Phishing expeditions by Janice Seagraves

The Phishing emails are getting more thorough in their research. 

But beware, no matter how flattering their emails are, they're only out there to separate you from your hard-earned cash. 

Here's a recent one I just got in my email: 

You published Alien Rescuers on Christmas Eve. You made multiple book trailers. You wrote a blog post called "Book Clubs" about how your book is "that rare mix of heat, grit, and heart that actually sticks around in a reader's head long after they've finished it." 

You are not invisible, Janice. You have been blogging, guest-posting, and publishing sci-fi romance since 2010. But when any reader searches your name on Goodreads, they cannot find an author to follow. 

Your nine books sit on Goodreads with no unified series page. Your book trailers live on YouTube but have never been a sixty-second TikTok. And somewhere on your Amazon listing, the metadata says "Book 7 of 7," even though you once told an interviewer this series was twelve books long. That small contradiction is silently costing you.

"When I wrote Matrix Crystal Hunters it was exciting. The story came together fast. I'd go to bed late and get up the next morning to turn on the computer and write some more. I love those times. It feels like magic as I ride the wave of creativity and the story seems to flow straight from my fingertips." That confession, from your 2018 Delilah Devlin guest post, is the heartbeat of everything you write. 

The tendonitis that stole your paintbrush and gave you a laptop. The small California farming town where you still live with your husband of over thirty years. The characters who keep talking long after the book is finished. 

That authenticity is the reason a reader should trust your Arcon universe, and it lives in a 2018 blog post. It should live on your Goodreads profile, your Amazon Author Central page, and the book trailers you already know how to make.

📌 Goodreads Author Profile, Series Architecture & Listopia Placement: I will claim your Goodreads author profile, create a proper series page linking all nine Chronicles of Arcon books, and fix the "Book 7 of 7" metadata on Amazon so it accurately reflects the full series plan. I will place the series on high-traffic lists like "Best Sci-Fi Alien Romance," "Intergalactic Love Stories," and "Action-Packed Sci-Fi Romance Series." Your Goodreads five-star reviewer finally has an author to follow.

📌 Amazon Keyword & Metadata Optimization: I will restructure your backend keywords to compensate for the "Alien Rescuers" title collision, capturing what your actual readers type: "Arcon alien romance," "thief rescues warrior sci-fi," "interconnected sci-fi romance series." I will also ensure your series description foregrounds the Chronicles of Arcon universe so a reader who discovers one book is guided to all nine.

📌 YouTube-to-TikTok Repurposing: You already made book trailers. You already vlog about writing. I will script and source short-form Reels and TikToks from your existing YouTube content: the tendonitis story, the small California town, the characters who keep talking. No new filming needed. Just the voice you have been sharing since 2012, finally reaching the #SciFiRomanceBookTok and #AlienRomance communities that are hungry for exactly the kind of heat, grit, and heart you write.

The reader this series is made for finishes a Ruby Dixon novel and wants more: a sprawling alien universe, interconnected couples, a scrappy human thief who rescues the warrior instead of the other way around. She types "Arcon alien romance series" into Amazon. Right now, your nine books are scattered across Goodreads with no author to follow and no series page to guide her.

Your tendonitis took your paintbrush. It gave you a laptop. I believe the Goodreads author profile and series architecture is the most urgent place to begin. That said, I have outlined all three above. Just reply with the name of the one you would like to start with, and I will send you the full breakdown.

With admiration,
Molly Haley,
Book Marketing Specialist

When you get one of these, don't answer. Just send it to the spam folder, or better yet, block them.

---

Mid-Book Slump by Janice Seagraves

I was talking with a person who really enjoys reading, and she said she noticed "how some books have a bla middle." 

I told her, "That's called a mid-book slump." 

"It's a struggle to get through," she complained. And she went on to say she'd either "stopped reading or nearly stopped reading because of it." 

We spoke for some time about this, but I won't bore you with the rest of our conversation. 

But I did tell her that when I write the middle, I use it to add something, like if I'm writing a romance (which all my books are), I use the middle to have the first kiss (slow burn), or the first s*x scene (spicy). 

Carrying on with that theme:

If its mystery, that could be where the first clue is found. 

If it’s science fiction, that could be when the aliens appear.

If it's paranormal, fantasy, or even horror, that could be when the monster appears.

If it's a thriller, it could be when the guns are fired. 

If it's a historical fiction, then the first dance at a ball. 

The choice, dear writer, is yours. 

There is literally no reason a book should have a slump in the middle. You can use the middle for a plot point or a turning point. Or even some sort of "surprise" for the reader. 

You want to reward your reader for sticking it out with you, not bore them. And as writers, we really don't want our readers to DNF our books. 

