Jorie Loves A Story, is a blog that was inspired into creation due to a reader's love and passion for the written word. She reads bookish industry newsfeeds, keeps a pertinent eye on newly published authors, is readily eager to book travel to independent book shoppes, athenaeum libraries, historical landmarks of literary interest, and book festivals, conventions, or symposiums; absorbs herself into the written word, cherishing each book she comes across that has the ability to transport herself into another time, place, and world. This is her journey, as she uncovers one book at a time that leaves her musefully happy for the discovery.

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Tag: Cindy Koepp

Author Interview | Richard Dee on behalf of his series feat. Andorra Pett and her sweet adventures in Space!

Posted Monday, 12 February, 2018 by jorielov 4starSciFi, Andorra Pett and the Oort Cloud Cafe, Cindy Koepp, Richard Dee, Rimrider, The Clan Chronicles 4 Comments

Hallo, Hallo dear hearts!

You know how much I *love!* Speculative Fiction, right!? You might have seen my admiration & wicked sweet joyfulness each time *November!* pops back round wherein I’m gushing about my participation within the realms of our lovely book blogosphere event #RRSciFiMonth!? Or, maybe you’ve seen me threading the stories I’m reading in both Fiction & Non-Fiction with my personal tag of happiness known as #FuellYourSciFi? As the tag explains it all really – I have a hearty appreciation for the genre & the world-building found within it! I’ve been reading Science Fiction with a tendency towards disappearing into worlds lit in the Cosmos (a la Space Opera) since I was seventeen – the year, where I not only discovered the Sci Fi Book Club (those wonderful hardback editions arriving by postal mail) but I started to curate my fascination with specific authors who were drawing my eye and heart into their stories.

In recent years, I’ve happily read EPIC serials within the tomes of Space Opera (ie. The Clan Chronicles) whilst I have also sought out wonderfully quirky stories (such as the untitled series by Cindy Koepp) as much as the odd audiobook which truly not only rooted me straight into the world itself but left me wanting more out of the sequel (Rimrider). I truly move in and out of the genre – seeking reads which not only strike the hearty balance of being character-driven with this realistically spun world by which they live but I love seeing the writers who push the boundaries – of giving us wondrous new portals of joy in which to reside within their Sci Fi escapades!

Thus, when I first learnt about Andorra Pett – I thought she would be a keen character to get to know and I was overjoyed I could host her writer, Mr Dee during the blog tour which celebrates her debut story within a series which has already inked out *four!* installments thus far into her development. Therefore, if like me your hankering for a cleverly plotted series set in Space, maybe you’ll be as overjoyed as I am finding out this lovely is available in *print!* I nearly thought it would be in audiobook – as it has something about it which I think would do well with spoken narrative!

Be sure to add your comments & thoughts for the author below my conversation – I’d be interested to hear what you thought about *Andorra Pett*, the developing series & why you personally love stories set in Space! Brew a cuppa, heat up a scone and settle in for some fun!

Andorra Pett and the Oort Cloud Cafe
by Richard Dee

Meet Andorra Pett; with her trusty sidekick, she’s taken over a derelict café. On a mining station. It just happens to be orbiting Saturn! She’s hoping for a fresh start, away from all the drama of her old life. It’s a chance to relax and start again in a place where nobody knows anything about her or her past.

But the café holds a secret, and secrets have a habit of coming out; whether you want them to or not. And being accident prone doesn’t help. The more you try to pretend that you know what’s going on, the worse it gets. Andorra’s plans for peace and quiet get lost amid the revelations and skulduggery and she soon realises that the fate of the whole station lies in her hapless hands.
In space, you can still trip over your feet; the question is, will you land upright?

Places to find the book:

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ISBN: 978-0995458161

Genres: Cosy Mystery, Science Fiction, Space Opera

on 15th June, 2017

Available Formats: Paperback and Ebook

Converse via: #AndorraPett or #RichardDee + #SpaceOpera +#SFF or #SpecFict

Aside from taking the traditional lead-in of a beach cafe to the outer limits of where a cafe could become the center focus out in Space – what initially drew you to writing a character like Andorra and why do you think she’s finding traction with readers?

