The 3rd Annual Gratitude Giveaways Hop!

And the winner is A'lina!  Thanks to everyone for commenting and following! More hops to follow!


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Hello gentle beings and welcome to my part of I Am A Reader Not A Writer's 3rd Annual Gratitude Giveaways Hop!

As you can see by her nice pic, it runs from November 15th to the 25th. It's a way to meet and greet other blogs and say "Happy Thanksgiving".

And what better way to celebrate Thanksgiving besides the wonderful smell of turkey, the sounds of the Macy's Parade and the image of Uncle Ralph stuffing his face with yams? Why vampire children!

OK, OK, I know. Vampires don't go with this holiday. But let's face it, I have a fun book to giveaway and while it may be my only giveaway book, it's still full of enough entertaining story that you'll wind up as full as a child of the night after a successful raccoon hunt (that's about 5 or 6 of the little critters. Raccoons, not vampire children).

Anyway, I digress. Here is your prize...

I can only give one copy away. I only ship to the US and Canada. Sorry!
Please follow this blog your favorite way, be that twitter, facebook, GFC, linky tools or email. Drop me a comment so I can keep track and on the 25th I'll announce the winner!

And don't forget to check my Breaking Dawn Part 2 Review

Bite of Story Thursday

Night Children: Dark Threats

Chapter Two: 1692 Witch Attack

 

 

Annabelle turned briefly toward where Thomas and Polly hid. “Tom, Polly, run home.  I won’t have you hurt in this mess.” 

“But we want to help!” 

“No, leave now.  Think of Polly’s safety, Tom.”  She only had time to lock eyes with Tom briefly, but it was enough.  The frustration on his face spoke volumes.

As her friends escaped through the trees, Annabelle turned back to the witches.  She hovered for a brief moment, ignoring her inner terror.  Her voice took on a dangerous edge.  “All right, you wanted to face us.  Here we are.” 

She flitted around Gertrude, dodging each hex blast as it lit up the dark trees with purple and red hues.

Roland smiled then sped around Penelope.  Gertrude gestured once more and sent forth a blast of eldritch energy that barely missed Annabelle. 

“Insolent child.” Gertrude said with malice.  “You think you’ll live forever.” 

Annabelle felt the air light up, like sharp needles jabbing her skin.  Her vision blurred with tears.  The blast hit Annabelle directly in the back, spinning her into the hard dirt.  She lay there, waiting for her vision to adjust.  Everything seemed to spin and her stomach threatened to give up her breakfast.

“Annabelle!”  Roland shouted.  Penelope caught him with a lucky shot and he cried out in pain. 

“There.  Do you see, Penelope?  That’s how to deal with upstarts.” 

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For more check out Dark Threats at your local online store. Links to Dark Threats on the web can be found on the Store Page on this blog or you could just go here, Dark Threats on Amazon.

BONJOUR STAR WARS

Here's another thought on the Disney/Star Wars purchase by Comediva.

My Top Ten Sci Fi Heroes

In honor of the world shattering news last week that George Lucas sold all of his entire Star Wars/ Lucasfilm empire to Disney, I thought I'd present my top ten favorite Sci Fi heroes.

First though, my take on the news. I'm actually OK with it. I was worried after Disney bought Marvel but they seem to only want to bankroll Marvel, allowing the company to do more and stick with their own agendas.

I feel it will be the same with Lucasfilm. Besides, I've been waiting forever for episodes 7,8 and 9. Sure, I realise my favorite characters, Luke, Han and Leia, might be old and pass the baton to a new generation, but it still gets me excited.

I never cared for Anikin and cared less about how things wound up the way they did before episode four. I just wanted to see more of my favorites. Sure, that may not be the case but I'll remain optimistic.

Anyway, here are my top ten Sci Fi heroes...

#1 The Doctor

The immortal Time Lord from Gallifrey from the iconic show Doctor Who is my current favorite Sci Fi hero. Eleven men have played the role thanks to the fact that this character can regenerate into a new man once he's been severely wounded. The story has gotten better and better and I never know what's going to happen. The Doctor is completely alien, a child, yet a very mature senior. He's top of my list.

