C.G. Powell's Blog, page 11
December 17, 2011
Santa – The Elf Behind the Suit
I know I like to base my blog on real historical figures, but it's that time of the year and we could all use a little magic to start the winter off with a bang. I had planned to do a post on Elves and Sprites. No, not this kind Elf....
...But the atmospheric kind, like this.
I didn't want to bore everyone with my high tech rants, so Santa will have to do. It is believed that this jolly man originated from pre-Christian Alpine traditions, which include Krampus, a demonic creature that accompanies St. Nicholas (Odin) during the winter solstice holiday Yule, a sort of Yin to Santa's Yang. Krampus act as an anti- Santa, giving warnings and punishments to the bad children. Which leads me to ask...How did this little tidbit get left out of tradition? Really, I have seen the way some kids act, and they could use a little visit from a Krampus or two. Why have we taken the negative consequence out of this little tale?
Let me tell you why. Apparently, like all good fun loving pagan holidays, Christians have adopted and changed the contents to fit their need to assimilate everyone. But, in the process felt this goat-like creature traditionally celebrated during this time of year had to go....Kind of like the other hundred or so books that didn't make it into the bible, thanks to Constantine.
Now back to the guy in the red suit. A lot of our modern concepts of Santa Clause come from a poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas" (The night before Christmas) by Clement Clarke Moore or Henry Livingston, of which there is controversy over who really wrote the poem, most give credit to Moore. This one poem has been the foundation for the evolution from St. Nicholas – miracle worker, to Santa – the dude with the flying Reindeer and magical elves.
Yeah, this jolly elf, the one that Christians would like to leave out of the holiday, because it's all about Jesus' Birthday and not the commercialization of gift giving in the name of a fat man in a red suit. Hate to break it to you, but the fat guy was here giving gifts first. So, Happy Birthday Jesus...Odin would have shared his yule log and left presents in your boots...I mean sandals, had you been born to Otzi (the Iceman) instead of Mary...Location, location, location.
What is your favorite holiday / Christmas tradition? I like all the cookies and gatherings. Am I over rationalizing things here? Should we bring back the tradition of Krampus? I'm in favor of this one. Why can't Santa wear blue? Red is not my favorite color. And one last thing, I think Santa needs a makeover and should look more like David Gandy this time. I'm just saying!!
C.G. PowellAuthor of Spell Checked: Book One of The No Uncertain Logic Series
Follow me! Facebook | Website | Twitter | Goodreads
Buy my book Amazon | Barns & Noble | Smashwords
...But the atmospheric kind, like this.
I didn't want to bore everyone with my high tech rants, so Santa will have to do. It is believed that this jolly man originated from pre-Christian Alpine traditions, which include Krampus, a demonic creature that accompanies St. Nicholas (Odin) during the winter solstice holiday Yule, a sort of Yin to Santa's Yang. Krampus act as an anti- Santa, giving warnings and punishments to the bad children. Which leads me to ask...How did this little tidbit get left out of tradition? Really, I have seen the way some kids act, and they could use a little visit from a Krampus or two. Why have we taken the negative consequence out of this little tale?
Let me tell you why. Apparently, like all good fun loving pagan holidays, Christians have adopted and changed the contents to fit their need to assimilate everyone. But, in the process felt this goat-like creature traditionally celebrated during this time of year had to go....Kind of like the other hundred or so books that didn't make it into the bible, thanks to Constantine.
Now back to the guy in the red suit. A lot of our modern concepts of Santa Clause come from a poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas" (The night before Christmas) by Clement Clarke Moore or Henry Livingston, of which there is controversy over who really wrote the poem, most give credit to Moore. This one poem has been the foundation for the evolution from St. Nicholas – miracle worker, to Santa – the dude with the flying Reindeer and magical elves.
Yeah, this jolly elf, the one that Christians would like to leave out of the holiday, because it's all about Jesus' Birthday and not the commercialization of gift giving in the name of a fat man in a red suit. Hate to break it to you, but the fat guy was here giving gifts first. So, Happy Birthday Jesus...Odin would have shared his yule log and left presents in your boots...I mean sandals, had you been born to Otzi (the Iceman) instead of Mary...Location, location, location.
What is your favorite holiday / Christmas tradition? I like all the cookies and gatherings. Am I over rationalizing things here? Should we bring back the tradition of Krampus? I'm in favor of this one. Why can't Santa wear blue? Red is not my favorite color. And one last thing, I think Santa needs a makeover and should look more like David Gandy this time. I'm just saying!!
