Mystical Magickings and Manic Miscellany

Having finally just moved, and totally unable to find my Klahdagh set, or any of the Tarot, fairy and goddess reading cards I have, I’m just going to post here a little bit about how the Klahdagh came into being and hopefully do a reading the next time my turn comes around.

It was, really, a kind of accident in a way. My late wife, Teri, had been very gifted in her ability to read tarot and other things and the Klahdagh was spawned from one of her “moments”.

I remember the day well. An out-of-town friend had flown in to visit for the weekend, and this event always provoked, along with a flurry of fun activity, a tarot reading session or two. On this particular occasion Teri had me bring out her crystal ball, which was, for her, a very powerful thing and very rarely used.

It was during this time, (after managing to snap Teri out of yet another ball induced trance) that I noticed a diamond engagement/wedding ring on our guest’s finger.

Something about that ring oozed deceit.

I pondered on it for the rest of the day, up until the evening margharita’s, and then was promptly laid low the next day with pancreatitis. But the ring never left my thoughts for long.

Having had many years plying tarot cards, and other divination systems, and slowly becoming frustrated with all of them, an idea sparked that maybe I could marry my favorite systems (tarot and runes) into a new one and perhaps have a system which would be more suitable for my style of reading.

The next three weeks I sat down and began to think about what kind of system would be basic enough, like the runes, yet detailed enough to lead the reader into a defined reading.

So ideas, images and connections slowly popped into my head and the fundamentals of the Klahdagh were born. Firstly I found a need for four levels of tile. The Elder and most powerful of the tiles, the six tiles representing those events totally out of our control that can change and alter everything in our lives with one swipe of its claw. The Younger set to represent the minor dealings of our lives and living. The seasons tiles, for everything has a season and time, and our lives change along with the winds, snow and sunshine in our days. And then the Four Courts, for authority and laws hold a major sway over events and things we can do or say.

Loosely drawn from the tarot and the Viking runes the symbolic images representing sun, void, winter, and other more common things like cattle and tombs became the fabric of the divination. Each tile drawn and set in a pattern which interconnects and subtly changes the overall gist of the reading.

Still in a kind of infancy I’m occasionally fine-tuning the Klahdagh here and there. Yet some of the readings it has given have been with such clarity and accuracy it’s left the querent stunned.

The Klahdagh, at least for me, seems to be a success.

As for our guest with the ring who visited so, so long ago. Banil – the ring – held true. The deceit in her marriage, sadly, ran deeper than anyone at that time knew.

S.J.

Visited from beyond?

I heard a news brief on NPR this week that caught my imagination (link includes audio of the story NPR aired).

"UFO Sightings Stream In from Texas Townsfolk"
Dozens of a small towns residents saw a large (bigger than a Walmart) object hovering overhead. The locals seem pretty calm about it all - no reports of abductions! - and the federal government is doing its best to spread the word that it was a natural occurance, such as light playing off an airplane flying by, or reflecting into clouds.

People around the world have chimed in with their theories, some curious and some openly mocking. The Washington Post ran an unscientific poll asking if people believed it was truly a UFO - so far, 60% vote yes.

I'm curious. I believe they saw something - too many reports with matching descriptions of size, speed, and sound. But was it a UFO?

Why not? I don't think we're alone. If we're looking for them, why shouldn't they be looking for us? My biggest question is what will happen when they say hello.

What do you think? Were we visited this week in Stephenville? What is going to happen when that contact is made?

Library of Mythology

I would like to point out that I actually wrote this post yesterday. Because I forgot what day it was and I thought yesterday was Friday. For once, it turns out that I was a day early! This is important because I don’t always remember when it’s my day to blog. That would imply that I was in any way organized, which, clearly, I’m not. However, I actually put a few minutes of thought into this post and instead of my usual what weird mythology is Sela going to dig up today, I decided to talk about myths on a more …writerly level (Is that even a word? It is now.)