#2 Luke Skywalker

Sure, Luke was a whiny brat in episode four, but I've always enjoyed how he grew into the role. I like how he cares for his friends, never backs down in a fight, improvises in any sticky situation and always sees the best in others. I'm all for optimistic roll models and Luke has that in spades. Plus I've always kinda related with him. Mark Hamill played Luke well but I do find it ironic that I prefer his Joker over anyone else. Honourable mentions: Captain Jack Harkness and Donna Noble.

#3 Han Solo

There's something about the devil-may-care rouge ands no one plays one better than Harrison Ford. He may side with the enemy but you know deep down he's a hero, even when he's reluctant about it. Some of the best stories involve a character who only thinks for him or herself but gets involved in the challenge and then does the right thing. While I pretended to be Luke as a child, some of my friends wanted to be Han. Honorable mentions: Princess Leia and Chewbacca.

#4 Jack Carter

Colin Ferguson played an average guy Sheriff Jack Carter working in a world of wacky scientists in Sci Fy's Eureka. He presented the average Joe type whom I could truly identify with. I'm sure going to miss the show. Honorable mentions: Henry Deacon and Douglas Fargo.

#5 Doctor Emmett Brown

Christopher Lloyd is a man of a thousand faces but Doc Brown has to be my favorite. Wild eyed, crazy and never organised, Brown is the perfect mad scientist. I'd love to see him again, even if it's a cameo for a much needed Back to the Future sequel/reboot. Honorable mention: Mork from Ork (no connection to the good Doctor, but another man of a thousand faces and fav character).

#6 Crying Man Rembrandt Brown

The Crying Man, played by Cleavant Derricks, was a down on his luck singer who happened to get caught up in Quinn Mallory's sliding device on the show Sliders. Once again he provided the average man's point of view for all those strange alternate universes they traveled to. The show went down hill once they lost Professor Arturo (another favorite of mine). Thanks to bad writing and terrible show running, the Crying Man never did get a real break. I can only wish for a reboot to come along but I severely doubt it. Honorable mentions: Professor Arturo.

#7 Mr. Hikaru Sulu

Mr. Sulu also gave me the average guy feel, but when it comes to Star Trek, there are so many average guys and gals. There was something about his constant relaxed delivery, serious intensity and sometimes humorous flare that just made the guy stand out for me. Besides, actor George Takei is hilarious to follow on Twitter and Facebook. Honorable mentions:  Montgomery "Scotty" Scott,

Leonard McCoy and Nyota Uhura.

Please read:
a personal appeal from
Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales

 

Read now

 

#8 Captain Jean-Luc Picard

 

 

Of all the wonderful stories shown in Star Trek the Next Generation, I'd have to say most of my favorites involved the good captain played by Sir Patrick Stewart,. And what a range he showed! From an out-of-place older man among children, to a violated person that was made to kill his friends, from someone who deeply sorrowed over great loss to someone who knew how to take charge. Maybe this is why "The Inner Light" is my fav episode? Honorable mentions: Geordi La Forge and Reginald Barclay.

 

#9 Agent Pete Lattimer

 

 

Eddie McClintock plays one of my new favorite Sci Fi heroes, Agent Pete Lattimer. He's cocky, wise cracking and fun. I swear I need to find a compilation video of Pete's best phrases because every episode of Warehouse 13 he comes up with several zingers. Honorable mentions: Agents Claudia Donovan, Myka Bering and Artie Nielsen.

 

#10 Al Calavicci

 

 

 

Al is a sometimes cranky, very superstitious everyman who appears as a hologram to time traveling Doctor Sam Beckett. Played by Dean Stockwell, He provides the comedy relief as he can see everything going on in the past but cannot touch anything or interact. He's fun and irreverent. Quantum Leap is another show I'd love a sequel/reboot to. Honorable mention: Doctor Sam Beckett.

 

 

Whew! So many! And I guess you can tell I'm a sucker for the average Joe type. Anyway, there's my personal favorite Sci Fi heroes. I left out comics because I could fill it up with the likes of the Green Lantern Corps, Legion of Super Heroes, Iron Man, the Metal Men and so on.

 

What's your favorites? Please let me know!

Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Apotamkin

APOTAMKIN

No picture at this time. Hopefully that will change someday.


Physical characteristics:
They stand two and a half feet tall and are covered with long, scraggly hair. They have two sharp, pointed fangs protruded up past their top lips.

