Animals in Folklore Part 2

Wolves in European Mythology

Wolves play an integral part in European mythology. They are found in almost every major culture in European history. I thought I would wrap up this small sample of their role with what I thought was the most interesting. 

Celtic

In Celtic mythology the wolf plays many roles. As in other cultures the wolf was seen as a bringer of death and destruction. The Celts never feared them though. These things were necessary for new life and re-birth to occur. Wolves had their own month at the end of winter, which they ruled over, called Faoilleach. This was a time of death and purification. To the Celts though death was celebrated, their loved one's spirit was free and living a better life.

In Celtic mythology the wolf was associated with several famous figure. They are the companion Cerridwen, the goddess of fertility and the moon. Brighid is the goddess of flame, hearth and a patron of warfare and has a wolf as one of four sacred animals. The Morrigan, the goddess of war, death and destruction also took the form of a wolf. The Celtic hero Comac was raised by wolves and was said to speak their language. All his life he was seen with at least four wolves.

Roman

The founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, were rescued by a she-wolf after the king ordered them thrown into the river Tiber. The river god, Tiber, slowed the river and the basket eventually stopped on the roots of a fig tree where the city of Rome was eventually founded. It was the she-wolf, Lupa, who found them in their basket and saved them and subsequently suckled them. Eventually, a couple of farmers finds the wolf with the boys and adopts the children.

In Roman culture wolves are also associated with the gods, more specifically with Zeus, Apollo, Artemis, and Leto. They typically act as divine messengers. There is also a legend of Zeus transforming a king that tried to trick him into a wolf as a punishment.

Lupercalia, is a religious wolf festival, that had strange rites. It was primarily a fertility festival held on February 15th that included a chase through the town. It started at Lupercal, which was supposedly the site where Romulus and Remus were suckled by the she-wolf. It was suggested that a dog, and even puppies were sacrificed for purification.

Britain

While Britain has a vast amount of folklore that stems from it the most well known is the Legend of King Arthur. Merlin the king's friend and loyal advisor lived as a hermit for a period of his life and kept an old grey wolf for a companion. To this day both Merlin and the wolf are known as guardians of Britain.

A wolf plays a key role in my newest paranormal romance Honor Bound. If you want to see how my great white wolf features in my story you'll have to read it to find out. The book is featured in the Moonlight Mystique anthology so you'll get 9 other steamy romances as a bonus.

I am a mother, pharmacist and author. I love all things fantasy and sci-fi. Romance is always a welcome bonus. I have two little girls and I love dogs, I have two of those as well, a Boston Terrier and a Pittie mix. So technically some would say I have four kids. I am currently on a writing hiatus but hope to get back to my romance series or my fantasy series soon. Right now my girls are my priority. My all time favorite series of books is the Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind. I've read all 12 of the original series at least twice and some 3 or 4 times. I know I'm a little obsessed but who doesn't like a normal guy that becomes a hero. Oh Richard Rahl! If you'd like to know more about me or my books please see my website. If you would like more info about my books you can find it on my store.

Moonlight Mist

Rebecca Tran

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love all things fantasy and science fiction. Mix in a little romance and you've got me hooked. When I decided to write a stand alone romance for an anthology that I am part of, Moonlight Mist, I stepped away from shifters and turned to Ireland for inspiration. More specifically the fae and Tir Na Nog, or Underhill as most know it, were my muse. Who could resist beautiful creatures and a land of magic? Certainly not me. The result was my newest title Honor Bound.

Blurb

Liam is bored with everyday life in Underhill, the home of the Fae. When you’ve lived as long as he has few things hold any excitement anymore. When a mortal woman stumbles into Underhill all of that changes. She captivates him like none have in ages. Now Liam will stop at nothing to find her and make the mortal his. How far will he go to get what he wants?