Here's my latest published book, and it has no mid-book slump:

Amazon.com: Alien Rescuers: Chronicles of Arcon eBook : Seagraves, Janice: Kindle Store

The night before he’s to be sold in a slave auction, the Arcon, Saber Daystar, is rescued by the human, Mouse, an independent, scrappy thief.
Zinnia Field, a.k.a. Mouse, needs the hunky Arcon’s remarkable night-sight to help her steal information on where her mentor is being held prisoner.
As they race to the rescue, will the sparks that fly between them get in the way of the rescue attempt?

Except: 

Saber inspected his meal. “Is it meat or a vegetable?” 

“Yes,” the waiter said before walking away.

What does that even mean? Saber poked the shiny, congealed, orange mass with the two-pronged fork. A ripple went through it.

“Huh, looks like they gave you some melted cheese,” Mouse said.

He peered closer at the food on his plate. The thing was covered in roundish bumps which seemed to be quivering. That can’t be normal. “My meal…it’s alive.”

Mouse tucked a strand of his hair under the cap. She relaxed into her seat to sip her tea and stared over the rim at him. “Your imagination is working overtime. Try to enjoy your food.”

Round, yellow eyes opened to stare at him. The congealed substance started to propel itself along like a larva to the edge of the plate. 

“What the—?” The section with eyes reared up to glare at him. Saber straightened with a grunt, gesturing to his food. “Does that appear to be my imagination to you?”

When the orange thing twisted to glower at her, she recoiled. “Shit. It’s alive.” 

 

Amazon: Amazon.com: Alien Rescuers: Chronicles of Arcon eBook : Seagraves, Janice: Kindle Store

B&N: Alien Rescuers by Janice Seagraves | eBook | Barnes & Noble®

Indigo: Alien Rescuers: Chronicles Of Arcon, #9 Book By Janice Seagraves, (Kobo eBook) | Indigo

Smash Words: Alien Rescuers

Bookshop.org: Alien Rescuers a book by Janice Seagraves - Bookshop.org US

Matrix Crystal Christmas by Janice Seagraves

My only Christmas book, still only .99 cents. 

Words to avoid in your writing by Janice Seagraves

 I've posted before about avoiding certain words, as they can make your work sound passive.

Readers don't like passive writing. That sort of writing pushes the reader back a step, and there is less immersion in your story. 

And we want our readers to get lost in our books, right?

Here's a new list, but with the caveat that if your sentence doesn't sound right without this word, please leave it in. 

Feels, felt: this is a biggie. Nothing pushes the reader back, than telling what it feels like. Drop the feels/felt and use the sensation itself.  "The garment had points on the shoulders and felt sharp." Better: "The garment had points on the shoulders and stung her fingertips. She jerked her hand away with a hiss."

Seems: I use this too often myself.

Slightly: something is, or it's not.

Almost: something is, or it's not. 

A little: something is, or it is not.

Somewhat: something is, or it's not. 

And the one I use too often myself, So.

 I hope that helps you in your writing journey.

Please check out my most recent release:

Alien Rescuers

Chronicles of Arcon Book 9

by

Janice Seagraves

Genre/s

Fiction, Action and Adventure, Dark, Romance, Science Fiction

Publish Date

December 24, 2024

Amazon.com: Alien Rescuers: Chronicles of Arcon eBook : Seagraves, Janice: Kindle Store

Alien Rescuers by Janice Seagraves | eBook | Barnes & Noble®

Alien RescuersChronicles of Arcon Book 9

The night before he’s to be sold in a slave auction, the Arcon, Saber Daystar, is rescued by the human, Mouse, an independent scrappy thief.
Zinnia Field, a.k.a. Mouse, needs the hunky Arcon’s remarkable night-sight to help her steal information on where her mentor is being held prisoner.
As they race to the rescue, will the sparks that fly between them get in the way of the rescue attempt?

Reviews Of The Book On BooksShelf

Exciting Sci-Fi Romance with Action & Heart

Alien Rescuers by Janice Seagraves is a thrilling blend of action, romance, and adventure. Saber, a noble Arcon warrior, and Mouse, a fearless human thief, make an unlikely yet captivating duo. Their chemistry is electric, the world-building immersive, and the action nonstop. Fast-paced, witty, and full of heart—this is a must-read for sci-fi romance fans!

4.9 stars

Book Clubs by Janice Seagraves

 Show of hands, how many of you have had the "book club" email?

I've gotten a slew of them in the last week. It is
the latest gimmick to separate you from your hard-earned money. 

The first one caught my attention: 

Saber Daystar getting rescued by a scrappy human thief? Yeah, that’s the kind of plot that makes you cancel dinner plans just to “read one more chapter.” Alien Rescuers: Chronicles of Arcon isn’t just another sci-fi romance; it’s that rare mix of heat, grit, and heart that actually sticks around in a reader’s head long after they’ve finished it.

