Destiny Updates

After spending the past year in space, plotting and consolidating my new Destiny Universe, I figured it was time for an update on the series.

The Destiny series:

Set in the first part of the 22nd century (about one hundred years from now) the Earth’s resources have been spent and humanity must move out into the galaxy and find new, lush planets to colonize. First to leave were the wealthy and powerful. They founded planets and created the Korg Empire, ruled by a council of the most powerful. Slowly, Earth became the place the Korg came seeking slaves to feed the growing ambitions of the empire.

To escape, the peoples of Earth created the Destiny Project. Colony ships sent beyond the influence of the Korg Empire to create free colonies in space. There’s subterfuge and corruption afoot within the system, but ships launch, each to its own planet, in search of freedom. The Destiny series tells the saga of this venture.

Destiny: Cloud Fist

A desperate exodus from Earth.

Indentured to the starship captain, young Michael ‘Kip’ Anders was his family’s only hope of fleeing Earth and its constant attacks from the Korg. But even four years out, the colony ship Cloud Fist is unable to escape the Korg’s firm grip on the galaxy. As factions form and unrest invades the ship, Kip finds his loyalties severely tested. Will the new colony fail before it even finds a planet to settle?

Destiny Cloud Fist is available in Kindle eBook and Paperback: Click Here

Also Free to Read on Kindle Unlimited.

Destiny: Morning Star

The Morning Star, strikes out on it’s mission to find and colonize a hospitable planet as far away from the evil Korg Empire as it can find, but enemies threaten from within and without. This is the story of the ship that was found in Destiny: Cloud Fist, and relates the tale of what happened to bring the ship to that point and what happened after.

Destiny: Morning Star is now posting on Kindle Vella at: https://www.amazon.com/Destiny-Season-2-Morning-Star/dp/B0B119JKGR/

The first three chapters are free to read. it will be published as a kindle eBook and Paperback early next year.

Destiny: Moon Rise

Cover Reveal!

[Coming soon to Kindle Vella]

Earth’s remaining population is in a desperate position. The victim of constant slave raids from the Korg Empire, and with no resources left to construct another Destiny colony ship, they are left to their own devices to survive. But Juanita Lopez has a plan.

***

Destiny’s Legacy

A Romantic Science Fiction Adventure Series.

One hundred years after the Destiny colony ships started exploring the galaxy, the Milky Way is settled. A strong Galactic Federation has been build on the ruins of the old Korg Empire. But danger and adventure still hide in the dark corners of the galaxy.

(The first three books in this series were previously published under the series name: Hearts in Orbit. The books have been edited and expanded to place them firmly in the new Destiny Universe.

The Blarmling Dilemma

Available now in Kindle eBook and paperback.

Free to read on Kindle Unlimited!

Kindle: https://books2read.com/u/47gMNA

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Blarmling-Dilemma-Destinys-Legacy/dp/B0BD851W3J/

Pirates of the Dark Nebula

Available now in Kindle eBook and paperback.

Free to read on Kindle Unlimited!

Kindle: https://books2read.com/u/bOn1lg

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Pirates-Dark-Nebula-S-Mitchell/dp/B0BFV29ZVM/

Captives of the Kratzen

Publishing October 5th!

Pre-order: https://books2read.com/u/m0EMXP

And more to come…

Adventure on,

Steve

A Cover Reveal and a Heavenly Deal.

Hi readers,

As I mentioned last time, my Hearts in Orbit series is going away. I’ve received my rights back on the three books, and I’m busy doing a rewrite to fit these titles into my new Destiny Universe. The first book, The Blarmling Dilemma, will be releasing soon and today I’d like to share the new cover with you.

I can’t wait to share these new editions with you all.

These books will be under a new series name, Destiny’s Legacy, as they occur one hundred years after my current Destiny series.

If you aren’t caught up on the Destiny series, you can pick up book 1, Destiny: Cloud Fist in Kindle ebook or paperback. It’s also available on Kindle Vella and free to read on Kindle Unlimited.

Amazon: https://books2read.com/u/47Q25L

Kindle Vella: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B095XKSZ6Q

And Book 2, Destiny: Morning Star is currently posting, one chapter per week, on Kindle Vella at: https://www.amazon.com/Destiny-Season-2-Morning-Star/dp/B0B119JKGR/

***

Also, I’ve joined with some great fantasy and paranormal authors in a Celebrate Freedom Book Sale, July 1^st – 8th all for just 99¢ each. My book, Son of Thunder is featured and now on sale.

Check out Son of Thunder and other great summer reads at:

https://books.bookfunnel.com/freedom2022sale/2rr2iniff0

Best Wishes and Happy Reading,

Steve

Destiny: Cloud Fist update and cover reveal

Today I’m pleased to announce that my Kindle Vella story, Destiny: Cloud Fist will be coming to regular Kindle eBook and paperback formats. So if you’re not a Kindle Vella reader, and it appears there aren’t many of those, you will be able to read this story.

Destiny: Cloud Fist

A desperate exodus from Earth.