Hallie O’Neil thinks she has it all figured out. She has a great career, serious boyfriend, and perfect New York apartment. Everything changes when an Irish Adonis walks into her work one afternoon. As hard as Hallie tries to fight it, Liam insists on inserting himself into her life. There’s something different about Liam that Hallie can’t figure out. Can she discover the truth before she’s in too deep?

Excerpt

    Faolin gave Hallie her own room while she was visiting his Uncle’s home. He didn’t want to presume too much. It wasn’t surprising though when she slipped into his room after the house quieted down. Hallie always had a way of lighting his fire. After months apart though her touch was like an inferno. He hated having to return to Underhill even for that short amount of time. Being away from her was torture. 

    All of Faolin’s attention was focused on Hallie that night. He lavished every affection on her. Faolin brought her to the brink of ecstasy over and over before they both tumbled over the edge together. Hallie lay in his arms afterward content and beautiful. Faolin brushed the stray hairs from her cheek enjoying the fleeting moment. 

    With a slight growl of frustration, Faolin eased out of bed. He pulled on his pants and went downstairs. His aunt and uncle would still be awake. He found them in the library by the fire enjoying a glass of wine. His aunt studied him a moment, however, it was his uncle who spoke. 

      “I’m glad to hear the mortal pleases you.” His uncle smiled half laughing.

       Faolin knew it meant they heard at least part of their lovemaking. At the moment he didn’t care.         “She pleases me more than any woman has in centuries, uncle.”

       His uncle stopped smiling, and his aunt set down her wine. “Can it be true?” his aunt asked studying him. 

     “Faolin I forbid…” His uncle started. 

     “Don’t, I beg you. When is the last time I asked anything of you?” Faolin asked his uncle. 

      His uncle snarled, “At least 300 years.” He let out a heavy breath. “It’s too soon Faolin.”

     “At least grant me permission to pursue it.” Faolin offered his hand.

     “You know the rules.” His uncle warned.

     “Better than anyone” his aunt volunteered.

      His uncle took Faolin’s hand “Agreed. I Faolin of Underhill swear that I will abide by the rules while pursuing Hallie O'Neil.” 

     “Honor and Magic bind thee.”  His uncle said formally. Faolin felt the magic sweep over him. There was no going back now. 

Honor Bound is part of a paranormal romance anthology Moonlight Mist written by many talented independent authors. It is available on Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and other fine retailers.

I am a mother, pharmacist, and author. I love all things fantasy and science fiction. It should come as no surprise then when I say I write fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal romance. I've also tried my hand at horror once or twice. I enjoy watching anime and romance movies. Currently I am working my way through Naruto Shippuden. Summer is coming and school is ending which means I'll spend more time at home with my kids than at work thanks to PTO. If you read my bios or my blog I'll keep you posted on our travels. If you want to find out more about me check out my website, or you can find my books on my store.

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The First Vampire

Everyone thinks they know who the first vampire is. This guy right?

Vlad the Impaler or as Bram Stoker named him Dracula. Nope dead wrong. Vampire legends stretch back to ancient Greece. Myth has it that a young Italian man, Ambrogio, fell in love with a woman named Selena after visiting the Oracle at the Temple of Apollo. Since Ambrogio was madly in love after one meeting he asked her to marry him. Luck however, was not on his side. Jealous Apollo wanted her too, and being a god he wasn't going to be out done by a mortal. Apollo cursed Ambrogio so his sun would burn everytime he was exposed to sunlight. Sound familiar?


Ambrogio didn't give up though. He went to Hades for help and you know that never ends well. In order to get Hades' help he had to steal Artemis' silver bow. Just FYI if you steal from a god don't get caught. Ambrogio either didn't know that or he was a lousy thief because Artemis caught him and cursed him as well. Now silver burned his skin.

As time wore on Artemis eventually takes pity on Ambrogio and grants him gifts to compensate for all the burnt flesh. Super strength, immortality, and fangs to kill beasts for their blood to write love letters to Selena.

