Jonesing for more March? Go check out the story and then come back here to let me know what you think. It’ll be worth your while, and not just for the free story.
Why? Well, I heard that a big box of ARCs is heading my way. That’s right; I’ll be giving away advance copies of Wanderlust from now until August 26. I’ll be doing a huge contest on Smart Bitches, but you can also enter to win a copy today. How?
Go read Renegade, and then leave a comment, telling me what you liked most (or least) about the story. That easy, you’ll be entered to win a galley of Wanderlust. That’s a win / win for y’all — read free story, maybe win a free book. Sweet! I’ll give this contest a week, winner announced on June 2.
More, more, more!!!!! I love March, he is so flawed – yet, who isn’t?
I actually thought (reading on a small screen) that when March found out that Pilatu had taken the payment out of his account that the snippet would end and I was going to scream and then I saw “Two” and I began to breathe again. =]
There is so much more to learn about March…maybe you will indulge us?
Thanks for the story – I loved it.
The questions I got most from readers included (a) How did March know Hon? and (b) How did March wind up with Mair on Lachion? So I wanted to address both those points in my first free short story. I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Jaime!
JaimeK, that was my reaction as well
Ann, thank you so much! This answers many questions and hints at even more answers, but still leaves the field open.
I want to know more about Mair, and about Svetlana and about Farwan and…
Well, you know I want to know everything!
That was possibly the most awesome short story I’ve had the pleasure of reading in a long time.
I hadn’t been wondering how March had wound up on Lachion, not actively anyways – I rather assumed he’d been hired there somehow. The fact that he was a mercenary, therefore, did not surprise me in the least.
I would have to say that my favorite part of this story was not finding out the answers to so many questions I’d asked and set aside as unimportant, but the opportunity to get inside March’s skull. Since March was the character that I most identified with in Grimspace, at times, I very much relished the chance to see what makes him tick.
Oooo, nice. I love the attitude that’s threaded through the prose.
I adore March, but then again, when do I not adore strong and slightly twisted male characters?
The flow of the story was a bit off to me, but that could quite possibly only be because I am sick so my brain isn’t all there, but it seemed a little… jumpy/choppy to me.
However I still loved it! It was great to get my fix before the next book comes out and I’ve been wanting to know at least a little more about Svet! -Still- want to know more about Svet! It was also super neat finding out how March wound up working with Mair.
Oh… March.
He’s so flawed, I loves him! :D
I’ve always been fascinated by mind-reading and other psychic abilities, and in Grimspace we got a taste of March’s ability from Jax’s perspective. Here we get March’s own perspective on it, the inconvenience it caused and the use to which he put it (loved hearing how he used it with the ladies). I especially like that it gets used against him in this story; just because I like a (fictional) bad boy doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy seeing him get his comeuppance, too!
Ok…I’ve been stopping by at the behest of Christine, and meaning to buy your books…
NOW I’M GONNA HAVE TO!!!
I want to know more! I like March very much…love the way he loves his sis!!!
I like the first person perspective you gave….I would find that hard as I’d want to put in what others were doing or thinking etc…
Very well done…like it very much and will be looking actively now for Grimspace next time in a book store!
Thanks for the short story! I wish it was longer, but I liked being able to find out the answers to some of the questions I had.
loved this story. Would love to learn more about Tenge and Marsh. Guess I’ll have to get off my behind and read grimspace. It’s on my tbr shelf.
Can I be a little critical? I’d agree with the assessment that it’s a bit jumpy – seems to me that you’re almost rushing to fit too much in?
I liked seeing March’s dark side. It’s hinted at in Grimspace, but this is cool seeing it.
The author’s giving away a story and a chance at a free book. In response, people complain?! I swear no good deed goes unpunished.
Ungrateful tossers.
Jax, it doesn’t seem jumpy to me.
For what is worth, the writing reflects both March’s state of mind–fragmented–and the urgency of his situation–vis a vis killing the Nicuan and regarding his fragile mental health.
I have to say I liked it. The library hasn’t gotten a copy of Grimspace in yet, so it was a good introduction to some of your work. It makes me look forward to your novels even more.
Although, I do have to say that March kind of reminds me of Mal from Firefly for some reason. I’m not really sure why.
came by to say, just finished grimspace and loved it – all blissed out to find a continuation (well, actually, prequel) of the story! fab!
what i liked most – learning that march’s psi sensitivity (is that the correct expression?) applies to animals, not just people (so cool! though i was surprised that a cat wouldn’t sound more intelligent….) and that he can actually use it as a direct weapon
what i liked least – learning that march’s psi sensitivity applies to animals, not just humans, and that he can actually use it as a direct weapon. because i immediately tried to remember if there was any hint of this in grimspace, and couldn’t find any. not just that, but now i’m thinking ‘wait – why couldn’t he think himself into baby z? why didn’t he use his mental lance in some of the sticky situations they found themselves in?’
is it possible that those capacities were somehow diminshed through mair’s self-protection training? i’ll contribute this question to your ‘official inquiry’ list.
also: loved the tanze character – i picture her as a blueish, female, sexier, smarter chewbacca.