I spent some time over at Teach Me Tonight this week and, aside from discovering a wonderful new blog, I learned a lot about how writers write. See, our brains are “aglow with whirling, transient nodes of thought careening through a cosmic vapor of invention.” (Brownie points to the one who can name that movie quote.) Everything we’ve ever seen or read or heard lands on the fertile ground of our imagination, but we only become writers when we take that gigantic mess of stuff and transform it into a story.

Myth is the basis for thousands of contemporary stories – and nobody “owns” a myth. They may own the way they tell it, but the kernel at the heart of their story is free to whomever can write it a new and fresh way.

So where do we learn about myths to begin with? What puts them into our whirling nodes of thought? Where did you hear your first myth, and know what it was?

The first myths I learned were probably Norwegian. We lived in Norway for a couple of years before I started school and I remember tales of forest trolls and tiny, Santa-like “tomtes.” Then we moved to Egypt and the stories of Ra, Isis and Osiris were in the very air I breathed.

That’s when I started collecting books of fairytales and myth. Over the years, I’ve amassed quite a few. From my first East of the Sun and West of the Moon to my most recent purchases – two huge encyclopedias of mythology: Mythology: The Illustrated Anthology of World Myth and Storytelling, and Mythology: Myths, Legends and Fantasies.

I swear, I’m as happy as a mosquito at a blood bank.

Aside from these, I own D’Aulaire’s Book of Norse Myths, Bulfinch’s Mythology, and volumes of Welsh, Irish and English myth. I also treated myself to the New Verse Translation of Beowulf. But I don’t get all my information from these sources. I also have several sites bookmarked online that I use for reference.

Ancient Worlds.net is a gathering place for several different ancient cultures.
Timeless Myths is handy for Norse studies, as well as Celtic and Arthurian legend. Contains some information on Classical mythology.
The Encyclopedia Mythica is useful for looking up gods of all different cultures – if you know their names. It’s not designed to discuss an entire pantheon as a whole.
And yes, I use Wikipedia shamelessly. At the very least, the cross-referenced articles are a gold mine of information.

What’s in the myth section of your personal library?

Tbr piles

Awhile back, I did a Thursday Thirteen that listed books on my tbr pile. I got curious to see if I'd read many, if any, of them. So I thought I'd revisit.

1. Magic Bites Ilona Andrews—still want to read, though I did try once.
   
2. Blood Bound Patricia Briggs—absolutely adored
   
3. Lover Revealed JR Ward—read, it was fine
   
4. Fire Logic Laurie J. Marks—must try again
   
5. No Great Mischief Alastair MacLeod—unread
6. The Fox Sherwood Smith—unread
7. Riding the Storm Sydney Croft—unread
8. Pale Immortal Anne Frasier—read, well written but too hard on the characters :(
   
9. Stray Rachel Vincent—unread
10. The Outback Stars Sandra McDonald–like!
11. Not Quite a Lady Loretta Chase—unread
12. One Forbidden Evening Jo Goodman—like!
13. Mistress of the Art of Life and Death Ariana Franklin—started, but couldn't focus, want to pick up again when I can concentrate better
    

So, hmmm, 5 out of 13 doesn't seem to great. And 5 I didn't touch. So given that, I still have 7 up there I should add 5 more, I figure.

1. Iron Kissed Patricia Briggs
2. The Hell You Say Josh Lanyon
3. Lover Unbound JR Ward
4. If His Kiss is Wicked Jo Goodman
5. The Spymaster's Lady Joanna Bourne

So how are you tbr piles doing? Getting through any of the books? I find if a book stays on the pile too long, it never gets read, which is a bit of shame since I must have been excited about it at some point.

Building a History

When beginning a story, or even thinking about one, I'm the type that thinks about the characters' history first.

Where do they come from? What do they do for a living? What's their favorite food, political leanings, likes, dislikes etc? What's their favorite sports team?

Knowing this information, helps me write these characters in a deep meaningful way. This type of information is important, well, besides the sports team question, which is a joke unless they happen to be a redneck, because that could be a murder motive right there.