Dee responds: Initially, Andorra was written as a response to a challenge, to write a sci-fi version of the rom-com, cosy crime sort of novel. As I did so, I realised that there was more to it; now I see Andorra as a symbol for independent people who discover that they can do so much more than they ever thought. And what they perceive to be their weakness can often be their strength. All they need is the chance to show it. Read More

Posted Monday, 12 February, 2018 by jorielov in Blog Tour Host, Rachel's Random Resources, Reader Submitted Author Interview, Science Fiction, Soft Science Fiction, Space Opera, Speculative Fiction

#RRSciFiMonth Author Q&A | Talking #scifi with Cindy Koepp, an Indie author of a Space Opera series!

Posted Sunday, 20 November, 2016 by jorielov Cindy Koepp, Remnant in the Stars, The Loudest Actions, Under the Moon 0 Comments

Today, I have a special guest – since I’m currently celebrating Sci Fi November (via #RRSciFiMonth), I wanted to cultivate a conversation today with the writer whose series I’ve just finished reading about a mutual love of ours: Science Fiction! Therefore you will find that I’ve asked Ms Koepp key questions about her own sci-fi adventures in fiction and film, whilst asking her a bit about her series as well. I wanted to start a thread if I could about the components of the genre that we each find interestingly curious but also, to encourage visitors coming through the event itself to feel inspired to add to the conversation in the comment threads.

This marks my second guest author during Sci Fi November, as Ms Czerneda was the first, who shared the heart of the Quebits in her Guest Post featuring extracts from her Web Shifters series. If you are inclined towards quirky alien races grounded in hard science, I do encourage you to read her feature after Ms Koepp’s!

I personally love conversing about Science Fiction – what was quite keenly wicked is that Ms Koepp shares my love of ‘classic’ Star Trek, as previously only Mr Sullivan had mentioned something that clued me into the fact he shared my affinity for Roddenberry’s Space Opera world. I find there aren’t too many of us who feel this way, so each time I find someone who loves the classic style of Trek, I find I am celebrating with a smile.

If you are following my adventures during Sci Fi November, I am updating the main archive hub for this year’s event after each post I’m contributing throughout November. I am also highlighting the posts for easy reference and discovery on the list! I welcome your commentary and feedback as you make your way through my posts.

Settle into this conversation and you might find a new film

or author to get to know on your next sci-fi expedition!

Currently there are two novels in this Space opera series:

Although this series is unnamed, the stories align together to carry forward the lives of the characters from one novel to the other. What is curious is how well the continuity is between the two novels and how much depth and attention is given to the characters who are struggling with something that is affecting their well-being. It also broaches on the issues with making first contact with new sentient species as much as how life in space can provide it’s own obstacles that can have long-term affects on the people who survive adverse situations and circumstances. There are is a layering of character-driven narrative and fully fleshed out world-building that gives you a unique perspective on this series setting and landscape of focus.

Read my thoughts on Remnant in the Stars & The Loudest Actions.

What originally inspired you to read Science Fiction novels and which authors were your original favourites?

Koepp responds: I have enjoyed science fiction longer than I can remember enjoying science fiction. I have fun with sciences (especially biology) and I like playing “what if” kinds of mental games. When I was in junior high, I was a huge fan of X-Men. My first several stories were X-Men fanfic.

My favorite non-comic book author that I read at that time was … Janet Kagan. Specifically Hellspark and Mirabile. Read More

Posted Sunday, 20 November, 2016 by jorielov in Blog Tour Host, Hard Science Fiction, Reader Submitted Q&A, Science Fiction, Space Opera, Tomorrow Comes Media

Blog Book Tour | “The Loudest Actions” (sequel to The Remnant in the Stars) by Cindy Koepp #IndieSciFi #RRSciFiMonth

Posted Friday, 18 November, 2016 by jorielov Cindy Koepp, The Loudest Actions, Under the Moon 5 Comments

Acquired Book By: I was selected to be a stop on the “The Loudest Actions” an Indie Science Fiction release focusing on Space Opera. The tour is hosted by Tomorrow Comes Media who does the publicity and blog tours for Seventh Star Press and other Indie and/or Self Published authors. I am a regular blog tour host with Tomorrow Comes Media, seeking out new authors and stories within Science Fiction, Fantasy and Cosy Horror wherein my readerly journey takes me inside novellas, short stories and full-length novels.