(taking myself out of draw due to recent DoS good fortune)
me again – forgot to add – promised DoS review coming up shortly.
Oh my gosh…I loved it. I have had Grimspace on my tbb list for awhile and I am going to go and pick it up tomorrow! I hope my bookstore has a copy or I will have to order it and patiently…ha-ha…wait for it to come in.
What I liked best was March…he is just so appealling in that rough, tough, and slightly damaged kind of way.
Thanks so much for the story.
First of all, would be a joy to do a review of of this if I win, I love to chat about what I read!
Gosh, even the first sentences were one that I’d put down as some great starts to remember. It even gave me chills because I could feel it and see it all. You use some beautiful words and your writing voice is really pulling out there Anne. Too the names you picked are ones that really stand out alone. I know I read something recently with the hero and another character close in spelling that I was lost but get pulled in in time, but no need to with the names of the Ja-Win Estate guys.
I love March’s voice. He really helps me through the story, really explaining the surroundings and who’s who, and his emotions. I almost felt the tears when he spoke of not being able to cry, remembering to get little gifts when he was away, all the way to the jump where I looked and saw there’s wasn’t alot more to read and was disappointed!
I otherwise was totally glued to this, and its so hard to leave it there and wait for its release! But I feel great I got to read all that for a peek!
Great roller coaster of a ride. I’m as worried as March …pieces?
Well it answer some questions put ask so many more I can’t wait for seconds!
Thank you Ann
@Jennie I’m sorry, but I thought Ann asked for positive or negative comments, and I didn’t think that I was overly harsh in how I phrased my comment. I’d be very grateful if you wouldn’t insult me.
@azteclady thanks for the discussion of my comment, that does seem a valid interpretation.
@Ann I apologise if you didn’t want anything other than gushing praise, and I’ll go crawl back into my hole if you want me to. sorry.
What a great short story. I loved learning more about March and his past, but not too much! What a tease you are ;). Would love to win a copy of Wanderlust and review it for http://www.nightowlromance. I reviewed Grimspace and loved it!!!!! So I know Wanderlust is going to kick butt. Looking forward to your new series too. P.S. I was reminded of Mal from Firefly too.
I love March. His flaws are just make him more interesting and lovable. He is a very, very bad Han Solo for me.
Great short, but I want more!!!
Oooh, I’d love to sign up for this contest.
The descriptions are really great, and you really get a feeling for what these guys are doing, you’re thrown into the story running, which is really nice.
I think my favorite line of this story is:
Oh, Mary, I may never see Kora again. Should’ve woken her before I left. I think this just conveys the idea that these people have stories and lives of their own, and it makes me even more interested in the story, how real even the lesser (for lack of a better term) characters are.
Really interesting, and now I’m going to have to look out for more stuff by you!
So many comments to respond to! Here we go…
Aztec, the next short story will be about Vel, so you will not find out more about Svet and March in that one. But I will probably revisit them in the third.
Ferretshock, you’re not wrong in assuming that Mair hired him, after she broke him down and rebuilt him mentally, but at the time of this story, they have a long way to go before he’ll be stable / employable.
Michele, I felt sorry for March. He was so obviously losing his mind. It was getting harder and harder for him to make rational decisions, after years of mental torment with the incessant voices in his head.
LeyB, if you felt the jumpy urgency, then you definitely picked up on the drug-addled borderline crazed aspect I tried to imbue to his POV.
Wendy — oh yes, he’s flawed. Which is why he’s trying so hard to walk the good path in Grimspace.
Kimberly B, I did love how Tanze outwitted him. She showed him just enough to reassure him. Since she had been trained by Mair, she knew how to defend herself mentally and shield her thoughts, other than what she chose to show him.
DD03, back then, Svet was March’s only soft spot. He’d have killed just about anyone else for looking at him crossways. It really didn’t take a lot to piss him off either. Hope you like Grimspace!
Rylie, I’m glad it answered some questions for you.
April S, March is the hero so in a way, every book is his story, except the series is written in Jax’s POV, so what you get about him is filtered through her POV. That’s why I am writing these short stories — give you more March.
PamK, hope you like Grimspace.
Jax, like I told LeyB, if it felt rushed, well, then I succeeded. I mean, he’d just murdered a man. The urgency is implicit and necessary.
Jennie, I’m glad you liked the story. Go easy on other readers, please. People are welcome to their own opinions.
Aztec, you elucidated that perfectly.