C.G. PowellAuthor of Spell Checked: Book One of The No Uncertain Logic Series
Follow me! Facebook | Website | Twitter | Goodreads
Buy my book Amazon | Barns & Noble | Smashwords
December 11, 2011
Guest Post - Wenona Hulsey "Burden of Blood"
First of all I want to send a big thank you to my friend C.G. Powell. The writing community is a very supportive one and C.G. is a great example of that kindness. From our meager days prior to publishing our first words she has been a shoulder for me to lean on. Big hugs to you C.G. Powell!
How about I tell you a bit about me first, the person behind the pen? I'm Wenona Hulsey, mother of two and blue collar worker by day. But at night I turn into Wenona Hulsey, master of words and worlds. I've always written for as long as I can remember. I kept journals off and on from the age of nine but I really got into writing about a year ago. I was searching for a creative outlet at a time in my life when I felt like I was living in a rut. I sing terrible, I dance like I'm have seizures and my art looks like stick figures so I turned to what came easiest to me ---writing. I started working on my first novel, Burden of Blood, and it moved along remarkably fast. I guess that could be contributed to my recent binge reading of all books labeled paranormal romances but I had an idea of what I wanted and I put it to paper.
As I was nearing the end of my writing frenzy on Burden of Blood when a fascinating novelette idea popped into my head and Blood Awakening was born. It works as a back story to two of the main characters in Burden of Blood, giving you more detail and insight into who Nicole Keenan and her best friend Kat were before their world was turned on its head. I would consider Blood Awakening more of a thriller, suspense with a dash of paranormal and comedy thrown in. But Burden of Blood is full on Paranormal Romance with hot warriors and gothic fairies in leading roles.
Now that I've sent both Blood Awakening and Burden of Blood out into the world, I'm working on book two in the Nicole Keenan series which is titled Blood of Fire. I'm hoping have this one published in spring of 2012.
Okay, I'll stop yammering away and give you all the juicy details about my books and a bit on where you can find me if you want to chat. Thanks so much for letting me join you today C.G!
Blurb
Nicole, a small town Alabama girl, and her best friend Kat take a weekend trip to Panama City, Florida. Kat looking to have a good time and Nicole hoping to escape the pain of losing her mother for a little while. Little did Nicole know, the escape would awaken a ancient power that is hidden in her blood. A power that evil wants for its own and will do whatever it takes to have it.
This short story is a look into best friends', Nicole and Kat, life before a centuries old grudge and Nicole's emerging powers rips them apart. A power that Nicole wants no part of as it brings her to her knees and forces her to walk away from her small town life and everyone she loves.
Blood Awakening ebook can be found on Amazon, B&N and Smashwords for 99 cents.
Blurb
No one wants to know everyone's darkest secrets, especially not police officer, Nicole Keenan. All she wants is a blissfully normal life in the small, Alabama town where she was born. But as generations of power running through her veins start to wake up, an ancient grudge is ignited that threatens to push her over the edge. She can hardly believe in what she is, let alone that a dark force will not stop until she's joins them. Or is dead.
Nicole Keenan's life enters into a dangerous dance with warriors and gothic fairies. Southern tradition collides with Irish folklore as she learns about love, heartbreak, and The Burden of Blood.
Burden of Blood (Book 1 of the Nicole Keenan Series) ebook can be found on Amazon and B&N.
Author Wenona Hulsey is a lover of all things written. When she was a child, you could find her reading anything from Edger Allen Poe to the back of cereal boxes. Today you will find her with an ebook reader glued to her hands except for the times when she is writing or spending time with her family. She is also an avid social networker, who loves to meet new people. You can friend her on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/ WenonaHulsey, like her on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ WenonaHulseyAuthor or follow along on her Blog http://wenonahulsey.blogspot.com/
First off, thank you Wenona for your guest post. I have personally read both of these books and loved them. I'm looking forward to her next installation of the Nicole Keenan Series, that way I can read Burden of Blood over again!!!
How about I tell you a bit about me first, the person behind the pen? I'm Wenona Hulsey, mother of two and blue collar worker by day. But at night I turn into Wenona Hulsey, master of words and worlds. I've always written for as long as I can remember. I kept journals off and on from the age of nine but I really got into writing about a year ago. I was searching for a creative outlet at a time in my life when I felt like I was living in a rut. I sing terrible, I dance like I'm have seizures and my art looks like stick figures so I turned to what came easiest to me ---writing. I started working on my first novel, Burden of Blood, and it moved along remarkably fast. I guess that could be contributed to my recent binge reading of all books labeled paranormal romances but I had an idea of what I wanted and I put it to paper.
