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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Research is Essential #OurAuthorGang

In my last two posts, I discussed things I discovered while researching topics for my novels or short stories. When I started writing, I never thought I would have to research anything. I thought if I wrote fantasy I wouldn’t have to. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Even in the fantasy realm, you have to know the basics to be credible. You have to know the different types of swords and how they are used. The basics of fighting with a staff or axes or even shooting a bow are all required if they are put in your novel. Poorly written battle scenes are usually a sign of someone who hasn’t done their research. Depending on what type of book you’re writing military strategy could be helpful as well.

If you are writing anything based in the real world even if it is a fantasy the

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details become even more important. I started writing For Their Sins as a vampire fantasy and never gave a second thought to its historical accuracy. At least I didn’t until I was preparing it for publication. Suddenly I had a complete work of fiction with characters who didn’t even have names from the countries they were born in.

To allow the reader to completely lose themselves in the fantasy of that world, everything had to be accurate. I had to research names, places, dates, clothing and yes even sailing times from the early 18^th century.

I’m not the only author to do so. The detail is what separates good novels from great ones. Think about best-selling novels. In books ranging from the Da Vinci Code to The Silence of the Lambs, there is always well-researched details from the real world. Everything is believable. You don’t spend half your time wondering: is that right?

If you as a writer are tripped up wondering is this accurate; so, will your reader. It will detract from your story. A few days ago I read a couple pages from a book’s “look inside” on Amazon, and it left me wondering. Why is the main character speaking Spanish when the orator told me they are speaking Portuguese? They are in Africa. Do they speak Portuguese there? Two simple questions in the first two pages already detracted from the story they were trying to tell me. The reader was lost.

No matter how tedious research is always worth the effort. You never know when you may have a local reader pick up your book or an expert in that field. You may not claim to be an expert or a local, but you don’t want to look like an idiot either. You want the reader to focus on the story, not your facts.

Our Guest Today is Author, Julia Mills #OurAuthorGang

We're thrilled to have you join us today, Julia!

Hey, Y'all! I'm Julia Mills, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of THE DRAGON GUARD SERIES. I, without a doubt, admit to being a sarcastic Southern woman who would rather spend all day laughing than a minute crying. Living with my two most amazing daughters and a menagerie of animals keeps me busy, but I love telling a good story. Now that I've decided to write the stories running through my brain, life is just a blast!

My beliefs are simple: a good book along with shoes, makeup, and purses will never let a girl down...and no hero ever written will compare to my real-life hero--my dad!

I'm a sucker for a happy ending, and alpha men make me swoon. I'm still working on my story, but I promise it will contain as much love and laughter as I can pack into it!

Now, go out there and create your own story!!! Dare to dream! Have strength to try EVERYTHING! Never Look Back!

I ABSOLUTELY adore stalkers, so look me up on Facebook, sign up for my newsletter, send me a message!

Thank you for reading my stories!!!
XOXO  Julia


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**PLEASE NOTE, JULIA'S BOOKS ARE FOR MATURE READERS 18 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER.

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Sharp...Successful...Deadly...

Catering to every dark, erotic desire of his wealthy patrons has made Alaric a very rich man. His ability to tap into the very soul of every person he meets, to see what they crave...intimately...sensually...has made CRAVE, his exclusive club, the most sought after establishment of its kind in the world.

A force to be reckoned with, Scottish to the bone, and carrying the tattoo of a fire-breathing dragon wrapped around the left side of his body--as not only a shield, but a reminder of all he's lost--he's driven to be the best, to remain in control, and to always emerge the victor.

But, the past is a cruel mistress who demands her due, no matter the cost. Some demons simply refuse to be slain.

Running from a past he can't escape, Alaric is lost to the insanity of the Thirst. Yet, the scent of home, of buttercups and poppies, invades his senses and momentarily clears his mind, demanding that he find the one woman...the only woman...his one true Blood-mate, who can deliver him from certain death.

This is a Vampire's Thirst... Dark... Dangerous...Undeniable...

One sip is never enough...

 

Finding Fantasy in the Bible part 2 #ourauthorgang

by Rebecca Tran

 In my last blog post on this topic, I discussed the nephilim or human-angel hybrids. This legend comes directly from passages in the Bible. The only matter up for debate here is specific interpretations of the word. That is a topic for another day and probably better left to theology scholar, not a pharmacist who writes fantasy at night.