What they are:
Small tribal vampires known to various Native American tribes including the Malisseet, Passamaquoddy and Mohegan people of the Northeast.  As a tribal species, they are quick to obey their "god" Hobomock whom others know as Domi, the Lord of the vampires.

They communicate with grunts that they repeat back and forth, signifying various actions. They like to carry off children in the middle of the night. They feed on humans so they are considered Dark Creatures. Legend has it that they have been stopped more than once by he Makiawisug, or Little People of the Woodlands. Some say the Makiawisug resemble pale children with red eyes and sharp fangs.

Feeling better

Well the surgery was a success. I'm feeling better. Groggy, but better. They put a lot of packing in my nose and that will be removed tomorrow (Tuesday). I'm on pain meds and antibiotics. At the moment I'm feeling reeeeally good.

I must confess that I haven't done any writing or editing this last weekend. I had the surgery Friday. Saturday, Sunday and today have been recovery days. Just sleeping and resting. Tomorrow it the packing removal day.  I should be in tip top shape Wednesday or Thursday.

I plan to do some writing this time off. I need to match my personal deadline.

Anyway, I'll keep you posted.

Surgery!

Weee! I go into surgery tomorrow!

Tomorrow being Friday the 9th. I'm not looking forward to it. Well, that is to say I'm not looking forward to the recovery.

See, I have a deviated septum. It looks kinda like this...

Because one nostril is more closed off than the other, I get constant stuffy noses, snore most the night, lose sleep regularly and get bad sinus migraines.

The end result of the surgery will fix all that.  The real issue for me will be the pain in my nose afterward as I recover and the excruciating pain while they remove the super long things they will store up my nose after the procedure. Not looking forward to that.

Well, I guess I can put this whole experience in a book sometime.

Wish me luck.

Bite of Story Thursday

Here's another peek at my current work in progress, NIGHT CHILDREN: DARK CHANGES.

Remember, this is from the rough draft so it does not reflect the final product. Anyway, sit back and enjoy...

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Night Children: Dark Changes
Chapter Twelve: Isla De Los Vampiros

It took the Bloodfeast three weeks to finally approach its isle home.  During that time, they would feed on the surviving Sea Wing crew members.  Roland didn’t want to be tossed overboard so he ignored the helpless human’s pleas.  He avoided their desperate eyes, even though their cries for help ripped his soul apart.

Roland watched the crew unload the stolen goods onto the dock.  They seemed to gaze at their Captain with a mix of fear and respect as he forcefully shouted commands.  

The sounds of excited people drew him to the shore.  The port looked normal.  He could sense vampires nearby but it was probably the crew.  He wondered what new adventures this place would bring.  An unnaturally strong hand gripped onto his shoulder and spun him around.  Blood-Eyed Bill glared, his dark red eyes skewered him like two hot pokers.

“It was a mistake to bring you,” his voice deep as a powerful drum, “You shouldn’t be a vampire.  You’re too small.  Too young.  One day he won’t be able to protect you.” 

Roland wanted to scratch the fool’s eyes.  Prove his merit.  Instead of causing a fight he might not win, he simply brushed off Bill’s hand with an equally strong push. 

“Touch me again and I’ll make you Black-Eyed Bill,” he snarled.  Bill snarled back.

“Ahem,” Reginald interrupted, “I trust we’re not spoiling our joyous homecoming with acts of stupidity?”

“No sir.”  Bill replied.  Roland just glared at Bill.

“Good.  Bill, finish supervising the unloading.”  Blood-Eyed  Bill moved away and Reginald opened his arms towards the harbor.  “Roland, my boy, welcome to Isla de los Vampiros.  It means Island of the Vampires.  No place on Earth like it.  An island populated, with some exceptions, of our kind.  This is our island.  We can rest, relax and feed at our leisure.” 

“If everyone’s a vampire, what do you feed on?”  Roland’s hopes rose.  Maybe he could actually stop drinking from mortals.  Then maybe the guilt would leave.

“You’ll not be going back to cats and rats.  Sorry to disappoint you,” the smirk on his face showed he clearly wasn’t, “The local tribe willingly provides us plenty of stock to feast upon.”  Roland’s stomach dropped.