As I was nearing the end of my writing frenzy on Burden of Blood when a fascinating novelette idea popped into my head and Blood Awakening was born. It works as a back story to two of the main characters in Burden of Blood, giving you more detail and insight into who Nicole Keenan and her best friend Kat were before their world was turned on its head. I would consider Blood Awakening more of a thriller, suspense with a dash of paranormal and comedy thrown in. But Burden of Blood is full on Paranormal Romance with hot warriors and gothic fairies in leading roles.
Now that I've sent both Blood Awakening and Burden of Blood out into the world, I'm working on book two in the Nicole Keenan series which is titled Blood of Fire. I'm hoping have this one published in spring of 2012.
Okay, I'll stop yammering away and give you all the juicy details about my books and a bit on where you can find me if you want to chat. Thanks so much for letting me join you today C.G!
Blurb
Nicole, a small town Alabama girl, and her best friend Kat take a weekend trip to Panama City, Florida. Kat looking to have a good time and Nicole hoping to escape the pain of losing her mother for a little while. Little did Nicole know, the escape would awaken a ancient power that is hidden in her blood. A power that evil wants for its own and will do whatever it takes to have it.
This short story is a look into best friends', Nicole and Kat, life before a centuries old grudge and Nicole's emerging powers rips them apart. A power that Nicole wants no part of as it brings her to her knees and forces her to walk away from her small town life and everyone she loves.
Blood Awakening ebook can be found on Amazon, B&N and Smashwords for 99 cents.
Blurb
No one wants to know everyone's darkest secrets, especially not police officer, Nicole Keenan. All she wants is a blissfully normal life in the small, Alabama town where she was born. But as generations of power running through her veins start to wake up, an ancient grudge is ignited that threatens to push her over the edge. She can hardly believe in what she is, let alone that a dark force will not stop until she's joins them. Or is dead.
Nicole Keenan's life enters into a dangerous dance with warriors and gothic fairies. Southern tradition collides with Irish folklore as she learns about love, heartbreak, and The Burden of Blood.
Burden of Blood (Book 1 of the Nicole Keenan Series) ebook can be found on Amazon and B&N.
Author Wenona Hulsey is a lover of all things written. When she was a child, you could find her reading anything from Edger Allen Poe to the back of cereal boxes. Today you will find her with an ebook reader glued to her hands except for the times when she is writing or spending time with her family. She is also an avid social networker, who loves to meet new people. You can friend her on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/ WenonaHulsey, like her on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ WenonaHulseyAuthor or follow along on her Blog http://wenonahulsey.blogspot.com/
First off, thank you Wenona for your guest post. I have personally read both of these books and loved them. I'm looking forward to her next installation of the Nicole Keenan Series, that way I can read Burden of Blood over again!!!
December 7, 2011
Henry VIII 16th Century Rock Star
We all know the story of Henry VIII and his 6 wives, but by 16th century standards, this man was not only a king, but would have been considered a rock star by today's standards. It all started at a young age, when upon the death of his older brother Arthur, he became heir to the throne. This became a major problem during his rebellious teen years (Garage Band Years), when all young Henry wanted to do is Joust (join a band) and his dad would not allow him. But that all changed when his father died and Henry assumed the throne. He began jousting and promptly married his high school sweetheart (Catherine of Aragon), against the advice of his council (managers).
Henry lived larger than life and dressed the part. He was worshiped like a Rock Star and the saying "Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll" were his mantra, but only in a different form "Mistresses, Power and Image". Just like any other Rock Star, Henry did not like being told "No" and made it a point to bringing his wishes to fruition at any cost, including a change of his country's religion to facilitate his divorce, which he later found out that it was far easier to trump up treason charges, and behead a wife than it was to divorce one.
Although Henry was not known for destroying hotel rooms, he did one hell of a job destroying monasteries. And if not for his head strong, self-centeredness, and ability to push others to bend to his will at the hand of violence, we would be no more interested in him than we are in King Egbert or King William II.
So, my question to you is, if Henry and his first wife would have had a couple of strong healthy sons, would he have followed the same path? Was he a true 16th century Rock Star? And why is
C.G. Powell
Author of Spell Checked: Book One of The No Uncertain Logic Series
Follow me! Facebook | Website | Twitter | Goodreads
Buy my book Amazon | Barns & Noble | Smashwords
Henry lived larger than life and dressed the part. He was worshiped like a Rock Star and the saying "Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll" were his mantra, but only in a different form "Mistresses, Power and Image". Just like any other Rock Star, Henry did not like being told "No" and made it a point to bringing his wishes to fruition at any cost, including a change of his country's religion to facilitate his divorce, which he later found out that it was far easier to trump up treason charges, and behead a wife than it was to divorce one.
Although Henry was not known for destroying hotel rooms, he did one hell of a job destroying monasteries. And if not for his head strong, self-centeredness, and ability to push others to bend to his will at the hand of violence, we would be no more interested in him than we are in King Egbert or King William II.