Jackie, I’ve heard the Mal comparison before, which is fun for me since I’ve only seen a couple of Firefly episodes (and after I wrote the book!) But I have no problem with him being cast as Nathan Fillion in people’s heads.
Maya, wow, you gave me a lot to answer! You’re very perceptive. The way March’s gift works after Mair gets done with him is not the same as it works in this short story. Right now, he has no control over it. Imagine a radio in his head, turned up to full volume. The power is enormous; it’s loud and almost crippling. As she teaches him to dial it down, it loses some of its potency. He sacrifices power for sanity, basically. So at the time of Grimspace, he can no longer kill with his mind (although he can still rape a mind for information, which he does to get security codes on Perlas Station). He can also no longer sense alien (or animal) life forms.
I’ll say this much about the Rodeisians: I imagine them as humanoids that evolved from kangaroo-like mammals.
Lori T, let me know what you think of Grimspace! March is still brusque and damaged in Grimspace, but he’s trying his best to atone.
Caffey, so glad you enjoyed the story. Have you read Grimspace? I know I sent an ARC to you with Laura from RT.
Alexandra, glad you liked it.
Jax, don’t worry about it.
Leslee, I really hope you enjoy Wanderlust. I heard from Christine Feehan, who got an ARC already; she loved it as much as Grimspace.
Katie, you’re right — March is very bad in this short.
Nicole K — that thought came from Surge, one of March’s guys who survived the Ja-Win compound. You actually meet him again in Wanderlust.
:perking up: A short story about Vel????
Yay!!! :happy dancing:
Oh, did I mention that I would love to get an ARC of Wanderlust? :innocence:
I love getting the backstory on favorite characters, and really enjoyed this. Can’t wait to read Wanderlust.
Yep, the next freebie will be about Vel. You’ll find out his backstory with the lover you met briefly in Grimspace.
Cathy, hope you like Wanderlust.
Ann,
I really loved your story. I definately want to find what happens to him. Having a empath/telepath as a killer and not have them go completely crazy is a great story line.
Thanks again for coming up to MegaCon in Birmingham. I enjoyed meeting you there.
What I didn’t like about it? It left me wanting more.
What I liked about it? It left me wanting more.
Ooooh, I can’t wait for the short story about Vel! *rubs hands together in glee* gimme!
Ann–
just wanted to pass along–ever wonder sometimes how you get readers? Well–one day I happened to pick up a random book at Borders that I ended up liking–hopped on the author’s website and she was raving about your soon to be released book–Grimspace. I said–hmmmm–it comes out in a few days–let me go onto *her* website–I read your synopsis and the sneak peak and was hooked. I *haunted* Barnes and Nobles and was one of the lucky few to find it a few days earlier than the release date. And not to sound like a raving loon-but I *loved* it. Can’t wait for the next. I’m ashamed to admit that I am a blog lurker–I check here a couple times a week (loved the chain mock romance–hysterical). But I just had to drop a word to say thanks so much for giving us a sneak peak into March–this is what whips us into a frenzy to storm the bookstores for your new releases. Ok–now that I”ve made up for not commenting by my wordiness–one question–who is that picture of? Thanks again!!! (hat doffed–going back to my corner)
Erin, I so totally love that story! Thank you very much for sharing how you found about my books. Glad you enjoyed the free story too. There will be another one in like six months (and a new book in three!)
As for the pic, I honestly don’t know who that is. I found the shot on a stock photo site. I just thought he fit the bill for March, and since I bought use of that pic, I can feature it online as much as I want.
Great story! I can’t wait to find out what happens.
Marlene
wow what a great story, i havent gotten Grimspace yet but its definitely on my tbb list … cant wait to read them all…
Hi, My first time to your site and I am enjoying it immensely. I obviously don’t know any of your characters; yet, but I just read your short story and loved it. You are very descriptive about the scenes and the characters. I like that! Now, of course, I would like more. Thanks for sharing.
Cindi
For all of you who still haven’t read Grimspace…
well, I really don’t know what you are waiting for! (hint: online book buying = good thing)
On the other hand, you guys are better off than us poor sods who read it when it came out and have been waiting ever since for Wanderlust‘s release.
isitAugust26thyet?
‘humanoid kangaroos’ *snerk*
I loved learning more about Mair and how she met March. I wish the story had continued! It was definitely too short for my tastes, but now I can’t wait for the sequel. The hints about Svet leave me wondering about her story too. Thanks for the short!
I loved the story. Great world building. The story just draws you in. Would love to read more.
Squeeeeeeeeeeee
Thank you Ann :)
I loved the insight to March’s mind and feelings although I wish it was longer. I cant wait for Vel’s short story :)
I love the idea of a telepathic mercenary -lots of internal conflict there!
