Waking Up Immortal by Rachel Carrington (Guest Post: Blending Science Fiction and Paranormal Romance)

Please give a warm welcome to romance author, Rachel Carrington, who is joining us with her upcoming paranormal/sci-fi romance - Waking Up Immortal!

Blending Science Fiction and Paranormal Romance

I like to try things I’ve never tried before. Whether it’s eating alligator or ziplining over Madrid, Spain, I’m all for it…at least once. How else will I know if I like something if I don’t try it? 

When I first started writing Waking Up Immortal, I didn’t intend to introduce the science fiction aspect. That came when Kier, the hero, came on board. I knew right away he couldn’t be an ordinary character, not when the heroine is an immortal. I had to make him special and another paranormal character just wouldn’t do. That’s when it occurred to me that I’d never tried my hand at writing a half-man/half-machine before. And I got excited. It was something new, and I wanted to try it.

Then someone asked me if the book was urban fantasy, and I was like “huh”? I don’t think so. While the story is told in first person, it’s not set primarily in a city. Well, at least not a city that you or I know. It takes place in a prison somewhere in an unpopulated portion of the galaxy. But that had me scrambling to wedge my story into a certain genre or category. 

What if it didn’t fit anywhere? How would readers react to a book that toed the line between paranormal and science fiction? Would the lovers of paranormal romance hate it? Would science fiction fans abhor it as well? I knew I was taking a chance, but from the time I started writing Waking Up Immortal to the time I finished it, the story practically wrote itself which told me I had done what my muse wanted me to do. 

I tried something new. And along the way, I met some great characters who will continue with me into a few more books. Who knows? Maybe this is blended genre will end up being my favorite one.

How do you feel about blended genre romances? Do you like unique genres, or do you prefer to stick to a specific type of genre because you know what you’ll be getting? 

http://dawnrachel.com/

Waking Up Immortal
by Rachel Carrington
October 20th, 2012

I could die today, and it wouldn’t matter. I’d still wake up tomorrow. Some people might consider that a good thing, and the time I took my first bullet, well, I can’t say I complained when I woke up, but that’s the middle of the story.
At first I didn't want this "gift" which led me to a long search for my father. I thought he could help me. Turns out my father was in prison, and I just happened to get on the bad side of his warden—a huge, cyborg type of guy who could body double for Sylvester Stallone. He didn't want me to see my father, and he was a pretty big obstacle for me to overcome.
So here I am trying to convince this guy, Kier, to let me see my father when all hell breaks loose. Then I suddenly learn I really don't want to see dear old Dad after all. My life isn't in danger, but how I spend the rest of my immortal existence is. The only thing standing between me and certain torture is Kier.
I don't doubt he'll protect me, but being so close to him makes me forget about things like safety. And the first time he kisses me turns into heat up the windows type of scene in the front seat of my car.
My immortal existence is safe with Kier. My heart is on shaky ground. Only I could fall in love with a cyborg while my life is going to hell in a handbasket.

Goodreads