So, my question to you is, if Henry and his first wife would have had a couple of strong healthy sons, would he have followed the same path? Was he a true 16th century Rock Star? And why is
C.G. Powell
Author of Spell Checked: Book One of The No Uncertain Logic Series
Follow me! Facebook | Website | Twitter | Goodreads
Buy my book Amazon | Barns & Noble | Smashwords
December 4, 2011
Japan's Aokigahara (Suicide) Forest
On the North West base of Mount Fuji in Japan, is the Aokigahara forest. This forest has become a haven for people wishing to commit suicide and comes in second to San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge in (number of suicides each year).
Some say that this phenomenon is linked to the 1960 novel Nami no Tō "Tower of Waves" by Seichō Matsumoto, a story that ends with two lovers committing suicide in the forest. However, the history of suicide in Aokigahara predates the novel's publication, and the place has long been associated with death. The forest is also known to be a location that was used in the past for ubasute. This is the practice of taking an infirmed or elderly relative to a mountain or some other remote place and leaving them there to die, either by exposure, starvation, or dehydration.
Japanese mythology has historically associated Aokigahara with demons, but with a modern interpretation (Ancient Astronaut Theory) of demons being extraterrestrial beings, is it possible that they may have left something in the forest that could be affecting the minds of those that enter the forest? Could a device meant to keep humans away, or make them forget, be malfunctioning and causing an amplification of suicidal thoughts? Especially, if someone enters the forest in a weakened state of mind to begin with.
So, is it any wonder that this forest is also associated with ghosts? Even the TV series Destination Truth (Amazon link for the episode on Aokigahara) team had a scary encounter there with the not so friendly spirits that haunt Aokigahara. I know this is a bit of a depressing subject for December, but I always wonder what might really be going on in a place like this. What is it about this forest that draws people there in their most desperate hours, not to work out their problems, but to end their lives?
Some say that this phenomenon is linked to the 1960 novel Nami no Tō "Tower of Waves" by Seichō Matsumoto, a story that ends with two lovers committing suicide in the forest. However, the history of suicide in Aokigahara predates the novel's publication, and the place has long been associated with death. The forest is also known to be a location that was used in the past for ubasute. This is the practice of taking an infirmed or elderly relative to a mountain or some other remote place and leaving them there to die, either by exposure, starvation, or dehydration.
Japanese mythology has historically associated Aokigahara with demons, but with a modern interpretation (Ancient Astronaut Theory) of demons being extraterrestrial beings, is it possible that they may have left something in the forest that could be affecting the minds of those that enter the forest? Could a device meant to keep humans away, or make them forget, be malfunctioning and causing an amplification of suicidal thoughts? Especially, if someone enters the forest in a weakened state of mind to begin with.
So, is it any wonder that this forest is also associated with ghosts? Even the TV series Destination Truth (Amazon link for the episode on Aokigahara) team had a scary encounter there with the not so friendly spirits that haunt Aokigahara. I know this is a bit of a depressing subject for December, but I always wonder what might really be going on in a place like this. What is it about this forest that draws people there in their most desperate hours, not to work out their problems, but to end their lives?
November 30, 2011
I'm a Winner!!!
Okay I know this is off subject for me, but I am so excited I can't contain myself.
I just finished my NaNoWriMo Novel...Immortal Voyage....So as a surprise, I'm giving you the answer to the $100 question (Not really $100 but a chance to win a free E-copy of Spell Checked) For the Romance Reviews YES party
Who did Lenni give a drunken kiss to? The answer is Tam!!!
If I were Lenni I would want to kiss him too!
Bonus...I got my book trailer
Leave me with your thoughts and comments, I would love to hear from you!!
I just finished my NaNoWriMo Novel...Immortal Voyage....So as a surprise, I'm giving you the answer to the $100 question (Not really $100 but a chance to win a free E-copy of Spell Checked) For the Romance Reviews YES party
Who did Lenni give a drunken kiss to? The answer is Tam!!!
If I were Lenni I would want to kiss him too!Bonus...I got my book trailer
Leave me with your thoughts and comments, I would love to hear from you!!
November 28, 2011
Guest Post by Jamie Salisbury - Elizabeth I: Sixteenth Century Diva
Please help me welcome the extraordinary Jamie Salisbury author of Perpetual Love. She has been kind enough to do a guest post for me and on one of my favorite subjects "Elizabeth I".
Christine graced my blog earlier with a historical piece on Henry VIII (why does that song always plague my brain when I see his name?) as a "rock star" of his era. I am returning the favor by presenting Elizabeth I. Thank you Christine for giving me the opportunity.
