Welcome to my weekly Author Spotlight. I’ve asked a bunch of my author friends to answer a set of interview questions, and to share their latest work.
Today:
C.J. has always been an avid reader of anything in print, enjoying all genres but drawn to science fiction and romance.
Happily introduced to the wonderful world of M/M romance, and immediately loving it. C.J. began writing M/M romances, incorporating them in her science fiction stories, and has never looked back.
She lives in North Carolina and is happily married to her wife and soulmate who is a writer as well. CJ is co-parent to Frankie, also known as the Prince of Darkness, who keeps a benevolent paw over all that occurs in the home.
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Website: www.cjdragon.com
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Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cjdragonwriter
Thanks so much, C.J., for joining me!
J. Scott Coatsworth: How did you first fall in love with Science Fiction?
CJD: I love reading. When someone asks for my hobby, that’s my answer. I’ve always enjoyed science fiction, having been amazed and enthralled by the world building, the idea of life elsewhere, dealing with first contact. Grew up watching old sci-fi movies, as well as every Star Trek episode. The idea of life different from ours has always captivated me.
JSC: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
CJD: As a teenager, I wanted to be a writer based on no knowledge whatsoever about what that would entail. Life, eating, and living indoors inclined me to getting actual employment with a steady paycheck. Went to college, worked as a case manager for many years, then returned to school so I could work as a licensed mental health professional.
JSC: How did you actually get started with your writing career?
CJD: Working as a therapist taught me many lessons and confirmed my belief that humans are endlessly fascinating and capable of amazing feats of strength.
Fast forward a respectable number of years, and I contemplated retirement. I’d written fanfic off and on, never posted much of it, but enjoyed the process of creativity. During my last year of paid employment, I started writing a book. I’d work all day, then go home and write for several hours. Published that book, and started on another. I managed to write both books while working full time at a pretty stressful job. The writing was mostly a joy, although I was pretty tired by the end of the day.
JSC: So why did you finally begin to write?
CJD: The why of starting my writing after so many years is that I felt free enough within myself to do so. Not worried about what others would think, not even worried about how many books I’d sell. I write because I love it.
JSC: What are the best… and worst… parts of writing for you?
CJD: I’m thrilled that people like my work—I’m excited every time one of my books releases and then I have a copy in my hands. I love writing—the complete process—Okay, editing isn’t fun. But I recognize that it’s an integral part of writing, so… it gets done.
JSC: Why Sci-Fi?
CJD: I write science fiction because of the endless possibilities it gives me. I like to build a world, decide what the alien life will look like and how they will behave. I enjoy the social commentary I can weave into my story under the guise of ‘it’s just a story’. I like to compare and contrast humans with other life, showing the strengths and weaknesses. I like my characters to love each other despite their differences or maybe because of them.
JSC: How do you come up with story ideas?
That’s kind of a mystery—even to me. I usually have an idea of a character coming into a certain setting at first. I find a name that ‘fits’ the character—I just know when it does—then the story takes off. I know my basic story but the rest of my process is organic in that the characters tell me what they want to say and I type it. Yeah, that sounds funny to me too, but that’s how it works for me. I don’t do a lot of plotting for that reason—the characters inform me of the story as we go along. Sometimes they take me for a ride that results in deletion of some work, but I always learn something from the trip.
If you’d like to take the journey with me, be sure to pick up one of my published works!
And now for CJ’s new book: Raphael’s Return:
It was a year of change and healing, heartbreak, and renewal.
On his way to reunite with his First Consort, Lord Teo receives unwelcome news from Chi’NoSa Prime.
He is ordered to return to perform a duty he hoped to be spared.
There is no recourse except obedience.
Raphael, changed from his time spent with the Chi’NoSa, discovers that his gifts set him apart from his peers, causing them to shun him.
As his family and a few friends are the only colonists to support him, Raphael spends much of his time alone, removing himself from the cacophony of other minds.