History is important because it helps drive the plot along:

The hero and villain and they hate each other (aha!) The villain's out to kill the hero (and his girlfriend, the heroine) because of some crap that went down in college --or even high school. Nerds think about revenge and can build themselves a raygun to get it.
Or
Villain is peeved at the heroine for droppping him because he worked too much, drank too much, or just.. well, sucked at something I won't mention here. *coughs* And now he's out for revenge and/or to get her back. As if!
Or
The hero and heroine knew one another in high school. She was popular, he was a nerd. But now, after he grew into his nose, ears and um.. feet *grins* he got smokin' hot!! Guess what? Nerds think about sex when they're not figuring out how to build rayguns.
Or
He was popular in high school, she was the nerd. Guess what? Boys like bewbies, and now she's got them. Can you say wonderbra? I can. I can also say degree in business and a heap of confidence, which is what he notices. Along with the wonderbra, of course. I mean come on, they're bewbies, Ed.

***
History whether it's something that's shared between the two main characters or just somethingbetween the author knows about the and hero/heroine, it can help make the character more realistic.

Flaws, tics and/or other strange habits can help do this too, as long as they're not overdone, then it just gets annoying. Finding the right one is can be difficult though, but this is why most authors observe other people. We're looking for that one little quirk we need to give our characters all important.. LIFE! This fun-filled activity that authors-me at least- do is the only good reason I can think of to go to the mall or retail forbid, the Hellmart.


I'm praying they'll let Friday out early for good behavior, 'til then..
Happy Hump Day Yall,

Jenna Leigh

Samhain New Releases

Samhain Publishing's new releases with sf/f elements for January 15, 2008 are:

"For Love and Country" by Mary Winter
Genre: Gay-Lesbian Romance, Red Hots! (Also Paranormal -- vampire hero)
ISBN: 1-59998-862-3
Length: Novella
Price: 3.50
Publication Date: January 15, 2008
Love? Or duty? His choice will damn his country—or his heart. A Serving Love story.

***
"Like a Thief in the Night" by Bettie Sharpe
Genre: Romantic SciFi-Futuristic, Red Hots!
ISBN: 1-59998-865-8
Length: Novella
Price: 3.50
Publication Date: January 15, 2008
Cover art by Scott Carpenter

She’s a heartless assassin; he’s an immortal thief. In another life, they would have been lovers. In this one, he’s her target and she’s his prize.

***

As for me, this morning I finally got my cover art! (My novel releases 2 weeks from today.) I'll post more about it another day, plus the video I'm creating.

Jody W.
A SPELL FOR SUSANNAH--January 29, 2008, Samhain Publishing
http://www.jodywallace.com * http://meankittybox.blogspot.com

Playing God or Goddess

One of the first novels I wrote was the first book in a four part fantasy series I called The Prophet's Saga. When I say I know that world down to the minutia, I'm not lying to you. I could probably step into that book and get a job, I know it so well. I have a framed map of the country/continent where the books take place, which hangs in my office. I know the customs, religion, government and their rules of succession. I also begin each chapter with a quote from one of their sacred texts, or excerpts from one character to another. I love the world I created and only lament a publisher didn't love it as much. But I digress.

I spent the first draft of that first book engaged in trying to iron out exactly how the world fit together, putting it together a little bit as the story progressed. (And this first draft was all long hand!) But by the end of that draft, I knew my world inside and out.

Which brings me to my topic...

Do you like to world build?

For me, whether the story takes place in a futuristic America or on the heated plains of a duel-sun planet, world building is one of my most favorite activities to do while getting ready to write a book. Learning what motivates a culture or what their key inport/export is to me is totally fascinating. Birthing entire civilizations and seeing how they react is really a bit of a god (goddess) complex.

Some of my ideas for cultures are based on the known history of the Western world. Others take a more Eastern philosophy, and still others are purely from imagination...maybe even scattered remains of something I read in an archeological or scietific text. Whatever the basis for the world, I always try to put that one binding kernal in it to make it easily recognizable for the reader and not so far out of their experience they get lost in the explanation. After all, the goal is to submerge them in my world, not drown them in a sea of complicated explanations that will bore them to tears.