With December fast approaching I am getting the "great golly washers" in anticipation of the launch of my second eNovel, "Tudor Rose". This is the first in a series I've named "The Tudor Dynasty" series. I've been mildly amused by the comments that have come in already. Why? Well, people hear the name "Tudor" and they immediately conger up visions of the late Henry VIII or Elizabeth I and assume that "Tudor Rose" is a novel set in this era. As a history buff, the age of Henry VIII and a cast of other great people I embraced the feedback. I have dabbled in writing a novel set in that era. Not an easy task, but one I am researching.
If Elizabeth lived today I would place her right alongside Hillary Clinton, Eleanor Roosevelt and her descendent, Elizabeth II. If I were making her a female sixteenth century rock star, I would set her right next to the great Barbra Streisand. For she would have been not just a singer, but a woman with political ambitions. She was an extraordinary woman living in a time when the mere thought of a woman holding office much less becoming one of the most powerful women of her era would have been laughed at by her male counterparts.
Elizabeth was born in Greenwich on September 7, 1533. She was the fifth and last monarch of the Tudor dynasty. She reigned for 45-years, considered one of the most glorious in English history. She was quite well educated, spoke six languages fluently, having inherited her intelligence, shrewdness and determination from both her parents.
Perhaps her greatest contribution was that of making sure the Church of England was established and secure. Its doctrines were a compromise between Roman Catholic and Protestantism. Most of her subjects accepted the compromise as the basis of their faith. This probably saved England from religious wars like those France suffered during the second half of the century. Remember religion was (and still is in some cases) a man's topic.
The arts flourished during Elizabeth's time. She attended the first performance of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream". I wonder what she would think of Will's phenomenal success century's later?
Her reign was also a dangerous one, not only for her but many others. A lot had to do with religion. After a papal document specifically released her subjects from their allegiance to her, she passed harsh laws against Roman Catholics after threats against her life were discovered. One such plot involved Mary, Queen of Scots. But we'll save that juicy story for another time.
Of course one of the most well known facts about Elizabeth was the fact she never married. If she lived today, this fact wouldn't even make headlines. In her time, well that was another matter indeed. Elizabeth herself chose to never marry. If she had married a foreign prince, he would have drawn England into foreign policies for his advantages; marrying a fellow countryman could have drawn her into factional infighting. Her last courtship was with the Duke of Anjou, who was twenty-two years her junior.
Elizabeth, or the 'Virgin Queen' as she became known (and if you believe that. . .)was a selfless woman who put her country and her people above her own personal happiness, for the good of the nation. She was in essence married to her kingdom.
She died at Richmond Palace on March 24, 1603 at age of 70, having become a legend in her own lifetime.
Indeed Elizabeth I was centuries ahead of her time.
So, getting back to my upcoming eNovel, Tudor Rose, I daresay I could envision Elizabeth in the part of Zara Middleton. Zara is a strong, educated, self-made woman living in the 21st century. Unlike Elizabeth though, Zara has love. . .
Please stop by my blog, leave a comment, just say 'hi'. I'd love to hear from you.
Jamie Salisbury
Author of Perpetual Love, Book 1 of the "Albert and Anne" series.
Follow me at:
My blog: http://www.jamiesalisburyauthor.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jamie-Salisbury-Womans-Fiction-Author/202978499741542
Twitter: @JamieRSalisbury
E-Mail: Wuzupbury@gmail.com
Christine graced my blog earlier with a historical piece on Henry VIII (why does that song always plague my brain when I see his name?) as a "rock star" of his era. I am returning the favor by presenting Elizabeth I. Thank you Christine for giving me the opportunity.
With December fast approaching I am getting the "great golly washers" in anticipation of the launch of my second eNovel, "Tudor Rose". This is the first in a series I've named "The Tudor Dynasty" series. I've been mildly amused by the comments that have come in already. Why? Well, people hear the name "Tudor" and they immediately conger up visions of the late Henry VIII or Elizabeth I and assume that "Tudor Rose" is a novel set in this era. As a history buff, the age of Henry VIII and a cast of other great people I embraced the feedback. I have dabbled in writing a novel set in that era. Not an easy task, but one I am researching.
If Elizabeth lived today I would place her right alongside Hillary Clinton, Eleanor Roosevelt and her descendent, Elizabeth II. If I were making her a female sixteenth century rock star, I would set her right next to the great Barbra Streisand. For she would have been not just a singer, but a woman with political ambitions. She was an extraordinary woman living in a time when the mere thought of a woman holding office much less becoming one of the most powerful women of her era would have been laughed at by her male counterparts.