“That’s your new home,” Reginald pointed towards the village.  Roland could see many people moving with great speed, darting to and fro.  Some cheered while pouring red liquid into their opened mouths.  Others leaped from the rooftops with screaming islanders trapped in their arms.  Chaos ruled the village, causing Roland to feel homesick for the peaceful woods of Massachusetts.

Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Mabel Standstry

MABEL STANDSTRY

No picture at this time. Hopefully that will change someday.

Physical characteristics:
Mabel was a small woman who gave off an air of superiority. Her pointed nose always aimed upward and her face seemed permanently disgusted.

Personality:
Mabel thinks she's better than everyone. She is pruneish and always believes children lack discipline.

Known History:
Mabel grew up in London, England with her parents and younger sister Glorianna. Mabel never liked Glorianna's husband Anthony Foresight and made sure he knew of her displeasure every time she saw him.

Mabel met John Standstry and the two were married. He moved them to the untamed American colonies in 1687. John helped build many of the houses in the new outpost called Jorgantown.  Four years later John passed away. The fact that Mabel was all alone in the New World was one of the reasons Glorianna agreed with her husband's plan to relocate to America.

Mabel agreed to let the Foresight family stay with her until their cabin was made.  Shortly after their arrival in the New World, Glorianna, her husband and their two children, Annabelle and Roland,were believed killed by wolves. Mabel covered up her grief like she always did, with strength and a still attitude. Mabel became friends with the local shop keeper, Arnold.  It is impossible to know if a relationship could have developed because Arnold mysteriously lost his mind and left the town. He was last seen clucking on the road, pretending to be a chicken.

As of this writing Mabel's fate is unclear. There have been rumors of foul play and her mysterious death, years after the death of her sister's family. Perhaps someday that tale will be told.

Cominig Soon: Twelve Books For Christmas Giveaway/Interview Party 2012

I just joined No Thought 2 Small's Twelve Books For Christmas Giveaway/Interview Party 2012! 
Yes, once again I'll be giving away another copy of Dark Threats! More details to follow!

Bite of Story Thursday

Night Children: Dark Birth

Chapter Twenty-Four: The Big Bad Wolves

White fear flooded through her insides.  She might be fast enough to escape but then Tom would be doomed.  She frantically glanced around for her lost weapon.  Wild dogs could smell fear and she wouldn’t give these beasts that satisfaction.

Ignoring her stark terror, Annabelle stood straight and defiant. “All right, then.  I know you can talk.  Tell me, where’s my friend and brother?” 

The large black werewolf smiled an evil toothy grin.  “Child, you’re in no position to make demands from us.” 

“I’ll be the judge of that, you smelly dog.”  She said it forcefully, bearing her small fangs and glaring at their amber eyes.  “Now tell me, where is my brother?” 

The two werewolves gave an ugly laugh as they circled her.  The red one growled and then said, “Let me repay her for her scratches, Isaac.  She’s just a pup.  I could kill her easy.” 

“No Cam,” Isaac barked back.  “The Master wants her in one piece.  Now, little girl, it’s time to give up.” 

“To mangy flea-ridden dogs like you?  No thank you.  I have better things to do, like finding my big brother.  Isn’t there a bone you can bury?” 

Isaac’s toothy snout somehow sneered. “We’ll play with your pet human’s bones after we chew on you a bit.  As for your brother and that other tasty human you play with, Fenroth has them.  He’ll take Roland to the Master, like we plan to do with you.  The human child will simply become food.” 

Isaac was seven feet tall.  Cam looked to be six feet.  Both easily dwarfed Annabelle.  She didn’t care.  The way their amber eyes flashed back to each other, she figured they found her amusing.  The anger built up inside her, threatening to explode.  If she lunged for one wolf’s throat, the other one could easily smash her down.

Cam stepped forward. “And after the Master is done with you we’ll get the scraps!”  He flexed his clawed fingers eagerly.

Annabelle flew up into the air as the two werewolves lunged forward to catch her.  “Sorry, no mutts allowed at the dinner table.” 

Isaac’s claws scrapped her shoe but lost his chance as Cam smashed into his midsection.  They landed in a heap.  A dangerous growl escaped Isaac.  He smacked Cam aside, the smaller werewolf’s tail tucked between his legs.  She giggled from the limb of a nearby tree. 