I've also been known to take myths and folklore and base a world on the story. Let the idea germinate until it fully blooms into something I can exploit. I have one story that pits two opposing forces against each other in a very bloody war with a clannish culture (similiar to historical Scotland) whose lands separate the two enemies. I got a lot of milage out of political intrigue by situating a country with it's own separate government right between the two warring parties.

So, how do you build your worlds? Do you start from the ground up? Do you start with your characters? Can you see the world completely, or does it come to you a little bit at a time as you write?

-Kat

The Normal in Paranormal...

I was raised on preternatural fiction where the paranormal was hidden from the masses and everything that happened was covert and known only in legend. If mortals did happen to know about the creatures who slunk through the night, it was usually because they hunted them. Whether given holy charge by “the church”, or enlisted by an elite group within the government, the handful of warriors holding the truth were vigilant and ready to come to the rescue whenever the need arose. The rest of the world was clueless outside of gypsies, psychics, goths and various “fringe” groups who counted creatures of the night among their unending conspiracies.

Then fiction changed. More and more often stories began to emerge where the paranormal was part of the normal. These alternate realities where the grocer up the block is part goblin and the night watchman at your bank is part vampire began to grow in popularity and I found myself beginning to prefer them. When I stopped to look at where the appeal originated; I realized that we live in an age of instant communication and a known preternatural community seems more realistic.

It’s harder to believe that a vast global coterie of vampires, werewolves, demons, faeries, necromancers or anything else could exist and do their world machinations without ever being caught. I mean honestly, you know that the local cabal would be featured on a YouTube video before they could say carpe nocturne. So a world where everything is out in the open seems like the kind of thing that could happen.

If all of our “unknown phenomena” were to stand up and announce themselves tomorrow, we’d get caught up in trivialities of them and leave plenty of room for their more nefarious doings to go unnoticed. That’s not to say that they still wouldn’t get caught from time to time, but just as our human governments hide secrets, the preternaturals would be able to spin it all by giving us smaller sins to dwell on while the larger ones stayed behind the curtain.

I’m still drawn to stories where there’s a small handful of clannish shapeshifters, or a rare breed of non-traditional vampire that have been very careful to keep secrets on the down low. I also like the middle ground of the “open secret” where nothing has been revealed on the news, but there’s no doubt that more is going on than meets the eye and everyone knows it.

But more and more, I find the rich worlds built around an open truth and the search for acceptance within it to be a fascinating study of human behavior. Sometimes it’s done directly with a human protagonist at the center of things, but there’s the growing phenomenon of the non-human protagonists reacting to the world around them and their place in it. It allows Urban Fantasy to explore the same social mores once the sole province of Science Fiction.

How do you think the current wired world has impacted fantasy, and is it for good or ill in your opinion?


Modern Paranormal Ramble Done

~X

Xakara.com

Thirteen Things about Rose Marie Wolf

Thirteen Things about Rose Marie Wolf

1 - Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your life?

Well, my name is Rose Marie Wolf and I like to write paranormal fiction. I've always wanted to be a writer ever since I could pick up a crayon and scribble. I guess you could say I have a fascination for all things unusual. I'm originally from Kentucky, but I now live in Indiana with my fiancé, his mother and a houseful of pets. It's obvious I love animals—I donate a percentage of my writing earnings to a local Humane Society.

2 - When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?

From the very first time I picked up a crayon. Of course, my stories have always been along the lines of fairy tale fantasies. I used to like to write ghost stories. I guess the first time I really thought about being a writer was when I was in the second grade. I had written a little story and showed it to my teacher and she was the one who encouraged me to become a writer.

3 - Do you write everyday? Any routines or rituals? Are you a plot or seat-of-your-pants writer?