Elizabeth was born in Greenwich on September 7, 1533. She was the fifth and last monarch of the Tudor dynasty. She reigned for 45-years, considered one of the most glorious in English history. She was quite well educated, spoke six languages fluently, having inherited her intelligence, shrewdness and determination from both her parents.
Perhaps her greatest contribution was that of making sure the Church of England was established and secure. Its doctrines were a compromise between Roman Catholic and Protestantism. Most of her subjects accepted the compromise as the basis of their faith. This probably saved England from religious wars like those France suffered during the second half of the century. Remember religion was (and still is in some cases) a man's topic.
The arts flourished during Elizabeth's time. She attended the first performance of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream". I wonder what she would think of Will's phenomenal success century's later?
Her reign was also a dangerous one, not only for her but many others. A lot had to do with religion. After a papal document specifically released her subjects from their allegiance to her, she passed harsh laws against Roman Catholics after threats against her life were discovered. One such plot involved Mary, Queen of Scots. But we'll save that juicy story for another time.
Of course one of the most well known facts about Elizabeth was the fact she never married. If she lived today, this fact wouldn't even make headlines. In her time, well that was another matter indeed. Elizabeth herself chose to never marry. If she had married a foreign prince, he would have drawn England into foreign policies for his advantages; marrying a fellow countryman could have drawn her into factional infighting. Her last courtship was with the Duke of Anjou, who was twenty-two years her junior.
Elizabeth, or the 'Virgin Queen' as she became known (and if you believe that. . .)was a selfless woman who put her country and her people above her own personal happiness, for the good of the nation. She was in essence married to her kingdom.
She died at Richmond Palace on March 24, 1603 at age of 70, having become a legend in her own lifetime.
Indeed Elizabeth I was centuries ahead of her time.
So, getting back to my upcoming eNovel, Tudor Rose, I daresay I could envision Elizabeth in the part of Zara Middleton. Zara is a strong, educated, self-made woman living in the 21st century. Unlike Elizabeth though, Zara has love. . .
Please stop by my blog, leave a comment, just say 'hi'. I'd love to hear from you.
Jamie Salisbury
Author of Perpetual Love, Book 1 of the "Albert and Anne" series.
Follow me at:
My blog: http://www.jamiesalisburyauthor.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jamie-Salisbury-Womans-Fiction-Author/202978499741542
Twitter: @JamieRSalisbury
E-Mail: Wuzupbury@gmail.com
November 25, 2011
Guest Post by Olivia Hardin- What Aztecs could learn from Monkees
Most of us connect the ancient Aztecs with human sacrifices, but the Aztecs also had a very clever means of keeping up with their deities' demand for blood. Somewhere along the way an Aztec ruler came up with the idea of a war strictly for that purpose. The point wasn't to kill, but to stun the enemy so that you could proudly march him back to your home state for sacrifice. Two rulers would agree to appear with their best warriors on a chosen field of battle at a chosen time to engage in a "Flowery War."
I mean what a great scheme, politically speaking! The stronger Aztec state could use the war as both a means of subjugating its neighbors and also a very effective way to keep its own warrior class tough and practiced, all while satiating the gods demands for blood. If you've got to feed the gods anyway, why not conjure a way to get something more in return? C'mon, let's share the love…er, blood.
Can you imagine being one of those warriors? I mean you're not putting your life on the line to protect your country from an attack or to avenge some slight against your people. Your job is to bring back captives for sacrifice to your gods and to risk the prospect that you might become a sacrifice to some other guy's gods. At the end of the day the rulers would get together, exchange totals, slap each other on the back for a job well done then attend to sacrificing the other's strongest and best men.
Now let's digress a moment. There's this crazy obscure song by the Monkees called "Zor and Zam". I always thought it was a pretty dumb song until I gave it some thought. Basically the song tells the story of how the King of Zor sends a message to the King of Zam and says, "Hey, let's have a war." King Zam agrees but when the appointed time arrives… two little kings, playing a game, they gave a war and nobody came.
Now why the heck didn't the everyday Aztec warrior think of this? It's because to an Aztec, being sacrificed on the alter was an honor, a privilege, the most "flowery" sorts of death a warrior could be lucky enough to receive. You get to go out forever revered as a hero while you're still in your prime. I mean, what's worse than becoming an old has-been Aztec warrior, right?
About me:
Olivia Hardin is a Texas girl and a writer of anything that catches her fancy. Her first book, Witch Way Bends, a paranormal romance, should be published by the end of this month.
