world, the third planet from the sun. It’s home to 7 billion people with all manner of faiths, beliefs and customs, divided by bigotry and misunderstanding, who will soon be told they are not alone in the universe. Anyone watching from the outside would pass by this fractured and tumultuous world, unless they had no other choice.
Todd Landon is one of these people, living and working in a section of the world called the United States of America. His life is similar to those around him: home, family, work, friends and a husband.
After the attack on San Jose, Todd is appointed to Special Envoy for Terran Affairs by the nentraee, a position many world leaders question. Undeterred Todd wants to build bridges between both people. However, this new position brings with it a new set of problems that not only he, but his new allies Mi’ko and Mirtoff must overcome. Will the humans and nentraee learn to work together despite mistrust and threats of more attacks by a new global terrorist group, or will the terrorists win? Will this bring an end to an already shaky alliance between nentraee and humans?
Thank you so much to Love Bytes Reviews for having me here today to talk about Conviction, book two of my A New World series. Since today is the last day of the my blog tour I figured I would end it with a Q&A.
What are you currently working on and what is it about?
Currently I’m working on three different projects. I’m finishing up the sequel to The Calling, which has the working title of The Called. This story picks right up where The Calling ended and continues to deal with Chris and his growth as an Immortal. I’m excited to introduce some new characters and to build upon the world The Calling. Where in book one we saw more of the superficial workings of the Immortal community in The Called we see some of the darker elements of this hidden society.
The second project I’m working on is T.A.D. – The Angle of Death. This book is with my editor and will be released in Summer of 2019. The story deals with an Angel of Death, a Drag Queen, and playing with history and the future. So what can possible go wrong? Perhaps the end of the world?
Lastly, I’m excited to share that book three of my A New World series has been written and is finished. Conspiracy will be going to my editor shortly then off to the publisher. I don’t have a release date yet, but if all goes well it should come out sometime next year. Here is a brief blurb about the story:
It’s been a year since the events of Conviction. Mirtoff and Mi’ko work tirelessly to build a new world for their people were various external and internal forces threaten these plans. In the meantime, Todd and Mi’cin have continued to work together and have grown closer. There are several people both Nentraee and Human who are not happy with their friendship. Todd continues to serve in his post as Special Envoy to Mi’ko, however, new opportunities present themselves calling into question his loyalties. There are new threats to the nentraee and the humans who support them. Will this new endeavor bring these two races closer or draw them into an Interstellar war that neither is prepared to fight?
That is a little about book three, and you never know things can evolve from there.
How often do you write, and do you have a special time during the day to write?
I end up writing when I can. However, I do write in the evenings when I have an idea, or I’m working under a deadline. I also write on the weekends in the morning and during the day, assuming my husband and I have nothing going on. I am lucky that my husband gives me my space when I want to sit down and write. He’s very supportive and I’m lucky for that.
What is the hardest thing about writing?
The hardest thing about writing is the editing and cutting the story down. I love detail. I love descriptions. I love creating full rich worlds, where everything is there ready for the reader to explore and see. However, not everyone likes that. So, editing and trimming are key. Keeping the story focused so that people don’t skim to get to the good stuff is a challenge.
I hate that, because for me it’s all the good stuff. Why else would I include it? Plus, I put things in one book that may or may not show up till the next book or even the book after that. It’s all part of the world building, so don’t skim… cause you never know what you’re going to miss.
Do you proofread/edit all your own books or do you get someone to do that for you?
I belong to a Writer’s Group that provides critiques to whatever you post. I’ve used that and I love it. Not only do I get their feedback, but I get to read and provide feedback to their work, which helps me learn and improve. I can’t tell you how much I’ve learned by being part of this Writer’s Community.
I also work with an outside editor who is very helpful and provided a lot of needed clean up before I send my work off to my publisher.
What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?
If people are taking the time to read my work, then there is no such thing as a bad review.
Okay that’s not true.
If someone is being a jerk and not offering anything constructive, there is no value in that. Working in my Writer’s Group and dealing with characters who are LGBTQ, I’m used to getting comments and remarks that may not be helpful. However, even in the hardest to read reviews/critiques you can find a nugget of wisdom to consider. So, after I take a breath, eat a piece of chocolate, pout, let the remark sit for a day or two, I can go back and see if there is something of value.
When it comes to good reviews, I smile and get a warm tingle. Those are the best, they may not help you grow as a writer, but they feel good and we all need that.
Thank you so much for having me and I hope people really enjoy Conviction as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Conviction
M.D. Neu © 2019
All Rights Reserved
“I believe this should be adequate.” Mi’ko checked his datapad to ensure all the proper requisitions had been finalized. He glanced around the room again with a pleased smile.