I write everyday, whenever I can get a free moment. It's usually at night, after work. I'm a plotter, generally, but I like to allow a little room for my characters and stories to grow. They often take me in directions I would've never though possible.

4 - Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Wars, definitely. I am such a geek when it comes to it. I'm always looking up trivia, watching and rewatching the movies. I read the novels and I've even written fanfiction. Guess you can say I'm a fan.

5 - Who would you say has influenced you the most?

My mother. She has always been my inspiration. A second close would have to be my fiancé. He was the one who inspired me to write my current paranormal series, the Moon Series.

6 - What would you say are the biggest challenges that you face (could be as a writer, as a person, as a wife... just some challenges you face)?

Balancing work and play. Or in my case, balancing work and work. I work in retail and it's really hard to balance that hectic life with my writing and promoting. There's so much promoting I would love to do, but I just don't have the time for it and I need my job for financial reasons.

7 - What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer?

Actually being published. I never thought it would ever happen, and yet, I have three books contracted and published and I'm still writing away. That is the biggest achievement ever.

8 - Once the deadlines are all met and the manuscript is delivered, what do you do to relax and give yourself a break?

I spend time with my fiancé. We go out for a nice dinner, maybe a movie. And I take a break for writing for about two weeks. I don't even look at my work, unless I have a pressing deadline.

9 - What kinds of books do you like to read? Who is your favorite author?

Paranormal of course! I've always been a big fan of Anne Rice and Stephen King, but I also like Kim Harrison, Charlaine Harris and Kelley Armstrong.

10 - What is your latest book about?

Hunter's Moon is the third book in the Moon Series and is a very emotional book about the werewolves Jason and Rose and the deterioration of their relationship. Jason has these visions that warn him that something—or someone—from their past is out to get them and Rose is just trying to keep their relationship together as Jason continues his obsession. It's not strictly romance, but more of a mainstream paranormal story.

11 - What are the goals you are still working toward?

I try to set goals every year and my goals in 2008 include writing at least two novels, and perhaps having one other novel published.

12 - How did feel to sell that first book, and how did you celebrate?

Oh, when I got the contract for my first book, I was ecstatic. I was so happy. I laughed, I cried. We went out to have a nice dinner later on to celebrate.

13 - Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A best-selling author on the New York Times Best-Seller list. That's my ultimate goal. But I'll settle for a few more titles published and maybe an award or two.


Look for Rose Marie Wolf's latest release, Hunter's Moon, from Samhain Publishing!


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Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Is There Something Beyond the Veil?

Woo-hoo!!

Yep, I’m celebrating and it’s not just because of the thrill, the excitement, the mystery and the anticipation of the New Year. I’m celebrating because I’m now a regular contributor to the BTV blog. Which means, dear readers, you’ll be seeing my posts every other Wednesday.

I write, for the most part, contemporary paranormal romances that are sexy and funny. Occasionally, however, I delve into the darker side of both romance and mainstream fiction. Between taking care of my teenager and my best friend (aka my hubby), my life is filled with both the mundane and the slightly unusual. Which may explain why I feel the need to tilt the world even a little more and dive into the supernatural. After all, a girl needs more than PTA meetings and puppies in her life, right?

As I was thinking about what to write in my first blog, I began to wonder just how many people really believe that something lies beyond the world as we see it. Can at least a few of us see beyond what is right before us to what lies behind the scenery of normalcy? Or, in other words, do we believe that something really does exist beyond the veil?

Based on the information I’ve found, the American population seems split on the belief in the supernatural or paranormal. While only a few brave souls are willing to confirm their belief in ghosts—some even claiming to have seen one—most are at least willing to consider the possibility of their existence. However, people draw the line of acceptance at saying they think beings such as werewolves or vampires might exist. The reason is unclear. Perhaps it’s because ghosts are viewed as spirits, possibly even angels and, thus, tied with people’s religious beliefs, while werewolves and vamps are considered mere fabrications of fiction. Or perhaps the real truth lies in the fact that while one kind of mysterious being actually exists, we know enough—either subconsciously or not—to understand that that doesn’t mean any other kind lives among us. In other words, just because we might accept that angels are real, it doesn’t mean vampires are.