Indentured to the starship captain, young Michael ‘Kip’ Anders was his family’s only hope of fleeing Earth and its constant attacks from the Korg. But even four years out, the colony ship Cloud Fist is unable to escape the Korg’s firm grip on the galaxy. As factions form and unrest invades the ship, Kip finds his loyalties severely tested. Will the new colony fail before it even finds a planet to settle?

Destiny: Cloud Fist is the first book in a new series of space opera science fiction that will expand to include the stories I wrote in my Hearts in Orbit series.

Later this year I will be getting the rights back to Hearts in Orbit, and the books will be reworked, to fit into this new universe. Stay tuned to this space for more information as it unfolds.

Best Wishes,

Steve

Update – Destiny: Cloud Fist

On Tuesday, I released the last few episodes of Destiny: Cloud Fist.

The story is complete, and all episodes are now up for reading on Kindle Vella.

You can read the first three episodes for free, and the rest for just a few pennies each. If you haven’t tried kindle Vella yet, check it out. (There’s a thumbs up button at the bottom of each episode and clicking on that really helps out the author.)

Check out Destiny Cloud Fist here: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B095XKSZ6Q

And if you’re not into reading on Kindle Vella, stay tuned, the regular Kindle ebook and paperback versions will be coming out soon(ish)

Destiny (Season 1) is complete.

Today I sent the last three episodes of Destiny (Season 1): Cloud Fist to my editor. The story is complete, and I’m quite happy with it.

There will be a new episode out tomorrow and every Wednesday from now on until the story is complete. If you’re a fan of Kindle Vella, check it out at: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B095XKSZ6Q

If Vella doesn’t fit your reading style, don’t despair, the story will be out in paperback and Kindle eBook format shortly after the end of the year. And it will be free to read on Kindle Unlimited.

Plus, coming soon will be Destiny (Season 2): Morning Star. These stories will for the basis of my new Destiny Universe where i will be placing the updated versions of my Hearts in Orbit series once I get the rights back from my publisher next summer. Look for Blarmlings, Backtechers, and Space Pirates as the universe expands. It’s kind of like having my own big bang.

Find your next adventure in a book,

Steve

Kindle Vella and the new Destiny Universe

It’s Wednesday, and that means it’s time for a new episode of Destiny: Cloud Fist. Episode 26: Battleship Siege just went live and the story is starting to wind to a close. There are still a few things Michael needs to accomplish, and the story will probably span forty or so episodes by the time it’s done, but I’m already planning the next couple of stories in the Destiny universe.

For the latest episode, or to catch up on the story, go to: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B095XKSZ6Q

Or check out the story wherever you read kindle books.

I also want to point out that my Hearts in Orbit books also take place in the Destiny Universe, though a couple hundred years later in the timeline.

Now, you probably won’t see blarmlings popping up in Destiny: Cloud Fist, but you should know they are there, and will probably figure into a future story.

I just thought you’d like to know.

Steve

Destiny: Cloud Fist Update.

It’s Wednesday and time for another episode of Destiny: Cloud Fist.

I’m happy to report that there are now 19 episodes up, ready for binge-reading if you haven’t started yet. Check you Kindle device or go to: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/product/B095XKSZ6Q

“What?” You say. “There’s a new episode of What if? today as well.”

Yes! And I am very excited for that, but surely you have time for a little reading, don’t you?

Remember, the first three episodes of Destiny: Cloud Fist are free to read, and it you like it, it’s only pennies per episode after that.

Thanks for stopping by,

Steve

Kindle Vella – A new way to read.

Kindle Vella has launched for readers!

Kindle Vella

Yes, Kindle Vella, Amazon’s newest publishing platform has launched for readers. For months now Amazon has been after us authors to post new content in preparation for this day. How well will it be received, time will tell.

It’s serialized stories with the first three episodes free, after that you pay by the episode with tokens, and Amazon is giving away 200 free tokens right now in the app to get you started, so don’t wait.

You can find Vella in your current Kindle device or app, or at: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella

And the opening of Kindle Vella means that my latest story is also available (Well at least the first 15 chapters…excuse me, episodes). Presenting: Destiny: Cloud Fist.

This is a story I’ve been writing off and on for years, and I’m excited to make it available on Amazon’s latest platform exclusively…for now. There will be regular episodes added, I’m planning on one or two per week depending on demand.

You can find the story by searching for S. C. Mitchell in the Kindle app or by going online here: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/product/B095XKSZ6Q

Remember, you can read the first three episodes for free, so what are you waiting for?

And you can give reviews, so let me know how I’m doing.

Have a great day,

Steve

Romance Writers Weekly – Things are getting in-tense.

Welcome to the romance Writers Weekly blog hop, where every week a great group of romance writers answer questions and accept challenges. Diverse in what we write, we are unified in the quest to bring you, the romance reader, a very happy ever after.

You can join us daily on our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RomanceWritersWeekly/

Ascension by A.S. Fenichel
Now just 99¢

If you’re starting your blog hop here, or just hopping over from A. S. Fenichel’s wonderful blog, welcome.