Blog Site:
http://oliviahardinwriter.wordpress.com/
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Olivia-Hardin/312337365448880#!/pages/Olivia-Hardin/312337365448880
Follow me on Twitter @oliviaH_writer
I mean what a great scheme, politically speaking! The stronger Aztec state could use the war as both a means of subjugating its neighbors and also a very effective way to keep its own warrior class tough and practiced, all while satiating the gods demands for blood. If you've got to feed the gods anyway, why not conjure a way to get something more in return? C'mon, let's share the love…er, blood.
Can you imagine being one of those warriors? I mean you're not putting your life on the line to protect your country from an attack or to avenge some slight against your people. Your job is to bring back captives for sacrifice to your gods and to risk the prospect that you might become a sacrifice to some other guy's gods. At the end of the day the rulers would get together, exchange totals, slap each other on the back for a job well done then attend to sacrificing the other's strongest and best men.
Now let's digress a moment. There's this crazy obscure song by the Monkees called "Zor and Zam". I always thought it was a pretty dumb song until I gave it some thought. Basically the song tells the story of how the King of Zor sends a message to the King of Zam and says, "Hey, let's have a war." King Zam agrees but when the appointed time arrives… two little kings, playing a game, they gave a war and nobody came.
Now why the heck didn't the everyday Aztec warrior think of this? It's because to an Aztec, being sacrificed on the alter was an honor, a privilege, the most "flowery" sorts of death a warrior could be lucky enough to receive. You get to go out forever revered as a hero while you're still in your prime. I mean, what's worse than becoming an old has-been Aztec warrior, right?
About me:
Olivia Hardin is a Texas girl and a writer of anything that catches her fancy. Her first book, Witch Way Bends, a paranormal romance, should be published by the end of this month.
Blog Site:
http://oliviahardinwriter.wordpress.com/
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Olivia-Hardin/312337365448880#!/pages/Olivia-Hardin/312337365448880
Follow me on Twitter @oliviaH_writer
November 23, 2011
Guest Post: Slow Boat to Purgatory's Vernon Baker
So first off I would like to thank Christine for allowing me to advertise-I mean guest post-on her site. Before I get into the meat of the post I'd like to share a message from today's sponsor, The Idiots Guide To Killing Demons, Hell-Hounds and Fallen Angels. That's right, it is possible for a mere mortal to whack a veritable pantheon of otherworldly beings as long as you follow this simple manual and you have friends with certain skills that take seven hundred years to develop and fine tune. For a mere $9.99 on Amazon.com you too can learn the secrets of world class demon killers like Gaspar de Rouse, Alex Donovan and Dominicus Bureau from the book Slow Boat to Purgatory. Of course you could just order Slow Boat to Purgatory from Amazon.com for $2.99 and get all the same information and a fun exciting tale that is garnering some nice reviews. All proceeds from the sale of both Slow Boat to Purgatory and The Idiots Guide to Killing Demons, Hell-Hounds and Fallen Angels, will be donated, by a not so circuitous route from Vernon Baker's hands, to Pottery Barn for Kids, Gymboree and anything starting with Fisher and ending with Price.Okay with that out of the way I present The Boat Man and Slow Boat to Purgatory...
And lo! toward us in a bark Comes on an old man, hoary white with eld, Crying, "Woe to you, wicked spirits! hope not Ever to see the sky again. I come To take you to the other shore across, In fierce heat and in ice.
Dante Alighieri
Charon, the boatman - you really don't want to meet him.The first time I saw Gustave Dore's 1860's illustration of Charon, which is part of his collection of Dante's Inferno illustrations, I was hooked. Before it was the book cover and title inspiration for Slow Boat to Purgatory, it was the driving force behind the disparate stories and characters that now populate the book. Like Dore, who was so captivated by the inferno he chose it as the subject of his first compilation of illustrations, I found myself drawn to the enigmatic being who, oar in hand, was tasked with providing that proverbial last ride.An immortal Templar knight named Gaspar De Rouse had been ghosting around the darker corners of my mind, and I'd written snippets of phantasmal battle scenes between the immortal knight and all sorts of cuddly creatures and beings like hell hounds, fallen angels, and homicidal mortals. It was that picture of Charon, though, which gave rise to the mythology underlying the tale of Gaspar and set my creative juices free.Inspiration, or as I like to call it conjuring, sometimes comes from the most unlikely places.Perhaps this is as good a place as any to describe Slow Boat To Purgatory for those who haven't read it yet.Slow Boat, the first in a series introduces us to three men. Gaspar De Rouse, a Templar Knight born in the mid 13th century. He is the epitome of the noble Templar, committed to God, the order and to the defense of the Holy Land. In 1291, at the battle for Acre, he is given the location of a priceless relic and tasked with protecting it. Before he can fulfill his mission he's murdered by another member of the Templar order trying to gain control of the relic. Enter an Archangel who resurrects him and, for a price, offers a chance at redemption. Dominicus Bureau is a French priest who is a member of a modern day Templar order that still searches for the relic. He's been on the trail of Gaspar and the relic for decades. He carries a silenced .22 caliber pistol and uses it - often.Alex Donovan, a retired navy seal, learns of Gaspar when his grandfather dies leaving him, not only a vast fortune, but an ancient book telling the story of the immortal knight. Alex is thrust into the midst of the ages old war, a war between good and evil, heaven and hell.