“Do you think he’ll enjoy living here?” Mi’cin asked.
They were here to inspect the quarters he had selected for Todd in the secured area of the speaker’s ship. He could have left it up to Vi-Narm or one of his other aides, but this was important and he needed to handle these details personally. Todd was important, and he wanted to make sure everything was perfect. Plus, it was an opportunity to spend more time with Mi’cin.
“Mister Todd Landon was adamant about staying in his own home and commuting, but it’s not practical.” Mi’ko ran a hand over the desk, then checked his fingers for dust. “And with the rise in protest against us across the planet, it’s not safe. Even though his government insists it is.”
“If you say so,” Mi’cin said. “He didn’t strike me as very logical after our brief meeting.” He went to one of the windows and opened it. “It would be nice to have quarters like this for myself. Does he need all this space? He’s one male.” He inhaled deeply and viewed the park below. “It smells like home. But it’s a replica, not the real place.” His nose crinkled.
“Mi’cin, don’t sulk. Our living situation isn’t that bad, and you are not a child.” Mi’ko put a hand on his son’s arm and squeezed. “I know you hurt. We all ache for our home, but these ships are our home, for now. It’s a pain we all share. By working with the humans, especially Todd, that pain and the loss of our home will lessen.”
Mi’cin’s expression fell. “Assuming the humans will work with us.”
“Please be supportive.” Mi’ko frowned. “I understand you have your misgivings, but please.” He inhaled, smelling the damp trees. “And since when have you not enjoyed the ship’s gardens?” He looked out to the woodland where several tall trees, paths, and waterways ran in countless directions.
The grounds were replicas of some of the famous parks on Benzee and her satellites. The ship’s builders gave as much space as feasible to allow people the chance to enjoy the open space. The artificial light that mimicked the day-night cycle of Benzee had gradually been adjusted to the length of Earth’s day.
“He does, indeed, have a better view than us, but that’s all right.” Mi’ko grinned and thought.
This new position for Mi’cin will help focus him. Give him a chance to interact with the humans and learn about them.
“A view of space would have been equally nice,” Mi’cin said, “but I doubt he’d be used to such a thing.” He turned back to the window. “Such a waste.”
“I assure you it’s not a waste.” Mi’ko ran a hand over the soft fabric of the chair. “Considering the nature of this position. Plus, I thought a view of nature and all the fresh scents would make him feel more at home. It will give him a sense of what Mentra Park was like.”
Mi’cin clucked his tongue.
“What?” Mi’ko questioned. “That was one of your favorite parks on Mentra. You made me take you there whenever we went to visit my parents. You loved the views of Benzee.”
Mi’cin said nothing.
“Mi’cin, please.”
“As you wish, Father.”
“I’d like to ask you to assist Mister Todd Landon to help him acclimate,” Mi’ko said. “It’s going to be hard for him at first. Even though he’s been studying our language and culture—”
Mi’cin’s sigh muted his father. “Of course. I’ll do my best. You have my word. Besides, isn’t that what your aide is supposed to do?”
“True, but this is the first time I’ve had an aide who’s my son.”
“Well, Vi-Narm can’t do it all, and your other aides are busy,” Mi’cin said. “I can use the experience, as you and Mother both keep telling me.”
“I can think of no one better to support me.” Mi’ko focused on his son. “You know, you’re both very quizzical, so you will be good for each other. I hope you can become friends.” He reached out and gently touched Mi’cin on the cheek.
A soft chirp came from the door. It opened to reveal Vi-Narm. Her tightly braided hair had a few wisps out of place; her breathing was heavy.
“Vice speaker, there is a problem with the Envoy position. General Gahumed, with the support of General Fanion, is calling for a special session in the council chamber.”
“What now?” The muscles around Mi’ko’s eyes twitched and the tips of his ears started to warm. It had been like this for several weeks. These continued issues with his own people were taking far too much of his time.
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M.D. Neu is a LGBTQA Fiction Writer with a love for writing and travel. Living in the heart of Silicon Valley (San Jose, California) and growing up around technology, he’s always been fascinated with what could be. Specifically drawn to Science Fiction and Paranormal television and novels, M.D. Neu was inspired by the great Gene Roddenberry, George Lucas, Stephen King, Alfred Hitchcock and Kim Stanley Robinson. An odd combination, but one that has influenced his writing.
Growing up in an accepting family as a gay man, he always wondered why there were never stories reflecting who he was. Constantly surrounded by characters that only reflected heterosexual society, M.D. Neu decided he wanted to change that. So, he took to writing, wanting to tell good stories that reflected our diverse world.
When M.D. Neu isn’t writing, he works for a non-profit and travels with his biggest supporter and his harshest critic, Eric, his husband of eighteen plus years.
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