Check out Fix You by Carrie Elks

Today’s topic comes from the wonderful Carrie Elks – Writing can be in-tense. Do you have a preferred POV (First, second or third person) and do you like writing in past or present tense? How about when you choose a book to read – do the tense and POV come into that choice? Have you ever written or read a book that breaks all your rules yet is so much better for it?

I am very partial to third-person past-tense in reading and writing. it just feels more natural to me. I have read and enjoyed many first-person novels but unless I can really identify with the character, I find it had sometimes to stay in their head in first-person.

That said, I have started writing a novel in first-person that is also present-tense. More as a test to see if I can actually write like this, I also feel the way the main characters point of view changes over the course of the novel makes putting it in present tense more impactful.

Here’s a snippet of Destiny: Cloud Fist

An explosion rocks the ship, throwing me out of bed, and across the cabin. I slam into the wall bruising my head and opening a cut on my left hand. By the time I bandage my hand, throw on some clothes, and make my way to the bridge the hull is already breached and power-suited Korg commandos are on board the Cloud Fist.

“I want those shields up now,” Captain Pulsian is saying as I rush through the hatchway, “and get security to all the main corridors. Keep those commandos off the bridge.”

It’s a relief to see the Captain already on the bridge and in charge. I think maybe we still have a chance. Maybe. It’s my job to be at his side whenever I am on duty and to get to his side whenever there is an emergency like this attack. I’m the ship’s boy, the Captain’s errand runner.

“Anders,” the Captain says. He always calls me by my last name.

“Yes, sir,” I say. Proud to be serving such a great man.

“You’re on Com Two until someone show’s up who knows what they’re doing.”

There’s a body on the floor lying in a pool of blood behind the Com Two station chair. It looks like Matt Chandler, but I can’t be sure. I like Matt. He’s a good guy. But I don’t take time to see if he’s still breathing. I know combat protocol. The Captain drills us all on it constantly. So I sit down in front of the big communications control station.

I know very little about the shipboard communications panel. I’ve never been trained, and I wonder what the Captain expects me to do here. I start to look over the Com Two station to see if it makes any sense, ‘cause that’s orders, and it’s my job to follow the Captain’s orders. It’s to my luck that beside me at Com One is Maura Reuter. She reaches over and flips a few switches on my panel then hands me the head set.

***

I don’t know if I’ll ever finish it. It’s a lot of work to stay in present-tense. I’d love to know what you think of the story and the way I’m telling it.

Let me know in the comments below then slip over to Brenda Margriet’s post as the RWW Blog Hop continues at: http://www.brendamargriet.com/blog

Click to check out Brenda’s wonderful new novel, When Time Falls Still

 

Star Trek vs. Star Wars

Star Trek vs. Star Wars

 

I’m spending a lot of time in space lately, working on two novels at the same time (not something I would recommend) that both take place in the future. These two stories, however, take place in two very different futures.

Hearts in Orbit is my new romance which takes place in a bright future, where people live for the most part in harmony and technology is used to benefit the human race. A beneficent galactic government guards and protects, provides education and stimulates opportunity for the people of the Federated Planets. There’s no hunger or need. I see this as my ‘Star Trek’ world. It’s that utopian future so many of the early science fiction writers embraced. Threats to the galaxy’s peace come from external sources (alien cultures, asteroids, viruses, etc.). For the most part, people have found a way to work out their problems and live in peace with each other. Well, except for Mari and Rigel (my H/H) who will have a bit of internal conflict on their way to falling in love.

Destany: Cloud Fist is a dystopian space opera I’m playing around with. Think of it as Battlestar Galactica meets Hunger Games. It’s a dark galaxy with various human factions fighting over limited resources. Greed, fear and self preservation motivate the action. The conflict comes from within. People against people. Beliefs against beliefs. This is my ‘Star Wars’ world, and this is NOT a romance. Michael has to struggle just to survive in a galaxy full of conflict. If you’re looking for happy ever after, look elsewhere.

I love Star Trek and Star Wars. These two epic science fiction franchises are both inspirational in their own ways. I think that Star Wars tends to give us a sense of who we are, while Star Trek gives us a vision of where we want to go. Getting there, of course, will make for some fun storytelling, and I plan to revisit both of these worlds in my future writing, but most especially the dark world of Destany: Cloud Fist.

Political forces thrown into an epic fight for the heart and soul of the human race is a great backdrop for drama and storytelling. I have to admit, I am many times drawn to the ‘dark side’ in my writing. In my last novel, Amulet of the Fallen God, I discovered just how much fun it was to write from the viewpoint of my villains. Good and Evil are rarely absolutes and it was as much fun to find the humanity in my villains as it was to find the shortcomings in my heroes.

That said, I consider myself an optimist. While I will continue to write about dark, decaying worlds (Star Wars) I still think it’s possible for us to achieve a much brighter (Star Trek) future.

Until next time,

Steve