Saturday, October 20, 2018

I Dare You to Write a Halloween Story: Part 3

Alan and Sandra accepted the challenge


Erika challenged the authors in our Facebook group to write their own unique story by continuing after the paragraph she posted.

The first paragraph of the story:
John enjoyed the quiet evening with Mandy, his wife, and with his loyal dog, Honeydew, after the Trick or Treater children stopped knocking on the door demanding candy. Mandy fell asleep on the sofa and the golden retriever was dreaming on her pillow close to the crackling fire about something that made her kick and grunt in her sleep. John put another log in the fireplace and sat back on his rocking chair thinking about Hallows' Eve when the barrier between our world and the world of ghosts and spirits is thin. Anything could happen tonight, he thought closing his eyes. Suddenly, he heard Honeydew's soft growl. John looked at his dog and a chill shot through him. The dog stared at the dark corner with fright in her brown eyes, whimpered and moved closer to John’s chair putting her large head on his master’s lap.

Alan continued the story:
"You're such a coward, Honeydew," John stated softly, stroking the dog tenderly. "Afraid of nothing but a shadow."
"Well, you would be too if you knew and could see and hear all that I do," Honeydew replied.
Shocked, John Said: "Honeydew-you-you can talk!"
"Yes," Honeydew replied dryly. "And stop peeing in the toilet--I drink from there! … By-the-way, you're dreaming this. You fell asleep an hour ago. Happy Halloween."


ALAN ZACHER
After being a "struggling" actor in Los Angeles for many years, I returned home to St. Louis and turned to writing. I have had four novels published: I'm No P. I.; A Ghoulish Good Time; Murder, Vampires and Leprechauns and For They Shall Wait.
I have been a member of Goodreads for some years now, but for a year, in 2015, I was in a rehab house--my MS finally took its toll on my body. I'm back now; I know both physical and mental pain, and I need much laughter to endure it all. Hopefully, my novels do just that--give much laughter.


Sandra continued the story:
“What is it?” John asked softly as the dog pushed its head more firmly against her master and lifted a leg to hide her eyes.

As John peered into the corner an amorphous mass appeared to move languidly toward him. Frozen to his chair by dread and the large retriever’s mass, John tried to warn his sleeping spouse but no sound passed from his vocal cords through his parched lips.

As the mass grew ever closer he could only stare in horror. What was this silent specter, and from whence had it arisen? Why had it come, and what did it require of the silent man who watched it approach. Gliding ever forward it came to a standstill only a foot from John’s chair.

Quaking in trepidation, the intertwined smells of his anguish and that of the blob quite evident, John blinked as the ceiling light suddenly illuminated the room to reveal his two children, one of whom dropped a shimmering black cloth and smelled like a skunk.

“Got ya, Dad!” Loud guffaws trailed the boys as they scampered off to bathe away the noxious smell and spend the remainder of Hallows’ Eve gorging on their treasure trove of candy.

Sandra Novelly

Sandra Novelly, twin, mother of 3, grandmother of 3 and great-grandmother of 1, was born in Northern Kentucky, moved to Florida in 1999, then traveled across the country in an RV with her husband, Larry, and two cats, Smokey and JR. They returned briefly to Florida, lived in Larry's hometown of St. Louis, MO., then Laughlin, NV, and now Larry, Sandy, Smokey and a new cat, Scotch (adopted after JR's sad demise), call Wilmington, OH home. Sandra has loved to read since age 4 and translated that love into writing. An author of 5 e-books so far, Sandra also took part in the anthology, Read for Animals, which is a loving collaborative project of stories, poems, and art by several writers, poets, and artists the sales of which go to benefit animal shelters. She currently works on other manuscripts and also makes handmade jewelry and gift items.

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COMMENTS

Lorraine Carey

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Alan and Sandra accepted the Spooky Dare and have quite a tale to tell. Here's to more tales in the near future. I'm looking forward to seeing where this story will take us next.
 
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Ruth de Jauregui via Google+

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Alan and Sandra take up the spooky challenge with their unique takes on the writing prompt. Check out their stories on #OurAuthorGang!!
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Ruth de Jauregui

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Those are GREAT! Thank you!
 
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Chris Weigand shared this via Google+

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IF you like Halloween decorationsThis perfect for you!
Wear it Proud, Wear it Loud!
to buy visit the link

teespring.com - Halloween clothes

Chris Weigand

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Great spooky story. I loved the twist at the end.
 
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Toi Thomas via Google+

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Today, Alan and Sandra take on the #OurAuthorGang spooky writing challenge.




Thursday, October 18, 2018

Fair Folk or Deadly Monsters

Fairies, Fae, Aes Sidhe, Seelie, Tuatha Dé Danann, Aos Si are all names for the same beings. But why do they have so many different ones? Fairies have origins from all over Europe. They have roots in Celtic, Slavic, French, German, and
English. The term fairy, contrary to popular belief is used to describe more than small magical  human like creatures with wings. It is a loose term used to describe creatures of magic including things like goblins or gnomes, ethereal creatures, or sprites. If you think of the stories in Grimm's Fairy Tales you'll have a general idea of the types of creatures in this group.

The earliest origins of fairy lore stemmed from various ideas in multiple countries. Some cultures believe they are a hidden people that were around long before the human race. They once dominated earth but as humans spread they were forced into hiding. Others believed they are
Artist
fallen angels that did not follow Satan to hell, instead they chose to remain on earth. Another similar theory is that fairies are dead spirits that refused to pass on, while others go further and accuse them of being demons.

Fairies are recorded in oral traditions as early as the 13th century. Scottish ballads passed down stories such as Sir Orfeo and Thomas Rhymer. Their appearance in literature is scattered throughout the centuries. One of the earliest works was Beowulf in the late 10th to early 11th century. They resurface in the 16th century in stories like A Mid Summer's Night Dream, and The Faerie Queen.