A group of large crows shifted uneasily in the branches.  Some eyed the werewolves with apprehension while one crow stared at her.  Its eyes filled with confidence, the bird seemed to nod towards her.

Annabelle turned to look down at her enemies.  On the outside, she acted calm and free of concern while gently swinging her legs back and forth.  She made it look like a normal evening at play, sitting on a tree limb.  On the inside, her guts churned as fear threatened to choke her.  She had no clue how to avoid the two monsters and still be able to help Eliza.

Annabelle spied her adoptive mother locked in hand to hand combat with the werewolf called Clancy before the other two jumped at her tree.  She sprang into the air in her human form and blew them a kiss. 

“My, oh, my.  What ever shall I do?  The big bad wolves are at my door.” 

---------------

For more check out Dark Birth at your local online store. Links to Dark Birth on the web can be found on the Store Page on this blog or you could just go here, Dark Birth on Amazon.

And the winner of the Spooktacular Giveaway Hop is...

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by for my part in the Spooktacular Giveaway Hop! I plan on doing more of these in the future. I'll be giving away more Dark Threats in the future, too.

Unfortunately there can only be one winner and this time that is (drum roll please)...

lizzylessard!
lizzy, if you could please email me at...

amazing_tales@hotmail.com

so I can get your address, then I'll get it in the mail to you.

Thanks again to I am a reader not a writer for letting me be a part of this fine hop.

Thanks everyone!

Special Halloween Treat: Who are the Tyrant Lords of the Seven Houses?

Hello gentle readers and Happy Halloween! I thought I'd share some future information on the world of Annabelle. In honor of this fine holiday (my 2nd favorite!) here is a run down on who the Seven Tyrant Lords are...

the Tyrant Lords of the Seven Houses



Thousands of years ago the first vampire, Lilith, formed the Tyrant Lords of the Seven Houses. She wanted her seven sons to rule under her. Her eldest son Alar rebelled and decided to serve God and be good.  He constantly tried to stop Lilith and her other boys from conquering the world. Betrayed, Lilith reacted as she always did, by tormenting her youngest son Domi.

Domi rebelled, and told the mortals how to kill the Lords. Four of her sons were thought to be killed and the fate of Lilith has been lost in history. It is believed that she fled to Egypt. Domi then turned the tables on the mortals and killed them. He then started his own Underground Empire. He watched people and the passing eras gave him the ability to wait calmly and plan his next step. He created his three consorts or queens.

After awhile he thought “Mortals can be powerful. How much more powerful if they were on my side?” He began his new campaign by turning an entire village into his vampiric servants. He ruled them for a number of years. He really liked being in control. He set up his own Seven Tyrant Lords of the Seven Houses whom would act as his generals. His plan was to use them to organise his future worldwide empire. Domi felt that he'd gain more power with beasts on his side so he created an army of werewolves and made the pack leader his seventh general.

Over time some of the Tyrant Lords betrayed him and were killed. Then came the great Exodus War. Most of Domi's army was killed. A third (including his most loyal General) was trapped in the Dark Place. Domi, too, was trapped for a time but managed to escape.

Over the last couple hundred years he has began to reestablish his Tyrant Lords. He has cherry picked madmen, phantoms, beasts and monsters whom have proven their loyalty. He promised them power and the award of ruling the world under him. They are to help him achieve his goals as his top generals. In the early part of the twenty-first century, the Tyrant Lords consist of...

Picture of Lon Chaney as Eric from the Phantom of the Opera by Universal Studios.

Erik: The mysterious Phantom of the Paris Opera House. He runs the main operations under Domi. He is the Head General, coordinates all creature movements, acts as liaison for the various intelligent creatures that work with Domi’s forces, like the amphibious Piranhani from the black lagoons of South America. Eric also serve as chief architect. It is unknown at this time why he serves, what happened to his true love Christine, or how he gained immortality. Eric revels in getting revenge on people for how they treat their misshapen kind.  He has a mean streak and often goes too far.

 

 

 

Picture of Boris Karloff as the Mummy from Universal Studios. This is as close a repisentation of Kamenwati as I have.