I loved the story. It showed March to be as ruthless as I thought he must have been before we met him in Grimspace. The only thing that I hated was that the excerpt had to end….Was very curious about how Mair worked with/rehabilitated him.
I like March. He reminds me of the Ghostwalkers that Christine Feehan writes about. His hardcore nature combined with that sliver of humanity that makes it possible for him to one day find redemption is all round made of win.
Some of the aspects to the setting were confusing and lacked the spark of uniqueness I got from Grimspace. The actual sci fi elements were too thin but this was still a well thought out character piece that will become a precious gem later on when the series is established and fans accumulate.
AL, how about those poor people that read it a bit before Grimspace officially came out? *grins*
ooopppssss
Wendy, you are so right 
I actually did read Grimspace before the release date :waving at Ann:
And yeah, now I’ve been waiting that much longer than the rest of you guys
mm.. fun quick read. just what I needed this morning… I liked this glimpse into March’s past. Now I want to know more about how he grew up…
I really enjoyed it, makes me want to read more now, lol, can’t wait to read it all.
Oooh, awesome. We hit 50 comments! I’m so glad most people are enjoying the story. I loved writing some of March’s backstory.
AL, we both did so I’m thinking we have been waiting way more than others.
Emotional distress, I tell ya!
Ann, you are amazing. :D March is such a tortured soul! He needs a lot of love and loving. He gets much love come September right??
Hey, there, katiebabs! Long time no see
Hey Ann!!
*SMOOCHES*
work is kicking my booty. Need to win the lotto…
DOH that was meant to Azteclady but of course Ann and everyone else also. Tee hee.
Mwahahaha, I bogart ALL smooches in this thread, even when I’m not posting.
Hey!!!
:pout: those were my smooches!
I have to say it.
All ur smooches R belong to me.
I found his pent-up rage and emotions drew me in and I wondered where all of that anger had really come from. His having telepathy is infinitely fascinating and I’m looking forward to seeing where that goes. He seems like a tortured soul.
You guys are cracking me up today!!!
‘pink and stinky’
i like it.
I have a question, Ann.
I’m not sure if you’ve already said this (sorry if you have!
) or you don’t know but how many books are you planning to write for this series? I wonder if you have some idea or are just planning as you go along..
:)
Thanks for the short story, Ann! I’ve been looking forward to reading a story from March’s point of view and now I’m looking forward to the story about Vel.
What I liked best about this story is that it is all about March. I enjoyed seeing him exactly as he is instead of through someone else’s perspective which may or may not portray him accurately. It was also fun to see what happened with him and Hon and how he came to meet Mair.
Besides just getting to read more about March in all his badass glory, I enjoyed learning a little more about his powers and how he used them. I also thought the contrast between his violent, chaotic, amoral life on land and the peace he found on a ship in space was poignant.
Loved Grimspace – read in twice, back to back (and I don’t do that often!); can’t wait for Wanderlust. Thanks for sharing your talent with us…
Wendy, I have four books contracted, but I have plot enough for six, and the universe is big enough to lend itself to more adventures, even after I wrap up this story arc.
Kristen, the points you mentioned are exactly what I wanted to accomplish with this story.
I’m so glad to hear you liked the book, Zee!
That’s music to my hears! 4 books! maybe 6 or more! Yaaaay!!
This calls for more exclamation points! lol.
Nice short story! I liked the intro the best. Nice and gruesome. Always a nice attention getter! Can’t wait for more.
I love seeing the before of a story. What a great read!
Hehe, I’m glad you’re happy, Wendy.
Thanks for the kind words, BoxingKing and Jambrea. I enjoyed writing in March’s POV.
I also love how March is a big ass mo fo- “Don’t mess with me or I will kill you where you stand.”
SMOOCHES to all! :P
I’m an insight chick :D. March and I go way back… LOL
By the way… *innocent look* guess who’s writing Jax 3, Doubleblind? It’s my WiP for June.
ohhh lovely book 3 WIP… and June what a lovely month. :D
Man, I can’t wait for you to read Wanderlust. Then you’ll be even more eager for Doubleblind.
Other people get excited about sales for shoes, clothes, release dates for movies, etc…
As for me I count down the days for book releases! I am waiting for books to come out all the way till 2012!!
So… *looks at Ann with puppy dog eyes” When would Doubleblind be out?
*mumbles* August 26, 2009.
That is a very long time-
saying the girl who hasnt even read Wanderlust yet. But by the time I do read Wanderlust I will probably be begging for tidbits about Doubleblind 
.
It was nice to hear his voice. :)
I just finished Grimspace and I’m writing on my blog about it. :)
I am happy! I can’t wait to get my hands on Wanderlust.. and Doubleblind and okay, all of them! :D
This contest is officially over. Thanks to everyone for your enthusiastic response, and stay tuned for the winner.