Whichever side of the fence you come down on, I do find it interesting that so many of our books, television shows and movies have the unnatural creatures as their subjects. Even when most of us dismiss the existence of Big Foot and the Loch Ness Monster, we travel in droves to the theatres to see horror flicks, sci-fi stories and tales of beings with super powers. But why do we seek out these cinematic creatures? Do we possess an unspoken yearning for them in our daily life? If given the choice, would we want a world inhabited by these wonders?

Think about it. Would our world be better or worse if the unusual, the preternatural lived among us? Could humans who often don’t tolerate the slight differences between themselves be able to tolerate beings who are vastly different both physically and mentally?

What would it be like to enter the local convenience store, reach for a gallon of milk and have your hand touch the container at the same time as another hand? Except that other hand sported incredibly long claws? Would you close your eyes and hope the owner of those claws was only a mere human trying for the world’s record for longest nails? Or would you prefer to look up into the red eyes of a monster with a craving for dairy?

How about literally running into a merman in a fender bender outside the local pool supply store? With his strength of ten men, would you argue about who was at fault? Or would you allow him to have his way, knowing how grumpy mermen are when they’re not in the water?

Other complications in a world filled with real-life supernatural creatures would occur. Would you—could you—forbid you daughter from dating the boy with the enormous fangs? Would you be afraid his version of necking wouldn’t be the version you’d grown up with? Even in a world where we’re constantly being watched, could you handle a curious gargoyle spying at you from the top of every building?

Still, even though the above examples don’t sound appealing, I think I could learn to live with them if the world also had the likes of Superman or the Fantastic Four to help out. After all, everything’s a trade-off, right? What we might lose in one area, we could gain so much in another.

But, alas, even though some of us may believe in at least one or two supernatural beings, we know most of these incredible entities do not exist. Enter the paranormal author. Paranormal authors like me strive to bring them to life, at least for a short time, on paper. We do so with the hope of bringing that world beyond the veil into your life. Will you open the door and let them in?

Beverly Rae
www.beverlyrae.com
Giggle, Gasp & Sigh with a Beverly Rae Romance

Samhain New Releases, Including Two BTVers!

Look how many books with speculative elements and romance you have to choose from this week at Samhain Publishing! More importantly, there are 2 releases from our own BTV authors, Ember Case and Carolan Ivey:

"Hunting the Huntress" by Ember Case
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Red Hots!
ISBN: 1-59998-859-3
Length: Short Story
Price: 2.50
Publication Date: January 8, 2008
Cover art by Dawn Seewer

Nilana has one night to make the choice of a lifetime: Accept the love of two men, or keep hunting—alone.

Check out the book's page at Samhain, which also links to an excerpt.

***

"Beaudry's Ghost" by Carolan Ivey
Genre: Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 1-59998-852-6
Length: Novel
Price: 5.50
Publication Date: January 4, 2008
Cover art by Dawn Seewer

His legendary spirit is restless for revenge. But the touch of one woman could change his mind—and his destiny.

Check out the book's page at Samhain, which also links to an excerpt.

***

"Talnut" by J. H. Wear
Genre: Fantasy-SciFi
ISBN: 1-59998-623-X
Length: Novel
Price: 5.50
Publication Date: January 8, 2008

In the search for home, sometimes you find more than you bargained for.

***

"Black Widow" by Mackenzie McKade
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Red Hots!
ISBN: 1-59998-856-9
Length: Novel
Price: 5.50
Publication Date: January 8, 2008

Her touch is heavenly. Her kiss, deadly. To mate with her means certain death.

***

"Lover’s Talisman" by Ashleigh Raine
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Red Hots!
ISBN: 1-59998-853-4
Length: Novel
Price: 5.50
Publication Date: January 4, 2008

Welcome to Talisman Bay, where all hell breaks loose on a daily basis, especially when you fall in love.