 

Kamenwati: Ancient Egyptian scientist/sorcerer. Head sorcerer in Dom’s army. Brought back to life by a curse and serves as head of all dark sorcerers and witches. Created his own mummy horde. Also in charge of the skeleton and zombie armies.

Picture of Claude Rains friom Universal Studios The Invisible Man.

Charles Griffin: Mortal scientist who went insane after creating and using his invisibility serum. Master of his Invisible Spy Army.  Chief inventor and scientist. Perfected a way to mask vampires and werewolves scent, turning them “invisible” or untraceable so they can get the drop on Annabelle and her coven.  Crazed scientist, in charge of torture and experiments. Performs experiments, creates new breeds like a vampire/werewolf mix and a sasquatch / vampire and werewolf / sasquatch mixes, etc. The source of his immortality is so far unknown.

 

 

Picture of Hyde as close as I imagine him by unkonwn artist (Snalfnido?). If anyone knows the artist's name, please let me know.

 

Edward Hyde: Dark half of mortal Henry Jekyll. Domi’s greatest enforcer. Acts as chief bounty hunter. Brings in whomever Domi wants. The source of his immortality is unknown.

 

Artist unkown. If anyone knows this artist, please let me know.
 

Blood Reaper: Werewolf, Alpha wolf pack leader of all of Domi’s wolf packs. In charge of other werebeasts. Vicious and cruel.

 

Artist unkown. If anyone knows this artist, please let me know.
 

 

Headless Horseman: The specter of a man killed in battle in 1776 in the American Colonies. Kamenwati brought him back as a wrath who loves to hurt others for Master Domi. Head knight in Dominic’s army.

Picture origin unkown. If anyone knows, please let me know.  

Usha: (the Dark Princess/ Dracula’s “daughter”) Child vampire. In charge of the dark vampire legion. Cruel, ruthless and conniving. This spot was saved for Sebastian Scarcliff until he betrayed Dominic during the Civil War. Usha has fought hard to earn it.

 

Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Blood Reaper

BLOOD REAPER

 

 

I have no idea who did this pic either. It's a standard werewolf pic from the web. No picture of Blood Reaper exists at this time. Hopefully that will change someday. If anyone knows who did this picture, please let me know.

 

Name:

Cam, Cameron, Blood Reaper

Physical characteristics:

Cam can turn into half man half wolf shape as well as full wolf shape. In his half form he is six feet tall. He is muscular and big. He has a snout and extended jaw as well at the pointed ears of a wolf. His legs are shaped similar to wolves and his feet are large paws while his hands are human shape with sharp claws. He has a red 'D' shape scar on his left breast. His fur is red and coarse. He has black hair and eyes in his human form and amber eyes in werewolf form.

After he became the Blood Reaper, Cam began to wear a purple sash over his thick fur. It marks him as the leader of Dominic’s wolf pack. The gold D embroidered on his sash is a symbol of his rank as one of the Seven Tyrant Lords. Along with the sash he wears tight leather gloves, custom made to his wolf form. Each finger was incased in leather with sharp silver claws fashioned onto the outside of the glove. The glove protects him, preventing the deadly silver from touching his skin where it could weaken or even kill him.

Personality:

At first Cam was passive. He'd always let his big brother Isaac tease and bully him. After his brother's death he became angry, vengeful and a stronger leader. He has a habit of flexing his fingers. At first it was a sign of his nerves but later he does it out of a thirst for violence.

Abilities: Cam has the standard werewolf abilities. He can transform into a half-wolf half-human form or all wolf form. In both forms he's stronger, faster and has better agility and enhanced senses. He can access his enhanced abilities and sharp nails and teeth even in human form. As an Alpha Wolf, he's immortal. He seems to age slowly, perhaps a year per one-hundred human years. As Blood Reaper, he wears gloves with silver claws on his hands to hurt any mystical creature in his path, even his own pack if they step out of line.