 Oh how romantic! Where are my love letters written in blood?

Somehow Selena eventually escapes Apollo, and Artemis who now has a soft spot for Ambrogio tells him how they can be together. Ambrogio can make her immortal by drinking her blood. YUCK! It would kill her body, but her spirit would live on. And hey, if you want to procreate just combine your blood and let someone drink it, poof new vampire. So if you ever meet a couple named Ambrogio and Selena steer clear, well unless you want to be a vampire...or their dinner.

My vampires stray from the typical vampire lore, but they are no less interesting. For Their Sins is a love story that spans 300 years available for purchase on Amazon and other fine retailers. Unlike the Rest is an erotica with a little horror thrown in for good measure available as a free download on my website. 

I am a mother, pharmacist, and author. I love all things fantasy and sci-fi. The Proposal and Everafter are two of my favorite chick-flicks. Wolverine, Batman and Wonder Woman are the best super heros out there, sorry they just are. And Sword Art Online is a great anime. I write what I love so my book genres aren't that surprising. Currently I am on a temporary writing hiatus but hope to get back to my fantasy and romance series soon. If you would like to learn more about me please check out my website. For more about my books please shop my store.

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A New Breed of Vampire

Rebecca Tran

Have you ever wondered what would happen if vampires were the good guys yet still vampires in the truest sense of the word? I cut my teeth so to speak reading Anne Rice, so vampires to me will always be dark, powerful, and sexual creatures. When I decided to write my own vampire novel I wanted them to be the good guys. So my vampires became God's vigilantes, His chosen children that hunted the wicked and sent them to hell. A friend asked me once if my vamps were like those in Twilight I laughed a little and replied my vamps could eat them for breakfast. 

For Their Sins is an award winning first hand account of the very long life of Alexandria Diego.

Over 300 years Alexandria Diego has had her share of lovers. Some of them, she even loved. All she ever wanted was to find the one; that special person she could spend the rest of her life with. She’s survived political subterfuge, sword fights, Mordere raids, a war, and worst of all the male ego. But, now she’s found him; the one male that was destined to be hers. The only problem is the leader of the Mordere and her sworn enemy, Anya Drake, took him. Now she must risk it all to get him back.

Excerpt:

I relaxed in the water with the fire blazing in the hearth. My door opened and closed ever so slightly as Savas slipped in, I glanced at him, but said nothing. I was unsure what he was up to. He took a brush from my bed table let down my hair, and then brushed it out. When he finished, I heard him moving about behind me. I figured I would let him pace a bit. He would tell me what he wanted when he was ready. I leaned back sinking into the warm water with my eyes closed. I did not open them again until I felt Savas step into the tub.

I looked at him surprised, and he smiled a sheepish grin. “I did not see the point in drawing two baths when we could share.”

“Did I say you could get in?” I asked. He stopped smiling truly thinking I was upset. I moved in closer to him and dipped my head back to wet my hair. I was very aware of his eyes on my breasts as I did so.  “You will just have to help me then. Will you wash my back?” I pulled my hair over one shoulder. Savas let out a low guttural laugh similar to the one he had before we went on a hunt. He took the soap from me and nipped my neck.

That was the most erotic experience of my life, and we did not have sex or even touch each other in that manner. We simply bathed one another. I am still not sure how I managed to wait until I had Senya cart away the water before I slipped down the hall to Savas’ room. I glanced around to be sure there was no one near before going inside. Why I cared, who saw I do not know, but at that point, I wanted to keep it a secret.

Once inside I realized I had never actually been in Savas’ room before. It was the same size as mine, but his bed was pushed against one wall with a window covered by heavy drapes over it. A large leather couch sat in front of the fireplace with stacks of books around it. Another chair flanked the door, and an armoire was on the far wall. Tapestries covered the wall and rugs covered the floor. Needless to say, it was not what I was expecting. The door shut behind me and I nearly jumped. Savas leaned against the door frame with no shirt on and his hair still down. The only light in the room came from the fire, and it highlighted every feature. He was gorgeous.