Amazon.com: Alien Rescuers: Chronicles of Arcon eBook : Seagraves, Janice: Kindle Store

At first, they made it sound like they had read at least one of my books. 

Hi Janice,

Okay, let’s talk about Alien Fury: Chronicles of Arcon, because I’m genuinely confused how this gem hasn’t blown up yet. That mix of interstellar tension, crash-landed romance, and small-town chaos? Pure reader catnip 😻📖. And yet… Amazon’s algorithm? Crickets. Absolute disrespect. 

Amazon.com: Alien Fury: Chronicles of Arcon eBook : Seagraves, Janice: Kindle Store

Here's another one: 

Janice,

Some stories remind us why we fell in love with both romance and sci-fi in the first place. They make our hearts race and our imaginations soar. Matrix Crystal River does exactly that. It’s not just futuristic; it’s deeply human. River and Winona’s story feels alive, a collision of duty, trust, and undeniable attraction set against a universe that tests both.

Amazon.com: Matrix Crystal River: Matrix Crystals Book Three eBook : Seagraves, Janice: Kindle Store

However, upon closer inspection, it was information that could be easily obtained simply by reading the blurb. 

For the past few days, I've just been getting more generic emails. Doesn't your book deserve bla, bla, bla.

You know what’s wild? I stumbled on your book and honestly, it’s criminal how few reviews it has. Like, who did you upset at Amazon HQ? 😅 Because that storytelling? Too good to be hidden from readers who’d actually get it.

I checked your Amazon page (yes, full stalker mode 🕵️‍♀️), and it’s clear you’ve got something special, the kind of writing that deserves noise, not silence. The only problem? Amazon’s algorithm treats books with few reviews like they’re in witness protection. 👀

The prices to add your book to their "book club" are around $200. 

Just ignore these emails. They're nothing but fishing expeditions to get your money. 

Alien Rescuers by Janice Seagraves

 I'm working feverishly on a new book series inspired by something I noticed in other books. Something magical happened twenty years ago or so, and it changed everything.

What was that magical something?

Why did it change everything?

Why isn't that magical something the main part of the story?

Why isn't it written about as it happens?

So, using those questions, I've started a new series.

I have the first two books written, and I'm working on the third. 

Sorry, I can't tell you any more than that, but I'll post once I'm ready to sub it out.

Here's my last published book.

Amazon.com: Alien Rescuers: Chronicles of Arcon eBook : Seagraves, Janice: Kindle Store

The night before he’s to be sold in a slave auction, the Arcon, Saber Daystar, is rescued by the human, Mouse, an independent scrappy thief.
Zinnia Field, a.k.a. Mouse, needs the hunky Arcon’s remarkable night-sight to help her steal information on where her mentor is being held prisoner.
As they race to the rescue, will the sparks that fly between them get in the way of the rescue attempt?

Excerpt: 

Saber inspected his meal. “Is it meat or a vegetable?”

“Yes,” the waiter said before walking away.

What does that even mean? Saber poked the shiny, congealed, orange mass with the two-pronged fork. A ripple went through it.

“Huh, looks like they gave you some melted cheese,” Mouse said.

 He peered closer at the food on his plate. The thing was covered in roundish bumps which seemed to be quivering. That can’t be normal. “My meal…it’s alive.”

Mouse tucked a strand of his hair under the cap. She relaxed into her seat to sip her tea and stared over the rim at him. “Your imagination is working overtime. Try to enjoy your food.”

Round, yellow eyes opened to stare at him. The congealed substance started to propel itself along like a larva to the edge of the plate.

“What the—?” The section with eyes reared up to glare at him. Saber straightened with a grunt, gesturing to his food. “Does that appear to be my imagination to you?”

I was interviewed by Amber Daulton

 #AuthorInterview: “Alien Rescuers” by Janice Seagraves

Please like and leave a comment.

Book Trailers by Janice Seagraves

 These booktrailers tell a story about a meal that turned into a pet. 

Please like and subscribe. :) 

Thank you by Janice Seagraves

I'm leaving this note here: I wanted to thank all my readers for their interest in my stories and let you know how much I appreciate you.

Amazon.com: Alien Rescuers: Chronicles of Arcon eBook : Seagraves, Janice: Kindle Store

The night before he’s to be sold in a slave auction, the Arcon, Saber Daystar, is rescued by the human, Mouse, an independent scrappy thief.
Zinnia Field, a.k.a. Mouse, needs the hunky Arcon’s remarkable night-sight to help her steal information on where her mentor is being held prisoner.
As they race to the rescue, will the sparks that fly between them get in the way of the rescue attempt?

Excerpt: 

Saber Daystar had an itchy, creepy sensation crawling up his spine. His attention swung to a pair of piercing blue eyes, watching him intently through a small hole in the window. He gave a start then scrambled to his feet. Someone’s outside my window? “How did you...? That window is constructed from thick, escape-proof plas-glass.” 