Known History: Little is known of Isaac and Cam's life before they became werewolves. The werewolf Clancy bit both of them and brought the brothers to Dominic, the vampire lord. In the latter part of the 1600's, the pack was sent to capture vampire children Annabelle and Roland Foresight. Their mortal friend Thomas wounded Isaac with silver shot, blasting away the werewolf's shoulder. Isaac would have died but Cam rescued him. Isaac saw it as a sign of weakness and punished Cam for decades after. Isaac resented Cam for the rest of his life afterward and abused his brother even more fiercely.
Eventually Roland killed Isaac. Cam thirsts for revenge. That event changed him. He became more ruthless and vicious. He rose up in the hierarchy of Lord Dominic's personal wolf pack until he became their leader. He also has a much valued seat as one of the werebeasts.

Picture Sharing Time

As before, if you know the artist of these pictures, please let me know.

Now for more Halloween fun!

From Bent Objects

Neo Planet Widget sure makes me wonder

On the right side of this page a ways down you see a globe. It spins slowly, showing tiny dots where my visitors are from.

It simply amazes me to see where everyone is from. I mean I see dots from all over the US, some in states I've been to and some in states I'd LOVE to visit. New York! Salem! New Orleans! The list goes on.

I've always wanted to walk the busy streets of New York, see the Liberty Bell in Boston and visit the Smithsonian in Washington DC. Think of the research for my writing! And there is the home of my birth, California. Oh how I miss it.

Looks like Central and South America have viewers too. So cool! Whomever is that dot on the far East tip of South America? I'd love to discuss the Brazilian Rain Forest with you. I've got a monster from there. Well, it's actually from the Amazon but we could talk!

I'm even more amazed by this...

Europe! India! Africa! So many exotic places I've never been. Places I'd love to see, to discover. If only I knew the things you people know. Walk pass the things you take for granted. I am surrounded by desert, sagebrush and remains of the Old West. It's cool and all, but what would a nation with a history that stretches the ages be like?

Australia! Japan! Various dots in Asia! What an exotic world to learn and enjoy! And here I am with no much to learn for Book Three (Dark Quest) when Annabelle and Roland travel the globe in the 1750's.

It's a pleasure to entertain you. Sure, I'd wager most stop in on the way through, searching. But even that someone from the other side of the Earth is reading these words or even seeing Annabelle's story for the briefest of moments is enough to shock and amaze me.

Thank you all for visiting.

Speaking to the class UPDATE

Today I'm speaking to Mr. Palfreyman's English classes at the Tooele High School! Getting excited!
More info to follow...


...And now how it went.  Excellent! I spoke to four English classes about my writing and the writing process.  I also had a great time catching up with a friend from the Tooele Writer's Group; Caleb Palfreyman, the teacher.

Several kids were interested in the steps to become an author. I suspect they were some future authors whom we may see in the future.

Others were interested in the story and concepts. It appears not everyone is sick of vampires, provided they are closer to the originals. Myths gained some attention as well. This further proves what I suspect: While Ann may continue quietly online, Myths will be the one to gain more attention.

So there you have it. I look forward to more speaking engagements in the future.

Bite of Story Thursday

Night Children: Dark Threats

Chapter Eight : Present Day

Despite her better judgment, Annabelle sped towards Kelli.  Just as she stopped beside the girl, something heavy swung down from the broken ceiling and kicked her through a wall.  Pain lashed her back as plaster and brick tore her pale skin.

An eight-foot tall gorilla-like man in a tattered suit and top hat swung in front of her.  The large man had a gold D embroidered on his lapel, the symbol of his rank as Dominic’s chief enforcer and one of the Seven Tyrant Lords.  He smelled of alcohol and cheap cigars.  Mister Hyde dropped to his oversized feet and leaped towards her with a large leer plastered across his shaggy squat face.  “I jus’ don’t understand how you remain alive when you fall for the oldest trick in th’ book.”

She moved out of his path, sped behind him and ripped at his left ear.  His foul, tainted blood gushed as he let out a painful howl.  She knew he’d heal when he reverted back to Jekyll, but it was worth it.

Her skin had already healed from the earlier blow, but her clothing was torn in several places.  He was four times her size, and deadly.  She swallowed her fear.

Annabelle taunted him while speeding around his bulk.  “And I don’t understand why you still go around with that ridiculous hat.”  She dodged his massive trunk-like arms.  “It’s the twenty-first century.  You’re so out-dated.”

“I’m younger than you, brat!”  He bent down and ripped up three floorboards.  They cracked at his strength.  “If you were a proper vampire like the Master, you wouldn’t get caught like this.” 