“What happened to our deal Xandria?” he asked in a whisper.

“I think we need to re-examine it,” I told him.

“Tomorrow?” He asked.

“Tomorrow.” I agreed. He swept me up into one of his intoxicating kisses, and I didn’t care about anything else. 

Available for Purchase on Amazon and other major retailers

I am a mother, author, and pharmacist. I love all things fantasy and science fiction. If you asked me to choose between Star Wars and Star Trek, I can't, but the original 3 movies were the best and Next Generation is still great. I am currently working my way through Naruto Shappuden (only 400 episodes to go) so you can add anime buff to the list of my nerdy qualities. At the moment I am on an involuntary writing hiatus, meaning I have writer's block. If you would like to learn more about me please visit my website, to learn about my other books check out my store.

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Hunted: Dragons of the North

Rebecca Tran

In the spotlight today is one of my favorite books. it features not one, but two shifters and crosses species proving love has no boundaries. From the very beginning Lexa and Hunter have sexual tension that builds into a steamy romance. Hunted Dragons of the South is a continuation of my dragon shifter romance and is sure to please any romance fan.

Blurb:

A werewolf with amnesia. The enforcer of the Southern Territory. Saving a wolf in distress leads to more than he bargained for…

Hunter Silver was sent to Arizona to clean up the Southern Territory as their new Enforcer. After nearly a year on the job, things are finally falling into place. Life was ideal. That is until a starved female werewolf wanders into his life. Hunter’s dragon says mine before it ever meets Lexa. This has trouble written all over it. Can Hunter save the territory and Lexa or will he be forced to choose?

After waking up in a cage, Lexa Greene runs as far as she can before nearly collapsing from exhaustion. With her memory gone Lexa has no choice but to trust a handsome stranger. Lexa’s wolf wants Hunter before her human half ever realizes what she is. But Lexa can’t start anything until she’s pieced her life back together, or can she? Will Lexa risk it all for a chance at love or will she run again?

Hunted is the first book in the steamy action packed follow up series to Dragons of the North. Its filled with characters you know and more you’ll adore. Hunter and Lexa offer a complex relationship full of heat and compassion. If you missed the first box series you can still start here without missing a beat although I guarantee you’ll want to read the first set after this book.

Excerpt:

Lexa was in the kitchen finishing dinner when Hunter came home. She called from the kitchen telling him to have a seat. Hunter tossed his keys on the coffee table and flopped on the sofa. Lexa had been here three weeks, and he was starting to get used to her steady presence. She came out a minute later and handed him a beer. She told him dinner was almost done and sat down next to him.

Lexa snuggled in close filling his nose with her blend of wildflowers and crisp mountain air. She smelled like home. He loved it. He loved her. Hunter couldn’t resist telling her. He whispered it in her ear. Lexa looked up at him and her eyes filled with mischief. She ran to the kitchen. It wasn’t the reaction he expected. Hunter took a long drink worried.

When Lexa returned, she took Hunter’s beer and set it on the side table. Then she put her arms around his neck as she straddled him on the couch. Lexa bent down kissing him. Her tongue explored the recesses of his mouth before withdrawing. Her lips gently tugged on his making him want more.

Lexa took off her tank top. Then she slowly unhooked her bra and let it slide off her shoulders. Taught toffee colored nipples waited to tease Hunter. Lexa rocked her body forward. Her center brushed against his shaft that was already throbbing for her. He could feel her heat through the layers of fabric they wore. Hunter caught her; one hand behind her back the other on her ass and thrust her closer. He took one perfect nipple into his mouth making her moan.

Reaching down Lexa skimmed her hands under Hunter’s shirt. She grabbed the edge and tugged it off of him. It left his perfect chest exposed for her to touch as she pleased. Her nails ran over bare skin raising goosebumps on his arms. Hunter captured her lips with his once more. Then he helped her out of her pants.