In mythology and literature fairies can be helpful like Cinderella's godmother, or tricksters like Puck. Then there are the more harmful fae like goblins or trolls and even some who like to eat children. People throughout time have searched for wards and charms to keep from falling under their spells. Some believe wearing your clothes inside out, church bells and four leaf clovers will keep the fae away. Others think there is no protection. Unfortunately you'd probably have to know what type of fairy your dealing with and where they are from to find just the right method.

In my newest paranormal romance you won't even think about a charm to keep this fairy away.

Honor Bound


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:

After dinner, they went for a walk in the park. It was the perfect night. The air was cool. The moon was almost full. Hallie cuddled in close. It sent warmth through his body. It had been a long time since a woman did that to him.
                Faolin stopped walking and pulled Hallie close. She wrapped her arms around him staring up into his eyes. He felt like he could drown in the depths of those blue pools. Mercifully she closed her eyes as he bent to kiss her. With Hallie, it was always warm and tender. Affection radiated from her. Tonight there was more. Desire was there as well. She pulled him closer, and he deepened their kiss. His tongue explored the recesses of her mouth. Suddenly Hallie tore herself away with a slight laugh.
                “Maybe we should go somewhere more private,”  Hallie suggested.
                That was fine by Faolin. He resisted creating a portal and walked with her tucked into his arm the whole way back. She played with his fingers kissing the tips now and then. It was enough to remind Faolin she wanted him. By the time they reached his apartment his pants were uncomfortably tight from Hallie’s teasing.
                As soon as Faolin closed the door, he pinned Hallie to the wall with his body. His mouth covered hers and he felt the tension in her body rise. She wanted this as badly as he did. Hallie’s tongue slid into his mouth before she withdrew and bit his lip slightly. The lass was intent to drive him mad with desire. One of her small hands found its way under his shirt and ran over the muscles of his chest and abdomen. Hallie smiled against his lips. Faolin grabbed her ass and pulled her closer.

                Hallie giggled slightly at Faolin’s forcefulness. It was the wrong move. The sound spurred his actions. If she liked that he could do so much more. Faolin picked her up and carried her to the bedroom. He tossed her on the bed then pulled off his shirt. Hallie lay back watching. She smiled with appreciation. Then he took off his pants, and she sat up a little. Faolin grinned. If that got her attention, he couldn’t wait to see what she did next.

You can find Honor Bound in  Moonlight Mist a paranormal romance collection available 10/30/18


Somewhere underneath a moonlit night lies an underworld that some may not believe exists.
The creatures of this alternate plain lurk beyond the mist. 
Searching.
Hungry.
Craving for what they need. 
Some may find it. Some might even curb that hunger. But a few will not. 
Without knowing what it is they need to satisfy a primal need, they seek out something more. Something that will test their limits in search of something greater. Something powerful... Something everlasting. 




I am a mother, pharmacist and author. I write fantasy, sci-fi, and paranormal romance. I love all things related to books and writing. I am a huge nerd who loves Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings and Dr Who. I have to catch up on the new season no "spoilers" please. If you would like to learn more about me or my work please visit my page or my website.







COMMENTS

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nicola L Osguthorpe

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Faries, how exciting
I shared on my author site
 
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Tricia Drammeh shared this via Google+

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Joe Bonadonna via Google+

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Today on #OurAuthorGang, fantasy author Rebecca Tran offers up an excerpt from her novel, Honor Bound.
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Joe Bonadonna

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Very nice post, Rebecca. I like that you went deep into the Celtic thing. I love the "other races," and your excerpt is wonderfully enticing.
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Thanks Joe, I think most people think of English folk lore when they think of fae but they have deep roots in Ireland and Scotland. I could have done a whole post just on Irish fairy lore.
 
+Rebecca Tran -- you're welcome. Yes, you're right. And so much of Celtic mythology can also be found in other countries and cultures further north. The Danes had elves, too, for example. I often think the Fae went into hiding or into another realm with the rise of Christianity, a theory I once read somewhere years ago.

Jan Springer shared this via Google+

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Ruth de Jauregui via Google+

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Rebecca Tran​ shares information and history of fairies and the fae, plus a HOT excerpt from her latest work on #OurAuthorGang. Check her out!
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Ruth de Jauregui

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Great overview of fairies and the fae, Rebecca! And that excerpt was HOT!!
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Thanks Ruth. So glad you liked the excerpt.

Chris Weigand

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Intriguing post. Great excerpt.
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Thanks Chris. It’s nice to get away from dragons sometimes... not for too long though they get jealous.

Chris Weigand via Google+

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Explore the world of Fair Folk with Rebecca
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Erika M Szabo shared this via Google+

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Erika M Szabo

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Fascinating background on Fairies and great excerpt :)
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Thanks Erika I hope it lives up to the other amazing authors in the collection. It should be a great set.

Toi Thomas via Google+

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Today, Rebecca Tran​ offers a brief history of fairies and an excerpt from her book, Honor Bound. #OurAuthorGang
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There was so much left unsaid. Maybe another post is in order.
 
+Rebecca Tran Nice. I like it.

Nikki McDonagh

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
An interesting piece about fairies and their origins form Rebecca Tran. Also, check out the excerpt from her Paranormal Romance book.
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It’s always fun to try new things and Honor Bound was a real treat.

Lorraine Carey

3 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Rebecca Tran has given us a glimpse into the world of the Fae and some enticing excerpts into some of her paranormal romance books today!
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The fae always offer endless possibilities seeing their history gives a richness to their story that wasn’t there before.
 
+Rebecca Tran I have to agree with you. I 've always been fascinated by them.

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