He swung them at her, smashing the wood into a wall.  Splinters flew everywhere.  She dodged the impact but wood chips gave her new cuts.

“Oh but Edward, I am a proper vampire.”  She focused inwardly, just like Grandmother Laila taught her, and allowed her body to soften into a thick crimson mist. 

“Never call me that!”  He threw wood and brick through her form but nothing connected.  She focused on her true shape, mentally pulling her wispy body back together as the objects tried to dissipate her form.

He shouted obscenities at her with his thick, cockney accent.  “The name Hyde is feared around the world, brat.  Use it with respect.”

She laughed at him.  “I’ll call you by your first name, Edward, because bullies deserve no respect.” 

------

For more check out Dark Threats at your local online store. Links to Dark Threats on the web can be found on the Store Page on this blog or you could just go here, Dark Threats on Amazon.

Picture Sharing Time

Time for more Halloween pictures! If you know the artist, please let me know.

 Who is on the Wolf Man's shoulder?

By j0sh 3000 (This one inspires my inner writer)

by John Ostrander. (This one really inspires my writing!)

Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Sybil

SYBIL

Here is a cool pic from online. No clue what it is or who did it. If anyone knows, please tell me so I can give credit. There is no picture at this time of Sybil or the rest of the Falabranwyn. Hopefully that will change someday.

Name Origin
English for "wise old woman".

Physical characteristics:

Sybil shares characteristics of the other Falabranwyn. She has long silky black hair and black eyes that seem to go deep into a person's soul. She has a pale completion and thin body. She stands about five and a half feet tall. She wears a cloak that seems to be made of black feathers. When in bird form she appears as a crow or raven, depending on her mood. Either way she becomes a black bird with eyes that seem almost human.

Personality:
Sybil is quiet, responsible and sad. She seems to possess unknown knowledge of future events but refuses to share. She exhibits leadership qualities to other members of her shape-shifting race.

Abilities:

All Falabranwyn can shape-shift to appear as ravens or the larger crows. They have prophetic abilities as well, often receiving visions of future events. They don't all get the visions or dreams at once and some like Sybil get more. The Falabranwyn can blend into the shadows and not be seen when they wish. They cannot be heard, seen, smelled if they want to disappear. They have no scent at all. This is a protection against vampires discovering them. As a senior member of their race, Sybil is well trained in all theses abilities.

History:

Not much is known about the enigmatic Sybil. Close to King Alar, the first leader of the Falabranwyn, Sybil always believed the 'Prophesy of the Younglings' that Alar gave on his deathbed after the Exodus War. Sybil was very young during the war and still remembers the Farnalla Exodus. She was tasked with watching one of evil Lord Domi's wives, Eliza Pratchet. Sybil became a friend to Eliza and warned her of many things. After the Foresight family arrived in the New World, Sybil watched the children close. She and several Falabranwyn warriors flew to Annabelle and Roland's defense on multiple occasions. Annabelle and Roland spotted Sybil leaving Eliza's cabin right before they rescued Blandia Blackburn from the Salem Trials and before the first Battle of Jorgantown. She has begin training Aisling, a fledgling Falabranwyn.

 

Spooktacular Giveaway Hop

 

 

10/31/12 UPDATE: To find out the winner of the Spooktacular Giveaway Hop  click here.

 

 

 

Welcome to the Spooktacular Giveaway Hop! This is a hop created by I am a reader not a writer.

It involves over four hundred blogs! Click here to see her blog and the main page with a list of all the participating blogs and the prizes she has to offer!

As for my part in all this:

Post a comment, become a follower of this blog and one lucky soul will win a copy of my short story, NIGHT CHILDREN: DARK THREATS!

That's right, you can win a great story featuring Mister Hyde, the Invisible Man, witches, Nazi werewolves, vampires, zombies and my two favorite children of the night, Annabelle and Roland!

Just comment below, follow this blog and the winner will be announced on the 31st. I can only ship to Canada and the US.
What are you waiting for?

How did the last book signing go?

It was on October 12th and it was fair. I was at Starry Night Book's booth at the Benson Grist Mill Pumpkin Walk. Trouble is it rained heavily and the crowds just wasn't there. There was a couple sales over the weekend though.

Here's to next time!