Hunter ran his thumb over the button at her center. Lexa moaned appreciatively. Then he let his fingers play in her warm folds.  Lexa’s body crashed into his, and he took her breast in his mouth once more. It wouldn’t take much to push her over the edge tonight. He trailed his fingers down her spine as two fingers dipped inside her. Lexa cried out with her pleasure.

As soon as the wave passed Lexa was unbuttoning Hunter’s jeans. He was more than ready for her. He tried to pull her close once more, but she pushed him away. With a little help, Lexa managed to get his pants off.

Then Lexa went to her knees between Hunter’s legs. Lexa took all of him into her mouth, and Hunter had a hard time restraining himself. She licked down one side of his shaft and up the other before sucking gently on the tip. Hunter’s hand fisted in her hair as she pleasured him. He didn’t want it to end. Although, he’d rather be buried deep inside her and he didn’t want to wait.

Hunter told Lexa what he wanted. She smiled at him once more and straddled him on the couch. Lexa took the lead this time, and Hunter found it intoxicating. She slid him inside. Hunter sighed with appreciation. Then she began to move. How had they not done this before? It was amazing.

‘Take her, Make her ours’ his dragon whispered. It was ever more insistent every time Hunter was with Lexa. Tonight the dragon was almost overwhelming. ‘She is ours do it,’ Hunter almost couldn’t focus on Lexa and the pleasure she brought. She nipped at his neck timing her thrusts perfectly.

“Mate, say it, Hunter, you’re mine. Do it.” Lexa’s voice brought him out of his euphoria. Hunter’s dragon was smug now. “Say you are my mate.” She ordered.

“Do you love me, Lexa?” Hunter asked between breaths.

She stopped moving, and it was torture. “Of course I do you ass,”

Hunter smiled “I am yours, mate” Lexa moved again, and he felt her magic sweep over him with her orgasm. Hunter was pulled with it.

His magic swept through her at the same time sealing their mating bond. ‘mate’ It was the first time he heard her wolf. That was going to take some getting used to. ‘Again, I want to meet your dragon.’ The wolf demanded. Hunter looked at Lexa a little worried he meant it when he told her his dragon was temperamental. Any time the beast got involved in sex things got rough. He’d only ever let him out with other dragons.

“He would never hurt me, Hunter we are mates,” Lexa assured him. Then her eyes faded to gold, and the wolf was there. “Your dragon is a part of you. Stop fearing what it can do.”


The irony wasn’t lost on Hunter. Lexa had to accept what she was turned into while Hunter was born this way. He’d known his beast his whole life, and there was a part of him who feared letting go. Hunter laid Lexa back on the couch and kissed her one last time before relinquishing control to his dragon.

I am a mother of two and author of romance, sci-fi, and fantasy. I love romantic comedies, fantasy, and sci-fi flicks. Currently I'm binge watching Vikings and getting my butt beat in Call of Duty. I've also come to love a female Dr. If you are interested in my work or my personal website you can find it here.

 

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Creating Believable Characters

Rebecca Tran

Many authors love to tease their friends saying "be careful, or you'll end up in my novel" while true this isn't always a bad thing. I have friends begging to be warriors, mages, or even a villain in my books. They want to know what kind of character I'd make them. I have an ex-roommate who is an elf, a friend who is a pathologist, and another who is a detective. 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/545516818/

As authors, we are always told to write what we know. Why? Because it makes our work more realistic and well rounded. Writing characters shouldn't be any different. They should be based on characteristics we see in people every day.

The easiest way to begin writing a hero or villain is to think of the person who fits that character the most. Then you write that person. Try to imagine how that person would react in whatever situation your hero/villain finds him or herself in. This application will not only help you develop your character and storyline but dialogue as well. For instance, if your model was trying to convince the townspeople to fight for themselves how would they do it? What would they say? It's not something they would probably ever do but for creative minds its easy enough to imagine mannerisms, speech patterns, and probable courses of actions. 