***

"Starchild" by Katriena Knights
Genre: Romantic SciFi-Futuristic
ISBN: 1-59998-854-2
Length: Novel
Price: 5.50
Publication Date: January 4, 2008

A no-nonsense starship captain and a billionaire financier, Fairfax and Cavendish are the ultimate odd couple. Until an insidious government conspiracy leaves them with nothing—except each other.

***

Jody W.
A SPELL FOR SUSANNAH--January 29, 2008, Samhain Publishing
http://www.jodywallace.com/ * http://meankittybox.blogspot.com/

Haunted Disney

Life in Florida has quite a few things going for it. The surf (only a few miles from our door); the weather (usually warm and sunny, despite this weeks brief dip into the 20's); the people (also usually warm and sunny - it must rub off from the weather).

And living right up the road from Orlando can mean some great last-minute vacations. When the hubby suggested we take the kids to Disney World for the weekend, it was only a few days planning instead of a half-way round the country excursion.

We're here, and there's really something for everyone in Disney. The rides. The food (if you've never splurged for the Dining Plan, I highly recommend it - yum!). The look of joy in my kids faces, especially my daughter when she was hugged by five princesses in five minutes. We even peaked at Ariel's feet to see if she had feet or fins!

Like any good vacation spot, Disney World has a haunting story or two. While the rumors of Walt Disney's remains being cryogenically frozen are good for a laugh (he was truly cremated two days after his death, and his remains interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery), there are other tingly stories to keep visitors on their toes while at the parks.

A few hours from now we'll be on the Pirates of the Caribbean. I'll be keeping my eyes open for George while we're there. He is supposedly a construction worker killed during the building of the park. Legend has it that if the cast members fail to start his day off right he'll cause the ride to randomly stop during the day.

There's a little girl of unknown origin who wanters near Spaceship Earth in Epcot. We spent about5 hours in the area last nigh (Mission SPACE is a fantastic experience!), but had no sightings. I'll look again today when we're there during brighter times.

And finally there are rumors of a ghost near MGM's Tower of Terror. We'll be stopping by the area later today - I'll be sure to have my eyes open!

(My first release from Samhain Publishing, Hunting the Huntress, releases on Tuesday the 8th of January! Mark your calendar - and if you have time, stop by Romance Junkies on Monday at 9pm est for a chat!)

Samhain's New Releases

A ghost, a handful of wolves, and a lot of great reading! Check out the first new releases of 2008 at Samhain Publishing:

"Shaking Off the Dust" by Rhianna Samuels
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 1-59998-851-8
Length: Plus Novel
Price: 6.50
Publication Date: January 1, 2008
Cover art by Anne Cain

Hannah’s list: Ghosts are cold to the touch. Being tied up isn’t much fun. And danger is a sure-fire prescription for amazing sex!

***

"Hunter's Moon" by Rose Marie Wolf
Genre: Paranormal, Horror
ISBN: 1-59998-697-3
Length: Novel
Price: 5.50
Publication Date: January 1, 2008

Werewolves Jason and Rose Barnett have tried to put the past behind them, but Jason’s strange dreams prove true and his dangerous obsession uncovers a shocking revelation that may destroy them…once and for all.

***

"Wolf Unbound" by Lauren Dane
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Red Hots!
ISBN: 1-59998-847-X
Length: Novel
Price: 5.50
Publication Date: January 1, 2008

Overshadowed by the rising threat of the werewolf mafia, Ben and Tegan struggle to stand united. A Cascadia Wolves story.

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Jody W.
A SPELL FOR SUSANNAH--January 29, 2008, Samhain Publishing
http://www.jodywallace.com/ * http://meankittybox.blogspot.com/

You Say You Want a Resolution..