When the wait for his lord’s return is finally over, Raphael assumes his place on the Golden Falcon, hopeful they can live in harmony as they look for new worlds.
Returning to Chi’NoSa Prime was not part of the plan.
Neither was an unwanted duty.
A duty that would change them both, leading them to a Queen who would ask for their future, and may change the Chi’NoSa and humanity forever. What will they have to give in order to save both their species?
TW: Violence and adult sexual situations.
PLEASE NOTE: This is the 3rd and FINAL book in the Archangel series. In order to enjoy the overall story arc we recommend you read Raphael’s Rescue and Raphael’s Redemption first!
Get It On Amazon
Archangel Series
Archangel Series by C.J. Dragon
Raphael’s Rescue
In an infinity of starlight, through anguish and betrayal, can love still shine?
Raphael Lewis of the Mars Colony wanted nothing more than to fly his ship, Agatha, and to remain with his family.
Lord Teo of the Chi’NoSa had other ideas.
On a routine trip to the asteroid belt, Raphael and Agatha are injured by a Chi’NoSa ship. After healing, he is held prisoner by the Chi’NoSa Lord Teo. Unsure what is wanted from him, and unfamiliar with Chi’NoSa protocol, Raphael only wishes to return home.
Lord Teo’s curiosity about the Mars colonist he inadvertently injured is a new emotion for him. So are the inappropriate lust and confusion. When his temper gets the best of him, he finds he needs Raphael’s forgiveness so he may learn why this man evokes such feelings in him.
Through misunderstanding and politics, Raphael and Teo must learn how to bring together two such disparate species, all while navigating their own love story. Will the Chi’NoSa ever accept Raphael as Teo’s? Or will their love be destroyed in a supernova?
PLEASE NOTE: On page whipping, noncon/dubcon, aliens with questionable ethics, and man-on-alien love. If these are triggers for you, please choose another wonderful book!
https://readerlinks.com/l/2975482
Raphael’s Redemption
From Captive to Consort and Chosen.
Lord Teo’s love holds Raphael Lewis of the Mars Colony firmly, giving him everything he’s ever wanted – love, commitment, fidelity.
Agreeing to convince the inhabitants of Ta’Kun to accept a compromise from the Chi’NoSa, Raphael is ready to do what he must to heal Ta’Kun, save the Ta’kunisi from destruction, and Lord Teo from disgrace.
He did not know he would be repudiated, left defenseless and alone, only to be betrayed for being who he is and what he can give.
Raphael’s life is held in the balance between love and loss.
Will Teo save Raphael, or will their love become a sacrifice to the Chi’NoSa?
Please note: On page violence and sexual situations. This is an ongoing series focused on one couple. You need to read Raphael’s Rescue to be in the know!
https://readerlinks.com/l/2711027
Raphael’s Return
It was a year of change and healing, heartbreak, and renewal.
On his way to reunite with his First Consort, Lord Teo receives unwelcome news from Chi’NoSa Prime.
He is ordered to return to perform a duty he hoped to be spared.
There is no recourse except obedience.
Raphael, changed from his time spent with the Chi’NoSa, discovers that his gifts set him apart from his peers, causing them to shun him.
As his family and a few friends are the only colonists to support him, Raphael spends much of his time alone, removing himself from the cacophony of other minds.
When the wait for his lord’s return is finally over, Raphael assumes his place on the Golden Falcon, hopeful they can live in harmony as they look for new worlds.
Returning to Chi’NoSa Prime was not part of the plan.
Neither was an unwanted duty.
A duty that would change them both, leading them to a Queen who would ask for their future, and may change the Chi’NoSa and humanity forever. What will they have to give in order to save both their species?
TW: Violence and adult sexual situations.
PLEASE NOTE: This is the 3rd and FINAL book in the Archangel series. In order to enjoy the overall story arc we recommend you read Raphael’s Rescue and Raphael’s Redemption first!