This week instead I thought we would discuss a legend that arises from the “unofficial” books of the Bible. As discussed previously those books did not meet the specific criteria to become an official canon of the scripture.

The book of Enoch was lost for almost 2000 years. The writing it contained was so taboo that most of the copies were deliberately destroyed. Although, some copies survived and were rediscovered in Ethiopia in the 18th century. They were later translated and gave more detailed accounts of the Nephilim, and the Watchers.

The fallen watchers were a group of 200 angels that descended from heaven to earth. They lived among humans, married human women and taught humans many subjects that they were not supposed to. The information was supposed to build naturally as humans evolved instead the fallen angels forced it on them all at once.

Enoch describes God’s wrath on his fallen children. The leaders of the group were forced to watch their families kill each other while, the remaining fallen watchers were chained and locked in the

“valleys of the earth.” Their sentence was to last for 70 generations or until their or the final judgment depending on the translation. This same event is mentioned in the Bible Jude 1:6-7, however, the supporting details are lacking. Enoch gives a detailed account of the events surrounding their punishment.

When starting to research the sequel to my paranormal romance, For Their Sins, it seemed like the perfect obstacle for my Heroine to overcome. Who knows what would happen if you unleashed 200 angry fallen angels. Unfortunately, the novel is still a work in progress, it’s in my ‘to do’ pile though and I can’t wait to get back to it. In the meantime, ForTheir Sins is available now.  The companion short story, Unlike the Rest, is always free.

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Finding Fantasy in the Bible #OurAuthorGang

By Rebecca Tran 

Finding fantasy in the Bible may sound like heresy to some, and I am not suggesting by any means that the Bible is a work of fiction. I am in fact a christian with great faith. What I am referring to is reading between the lines. You can find inspiration in how and why the Bible was written; what was included and what was left out of this holy text. For me, all it took was a little research and basic understanding of how the Bible came to be.

I've found material for three novels in the Bible. One novel only used a small piece while the other two wouldn't exist without it unfortunately only one is completed so far. During this two part blog, I will show you some of the discoveries I made. Hopefully, you will find it as interesting as I did and inspire you to draw inspiration from one of the oldest books in history.

When researching anything in the Bible, you first have to understand how it was constructed. I say this because their are "unofficial" books of the Bible in existence. Those are writings made by christians or followers of Christ that didn't make the cut to be official canon of scripture. That criteria were as follows:

1. Written by a recognized prophet or apostle
2. Written by those associated with a recognized prophet or apostle
3. Truthfulness in the writing
4. Faithfulness to previously accepted canonical writings
5. Confirmed by Christ, prophet, or disciple
6. (original)Church usage and recognition  (For more info)

Nephilim are nothing new they were mentioned in books before and had a movie made out of them. They are humans born of angels, and yes according to the Bible they existed. However, they weren't 
handsome teenagers with mystical powers or even 300 year old vampires. They weren't even the good guys.

Nephilim according to the Bible were a race of giants. They were evil and led to the downfall of man. Some scholars argue that they were prolific breeders and so corrupt that they led to the burning of Sodom and Gomorrah. It was the Nephilim that God wanted to destroy in the flood. Of course, there is debate everywhere that God did not succeed in killing all the Nephilim. The Promised Land was inhabited by them before the Israelites arrived, and Goliath was supposedly one. For more information here are three sites with interesting arguments. 1. 2. 3.

When I needed a way to re-invent vampire lore in "For Their Sins" Nephilim gave me the perfect opportunity. Who better to track down the world's worst sinners than descendant's of angels. Only this time everything was done with God's approval and under his control.

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Our Guest Today is Author Jaz Primo #OurAuthorGang

Please welcome Author, Jaz Primo to our blog today.

Jaz is a history aficionado, "pun master", Whovian, vampire fan, a care-giver to the world's two most endearing cats, and award-winning author of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and young adult novels. His award-winning Paranormal Young Adult series, GWEN REAPER, is a favorite among young readers.

You can reach Jaz at:
http://jazprimo.com
http://www.facebook.com/authorjazpage
http://twitter.com/jazprimo

Today we are spotlighting Book 1 of GWEN REAPER

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Scott didn't want to move to Custer, South Dakota. But, meeting a mysterious girl changed that. Gwen drew him into a world he couldn't have imagined. He had nothing to lose...except his life.

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