I was especially appreciative of Ms Koepp for understanding why I needed an ARC print copy to read due to my chronic migraines; truly blessed she understood and I had the opportunity to read this sequel. I received a complimentary ARC copy of “The Loudest Actions” direct from the author Cindy Koepp in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive compensation for my opinions or thoughts shared herein.

On why jorie loved the first novel of this series:

Any writer who can insert humourous nods of irony involving knitting and sewing get a full clap of wicked sweet joy from me! Being a knitter, I especially loved the riddling but it was hope it was inserted at key moments of punch that delighted me the most! The humour is deliciously quirky and it was such a lovely backdrop to the action! Koepp has a natural capacity for etching in humanistic thematics focusing on family and the life of the stars in balance with one another – wherein you feel pulled into the emotional throes of her characters, even at first meeting! Her characters feel vibrantly real – sincerely honest and particularly human, even the ones who are most decidedly from another world!

Koepp bridges spoken speech and telepathic communication well – you are never guessing what is being exchanged or by which method either! A true joy is watching how her characters interact and express emotion – as their emotion is nearly surmised by their body language and their choice of words, enveloping you in the urgency of the crisis they are facing. Koepp has developed this world quite well – as each character in turn wholly feels fully fleshed together with their individual quirks and trademarks of personality.

– quoted from my review of The Remnant in the Stars

I was thankful to be able to read books one and two in direct sequence on behalf of this lovely series – when I first joined the blog tour, I hadn’t realised they were part of a series, as I thought they were two independent stories without connective threads between them. Finding out there is a third novel coming next is quite exciting as I had a feeling ahead of reading The Loudest Actions, I would want this to keep moving forward!

The reason Sora left such a strong impression on me originally is because his spirituality and approach to life reminded me of the Japanese and the Vulcans; he approached his life with patience with a directed intent of being mindful of his actions, the consequences of his mistakes and the way in which he communicated. There are a lot of layers to this series, not just in finding a connection with characters, but with concepts and first contact meetings of other beings which bring to centre how enlightening it is to traverse outside one’s homeworld and discover who or whom is living amongst the stars.

The Loudest Actions
by Cindy Koepp
Source: Author via Tomorrow Comes Media

First contact missions are hard enough, but they get even tougher when the negotiator has an ego the size of a gas giant. Burke Zacharias, a first contact researcher, is chosen to spearhead humanity’s first official contact with Montans, an insect race that has already had a run-in with less friendly humans. Although his words and overtures toward the Montans are cordial enough, the Montans are put off by how he treats the crew of the scout ship that brought him to the world.

With other, less friendly forces trying to establish a foothold on the world, the negotiation must succeed in spite of Burke, or the Montans could be facing extinction.

Places to find the book:

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Also by this author: Hero's Best Friend: An Anthology of Animal Companions, Remnant in the Stars, Q&A Cindy Koepp

Genres: Action & Adventure Fiction, Science Fiction, Space Opera

Published by Under the Moon

on 27th August, 2016

Format: Spiral Bound ARC

Pages: 210

Published By: Under the Moon
Available Formats: Softcover and Ebook

Converse on Twitter: #IndieSciFi + #SpaceOpera

About Cindy Koepp

Originally from Michigan, Cindy Koepp has a degree in Wildlife Sciences and teaching certification in Elementary Education from rival universities. After teaching for fourteen years, she pursued a master’s degree in Adult Learning with a specialization in Training and Performance Improvement. Cindy has five published science fiction and fantasy novels, a serial published online, short stories in five anthologies, and a few self-published teacher resource books. When she isn’t reading or writing, Cindy spends time whistling with a crazy African Grey. Cindy is currently working as an optician in Iowa and as an editor with PDMI Publishing and Barking Rain Press.

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

SFN Bingo 2016

Posted Friday, 18 November, 2016 by jorielov in Blog Tour Host, Compassion & Acceptance of Differences, Equality In Literature, Fathers and Daughters, Flashbacks & Recollective Memories, Hard Science Fiction, PTSD, Science Fiction, Space Opera, Tomorrow Comes Media

Blog Book Tour | “Remnant in the Stars” by Cindy Koepp #IndieSciFi #RRSciFiMonth

Posted Wednesday, 16 November, 2016 by jorielov Cindy Koepp, Remnant in the Stars, Under the Moon 4 Comments

Acquired Book By: I was selected to be a stop on the “Remnant in the Stars” an Indie Science Fiction release focusing on Space Opera. The tour is hosted by Tomorrow Comes Media who does the publicity and blog tours for Seventh Star Press and other Indie and/or Self Published authors. I am a regular blog tour host with Tomorrow Comes Media, seeking out new authors and stories within Science Fiction, Fantasy and Cosy Horror wherein my readerly journey takes me inside novellas, short stories and full-length novels.