I hope Paul, John, Ringo and George forgive me for paraphrasing their song for my title, but I was desperate. The New Year is here and everyone is throwing the R word around. I'm talking about New Year Resolutions, of course. Millions of people make them on the 1st, break them by the end of the month, or in some cases, by the 3rd or 4th of January. Why? Because they set their expectations too high.
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Resolution 1: I'm quitting a bad habit! (eg. smoking, drinking etc)

While this is a wonderful thing to attempt and I wish everyone luck in trying it, doing it when you're about to receive all those Christmas credit card bills is not a good idea. Here are some overheard convos, "Yes, Capital Con, can you please tell me why I could either buy a mid-sized Caribbean Island or send you my minimal monthly payment? Oh yeah? Well, what's in your wallet? What do you mean you only use cash? I can see why!" ...or... "No wonder your mother loves you best, you bought her a hot tub!" ...or my personal favorite made popular by my husband.... "Gurgle, gurgle thud!" Those alone will make you want to crawl into the nearest bottle, pack of ciggies, bag of chips or hey, just jump into a combo of the three and have a oinkfest to end all oinkfests.

Which brings me to...

Resolution 2: I'm going on a diet!

Come on people, how can you expect to keep this one with all those left over Christmas goodies in the house? Better to say; I'll go on a diet in the late Spring. This way all the Valentine and Easter candy will be gone too. This is what I call the Have Your Candy and Eat It Too plan.

Resolution 3: I'm going start working out every single day!

Ack! Okay, it's healthy, at least, it seems to be, but, I'm a little suspicious of the terminology involved. The word aerobic sounds like a strange disease passed through the air. Think about it, when those(strangely happy) people get hot their sweat turns to steam and pervades the air, soaking into your skin and going into your lungs. Nasty! Before you know it, you too are bouncing around in brightly colored, unflattering, tight fitting clothing that you wouldn't otherwise be caught dead in and your face is stuck in that freaky rictus smile too! It's the 80's revisited. Believe me, once was plenty.

And then, there's the word exercise which sounds and looks a lot like the word exorcise. Since that last word pertains to demons, (my own skewed) logic dictates that both do.

My theory is supported by the fact that both cause:

1. Unnatural contortions of the body and face
2. Pain filled grunts, screams, groans emanating from the victims
3. Crying and/or begging for mercy from said victim's deity of choice.

I could go on but I think I've proved my point and my psychosis with this one ;)

Resolution 4: I'm getting a new and better job!

Trying to do this right after the Christmas buying binge is over isn't going to be easy. But, doing so right at the beginning of the year will make next year's tax forms neat and tidy. Ooops, did I say the T-word too early? I'm sorry! That's another blog, which involves procrastination, number crunching and the perils of lying to the scariest governmental organization in the universe(and beyond). Death and taxes are both inevitable. Wait a mo! On second thought, you could get a job at one of those tax places that pop up overnight. Go You!

Resolution 5: I'm going to find the perfect girlfriend/boyfriend!

There's no such thing as perfect, which would be why I write and why I read romance novels. Those alpha dudes have perfect aim.. when putting their socks in the hamper. *grins* Of course, the best and easiest resolution anyone could make would be to read more books. Whether it be romances or any kind. Books can make all your resolutions much more attainable too. And no, I'm not talking about those self help ones, not that there's anything wrong with them.

You don't believe me do you? I'll illustrate how reading can help with each of the resolutions above.

Res 1. Get caught up in a great book and you'll forget to smoke or drink or talk too much. That helps kick that bad habit right there.

Res 2. Reading makes you thinner. Sure it can, if you spend your lunch money on books...again *coughs*

Res 3. Getting lost in a good story can make even me, a total exercise-phobe forget that I'm on the terrible treadmill, evil eliptical machine or satanic stationary bike for half hour segments at a time.

Res 4. Getting caught reading at work can cause you to get fired, thereby making it so that you have to find a new job to support your book addiction.

Res 5. Reading can help you at least look smart. But there's the very real fact that it does enrich your vocabulary not to mention help you learn new skills. What genre you choose will of course determine the type of skills you acquire. *wiggles brows* But remember, knowledge is power and power is sexy. Meowrr!


Happy New Year and Happy Reading!
Jenna Leigh