“Never mind how,” said a female in a soft voice. “Is it true Arcons can run fast, make excellent bodyguards, and see well in the ultraviolet range?”

“Who are you?” He approached the window with tentative steps. “What are you up to?”  “Answer my question then I’ll answer yours,” she shot back. 

“Seems an odd way to inspect the slaves for tomorrow’s auction. So, you checked the auction catalogue and found me. The last Arcon in the galaxy.” He peered through the opening, observing the female’s button nose and fringe of brown hair.

“Hell no. I hate slavery.” She moved so she could stare at him with one eye then arched an eyebrow. “You’re wasting time.”

“An exchange of information then?” He paused. What do I have to lose? “My people can see in the dark and well into the ultraviolet. We are known for our speed and fierce in our duty. 

Your turn. Now start talking.”

“Awesome sauce, that’s exactly what I need.” She bounced up and down. “I’ve got a laser cutting tool that burns through all this shit. So, do you want to get out of here or what?”

He tensed. The audacity of the proposal had him momentarily speechless. Does she need a bodyguard or a free slave? “Who wouldn’t? I’m being sold in the morning.”

“Agree to help me, then I’ll rescue you from this hellhole.” She turned slightly away from the window like she might leave. “Your choice.”

Spilling the Tea in my stories by Janice Seagraves

I'm not talking about the gossip in my stories, but the tea the heroine drinks. 

I'm a huge tea drinker, and I have my heroines and sometimes the heroes drink tea in my stories. 

The tea is just one small detail that I add.

Sometimes I have my heroines favor a certain type of tea. Sometimes it's whatever tea is available to them.

In my first book, Windswept Shores, I have the heroine who's stranded on a deserted island in the Bahamas, drinking a weak tea from the same tea bag since she has no way to get more. 

In Empath's Ranch, the heroine in the last two stories (the first story is about her brother) drinks tea when her boyfriend takes her out. She might drink Coke, too. I'll have to read it again to be sure. 

I had planned on a future story in the Chronicles of Arcon to have a heroine who misses coffee but can't find a good substitute for her favorite drink. And then, she impulsively buys an Arcon, because he smells strongly of her favorite beverage: Mocha cappuccino with whipped cream. And when she kisses him, she gets a hint of it, too. So you can see where this would lead to some interesting situations. 

Unfortunately, I'm just not getting the sales for my series, so I'm going to wrap up the adventures of my Arcons heroes in a future novel. 

In Weather Witch, the heroine drinks fortified water. A detail I ran into while doing research and added to my story.

In the three-book series, I'm currently working on the heroine again favors tea. She makes it herself since it's a cheap drink and she's trying to save money. She lives in Los Angeles and things are expensive there. 

Here's an excerpt from my novel, Alien Rescuers, Chronicles of Arcon series. The heroine is drinking tea, but the Saber's meal is not what he expected at all. 

Saber kept his back stiff, but with a drumbeat of adrenaline pulsing through his veins. His hand twitched near where he’d normally carried a blaster when he still lived on Arcon. Will I need to fight our way out of here? 

“Don’t worry, we’re safe.” Mouse leaned back in the seat, nodding to the music.

“Are you sure about that?” he asked. The music consisted of a hard pounding beat with a slap and repetitive squeak. Not unlike someone jumping on a noisy bed. Saber wasn’t sure why Mouse enjoyed it.

A waiter brought them their order and set a glass of water and a plate with a single entree in front of Saber then placed a mug in front of Mouse.

She removed her gloves and wrapped her hands around the clear cup. “Oh, warm.”

Saber inspected his meal. “Is it meat or a vegetable?”

“Yes,” the waiter said before walking away.

What does that even mean? Saber poked the shiny, congealed, orange mass with the two-pronged fork. A ripple went through it.

“Huh, looks like they gave you some melted cheese,” Mouse said.

 He peered closer at the food on his plate. The thing was covered in roundish bumps which seemed to be quivering. That can’t be normal. “My meal…it’s alive.”

Mouse tucked a strand of his hair under the cap. She relaxed into her seat to sip her tea and stared over the rim at him. “Your imagination is working overtime. Try to enjoy your food.”

Round, yellow eyes opened to stare at him. The congealed substance started to propel itself along like a larva to the edge of the plate.

“What the—?” The section with eyes reared up to glare at him. Saber straightened with a grunt, gesturing to his food. “Does that appear to be my imagination to you?”

When the orange thing twisted to glower at her, she recoiled. “Shit. It’s alive.”

For the kindle: Amazon.com: Alien Rescuers: Chronicles of Arcon eBook : Seagraves, Janice: Kindle Store

B&N: Alien Rescuers by Janice Seagraves | eBook | Barnes & Noble®

Smashwords: Alien Rescuers