When I was writing my first book, I always placed myself in the role of the heroine. It's a bit cliche' I know although I was writing my way through a tough time and it was very therapeutic. Any time my heroine was placed in a tough situation I tried to imagine what I would do if I were her. Alternatively, she had just as tough of a relationship with her mother as I did. All of her interactions with her were based on my own relationship with my mother at the time. Using these real-life experiences made it easier to make an imaginary character real. I could see them interacting and hear their voices rather than reading static words on a page. 

In the early stages of your character development, the devil is in the details. Each character needs their own personality. Again this is where having a person to model them after comes in handy. Think about one person you know. Do they have something unique that they do? Is it a specific speech pattern, word, phrase, tick, or habit? If they do use it. Those idiosyncrasies make characters believable as long as they aren't overdone. One or two of my characters rub the back of their neck when nervous while others fidget with their hair. One of my women has a huge attitude, and another is a sex fiend. Each trait is unique to the character's personality. 

As your writing progresses, you should be able to draw on multiple sources to make new people. Although, you as the author must know the whole character before you can fully flesh them out for the reader. What makes them happy, sad, or angry? Why are they in your story and what are those character traits? Whatever you decide, be consistent. 

Some authors have the bare bones minimum on characters while others could write a book on each one. I personally tend to lean towards more information on my characters than the reader will ever know. It's not necessary, I just have a wild imagination, and my people tend to talk to me after a while. I learn more about them than I ever wanted to.

Using these basic techniques should help new and even seasoned writers develop more believable characters. Next post,  February 23rd, I’ll cover ways to build your imaginary world. 

I am a blogger and author of fantasy and romance novels. I have two small children and a Boston Terrier. I love all things sci-fi and fantasy. Comic books and anime are always welcome in my house, and a woman as The Doctor is okay by me. If you are interested in my books or my blog, you can find it here.

COMMENTS

Erika M Szabo via Google+

2 days ago  -  Shared publicly

 

Rebecca writes about how "Characters should be based on characteristics we see in people every day." at #OurAuthorGang

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Erika M Szabo

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"Using real-life experiences made it easier to make an imaginary character real." So true Rebecca! Most of my characters are a mix of 2-3 people I know or knew :)

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Joe Bonadonna

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You got me  right where I live, Rebecca. The thing I strive for and work the hardest at, and what keeps me reading an author's books are the characters. They have to be believable. I have to love the good guys and hate the bad guys. I want to understand them, to cheer for them, feel sorry for them, experience their thoughts and emotions. Good job!

 

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Joe Bonadonna via Google+

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Today on #OurAuthorGang, fantasy author Rebecca Tran​ talks about one of my favorite subjects: creating believable characters.

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Ruth de Jauregui via Google+

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Rebecca Tran shares the (true) joke about writing people into our stories and how observing real life helps build believable characters.

Of course, when we're done, they're our own creations. Stop by #OurAuthorGang and share your observations!

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Ruth de Jauregui

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I completely agree! Real life helps us build believable characters. On the flip side, sometimes life is stranger than fiction!! Great post Rebecca!!

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Rebecca Tran via Google+

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Today on #OurAuthorGang I shared a few ways that I write believable characters.

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Chris Weigand shared this via Google+

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Rick Haynes

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Iv'e never thought about basing characters on people I know. But Rebecca has piqued my interest and maybe, in a few cases, I did. However, on looking back, I can see some protagonists loosely based on heroes or villains that I had read about decades ago. Thank you for posting.

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Toi Thomas via Google+

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Today, Rebecca Tran discusses how drawing from real life can make believable characters. #OurAuthorGang

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Eva Pasco

2 days ago  -  Shared publicly

 

I can honestly say that my characters aren't based on anyone I know--perhaps that's a good thing.

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