I received a complimentary copy of “Remnant in the Stars” direct from the author Cindy Koepp in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive compensation for my opinions or thoughts shared herein.

On why jorie loves space opera:

There has been an allure for reading and/or watching Space Operas ever since I was a young girl who became wicked fascinated with the Cosmos and the Universe. Even the new mini-series MARS (by NatGeo) has me enthralled – I cannot wait to see it! It became quite innocently enough – a mild curiosity, but it developed into a life-long appreciation of everything intergalactic and exploratory!

I am truly dedicated to old school story-tellings of the genre – inasmuch as I’m a purist who appreciates the original canons of: Star Trek, Star Wars & Battlestar Gallatica (who knew you had to be that specific?) – however, there is such a wide sea of choices to read and to watch across mediums of creative thought, I find myself wicked amazed by the discoveries I am continuously able to make!

Most recently, it was Ms Czerneda who charmed me with the breadth of her Clan Chronicles – an EPIC of a saga set in Space whilst Mr Sullivan gave me the kind of Spacer collective of shorts I was itching to find as well! You truly have to love taking on adventurous risks reading Space Opera – because in order to fully feel engrossed & a part of the stories, a part of your own heart has to take that daring leap of faith to insert yourself into the character’s shoes! This is one reason I love reading Space Opera as much as I do! You’re exploring the uncharted and unknown – your risking it all to see a portion of the cosmos most will never be able to drink in with their own eyes.

The allure of course is the wonderment of what is waiting for you to see & find; to discover the stories of the cultures and creatures who are just outside of naked sight and of whom live these ordinary lives light years away from our own world. There is a big wide universe out there just past this spinning globe of light and water we call Earth; by anchouring your imagination into Space Opera you get to creatively see what writers see as they enrich our lives with these fantastic worlds!

How truly blessed am I? I get to dig inside two of these lovelies by Ms Koepp and journey inside an anthology of shorts called FAR ORBIT soon hereafter!

Bring on the Spacer stories!

I heart this kind of Science Fiction!

Remnant in the Stars
by Cindy Koepp
Source: Author via Tomorrow Comes Media

Two hundred years ago, the Aolanian home world exploded and a remnant of survivors escaped. As their convoy combed the galaxy looking for a new world to colonize, they discovered Earth and were given permission to establish a temporary base while they continued their search for a new home world. When an Aolanian exploration vessel goes missing after transmitting a garbled distress call, the uneasy alliance between the humans and the Aolanians is put to the test as two anti-Aolanian groups jockey to use this opportunity to press their own agendas by foiling the rescue mission.

Because his daughter was onboard the Kesha when it vanished, Calonti Sora reluctantly signs on as an astrogator with the Gyrfalcon, one of the ships in the search party. There he meets up with an old human friend, Kirsten Abbott. Together, they work to overcome prejudice and political plots as they race toward an enemy no one could expect.

Places to find the book:

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ISBN: 978-1934153314

Also by this author: Hero's Best Friend: An Anthology of Animal Companions, The Loudest Actions, Q&A Cindy Koepp

Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Spirituality & Metaphysics

Published by Under the Moon

on 2012

Format: Paperback Edition

Pages: 242

Published By: Under the Moon
Available Formats: Softcover and Ebook

Converse on Twitter: #IndieSciFi + #SpaceOpera

About Cindy Koepp

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

SFN Bingo 2016

Posted Wednesday, 16 November, 2016 by jorielov in Blog Tour Host, Brothers and Sisters, Compassion & Acceptance of Differences, Debilitating Diagnosis & Illness, Equality In Literature, Fathers and Daughters, Hard Science Fiction, Science Fiction, Siblings, Space Opera, Spirituality & Metaphysics, Tomorrow Comes Media, Women's Health