Over at the USA Today/HEA blog I’m featuring two interviews on my SciFi Encounters column – (1) Linnea Sinclair and (2) the husband-and-wife duo that make up “Ilona Andrews” . I always like to know what an author regards as their guilty pleasure (if they own up to one). Mine would probably be nutella, straight from the jar. Not that I’ve ever actually eaten it that way (ahem) of course. Linnea shared that Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream was hers and when I went over to see the website, I could totally understand! Talk about the lusciousness of desserts! Wow. Probably don’t go over there unless you have lots of calories to spare or just don’t care! I wanted it all…
I’ll let you read my column to find out what “Ilona” regards as their guilty pleasure….
Both authors share lines from upcoming books, which is always fun.
I don’t tend to collect favorite lines so it’s a good thing I don’t ask myself that question. I do kinda like this from my Wreck of the Nebula Dream, which comes after the hero (who’s a Sectors Special Forces officer) awakens in the middle of the night to find the engines on the brand new luxury spaceliner have been shut off:
“Ship, I want to know what’s going on.” Nick strode to the direct interface console in the bulkhead, keying in a quick inquiry.
“There is nothing to be concerned about, Passenger Jameson. We apologize for disturbing your sleep. Please resume your slumbers now, with no further care.” The AI’s voice was smooth, glib as always. “Do you require a sleep inject, Passenger Jameson?”
“No, I do not.” Nick allowed his considerable annoyance to creep into his tone. “Why are the engines off?”
“Merely some required maintenance, sir.”
“Yeah, right. And I’m a Bengaz silk trader.” Nick glared at the interface. “No one does engine maintenance in the middle of the shipping lanes.”
Silence from the AI.
But then the next night the ship has suffered another catastrophe that will ultimately destroy her and the captain is trying to reassure the passengers. My hero isn’t buying.
“Again, I must apologize to you, my passengers,” the image was saying. “We have experienced a small malfunction –”
“Not from where I’m standing, pal,” Nick said grimly. “Small is not the word for it.”
I guess you can probably see why this novel gets referred to as “Titanic in space”…..
Now if we were talking favorite SF movie lines, I’m always waiting for either Kyle Reese or a 
Terminator to show up and say to me, “Come with me if you want to live!” I’d go!