Slow Boat to Purgatory shifts back and forth between the times of the crusades, the sixteenth century, and the present, telling the stories of three men, and the collision of their individual fates.
When asked to describe Slow Boat, I call it a paranormal thriller although it definitely crosses the lines of several genres so perhaps I need to come up with something like "paranormal-religious-escapist-horror-spirituality-treasure-hunting-thriller. One reader described it this way, "If Anne Rice and Dan Brown had a love child, Slow Boat would be the result". I laughed but it makes sense.
Thanks again Christine and I look forward to hearing from your friends and readers.
Vernon Baker
Thank you, Vernon for a great guest post. Don't forget to check out Vernon's Blog, Website and Slow Boat to Purhatory on Amazon.
And lo! toward us in a bark Comes on an old man, hoary white with eld, Crying, "Woe to you, wicked spirits! hope not Ever to see the sky again. I come To take you to the other shore across, In fierce heat and in ice.
Dante Alighieri
Charon, the boatman - you really don't want to meet him.The first time I saw Gustave Dore's 1860's illustration of Charon, which is part of his collection of Dante's Inferno illustrations, I was hooked. Before it was the book cover and title inspiration for Slow Boat to Purgatory, it was the driving force behind the disparate stories and characters that now populate the book. Like Dore, who was so captivated by the inferno he chose it as the subject of his first compilation of illustrations, I found myself drawn to the enigmatic being who, oar in hand, was tasked with providing that proverbial last ride.An immortal Templar knight named Gaspar De Rouse had been ghosting around the darker corners of my mind, and I'd written snippets of phantasmal battle scenes between the immortal knight and all sorts of cuddly creatures and beings like hell hounds, fallen angels, and homicidal mortals. It was that picture of Charon, though, which gave rise to the mythology underlying the tale of Gaspar and set my creative juices free.Inspiration, or as I like to call it conjuring, sometimes comes from the most unlikely places.Perhaps this is as good a place as any to describe Slow Boat To Purgatory for those who haven't read it yet.Slow Boat, the first in a series introduces us to three men. Gaspar De Rouse, a Templar Knight born in the mid 13th century. He is the epitome of the noble Templar, committed to God, the order and to the defense of the Holy Land. In 1291, at the battle for Acre, he is given the location of a priceless relic and tasked with protecting it. Before he can fulfill his mission he's murdered by another member of the Templar order trying to gain control of the relic. Enter an Archangel who resurrects him and, for a price, offers a chance at redemption. Dominicus Bureau is a French priest who is a member of a modern day Templar order that still searches for the relic. He's been on the trail of Gaspar and the relic for decades. He carries a silenced .22 caliber pistol and uses it - often.Alex Donovan, a retired navy seal, learns of Gaspar when his grandfather dies leaving him, not only a vast fortune, but an ancient book telling the story of the immortal knight. Alex is thrust into the midst of the ages old war, a war between good and evil, heaven and hell.
Slow Boat to Purgatory shifts back and forth between the times of the crusades, the sixteenth century, and the present, telling the stories of three men, and the collision of their individual fates.
When asked to describe Slow Boat, I call it a paranormal thriller although it definitely crosses the lines of several genres so perhaps I need to come up with something like "paranormal-religious-escapist-horror-spirituality-treasure-hunting-thriller. One reader described it this way, "If Anne Rice and Dan Brown had a love child, Slow Boat would be the result". I laughed but it makes sense.
Thanks again Christine and I look forward to hearing from your friends and readers.
Vernon Baker
Thank you, Vernon for a great guest post. Don't forget to check out Vernon's Blog, Website and Slow Boat to Purhatory on Amazon.
November 21, 2011
Guest Post: Liz Schulte Author of Secrets
I would like to welcome guest author Liz Schulte to my blog. Congratulations on the release of "Secrets"!
Secrets Revealed Clue #6
Secrets Cover
Blurb- While Olivia Martin observed life through her camera, the abyss gazed back at her. She discovers mysterious men follow her around, people close to her are dying, and her dreams are no longer her own as she falls head over heels for a perfect stranger. A chance encounter leads to an obsession that could destroy everything she has ever known or loved. Olivia is about to find out there is a lot she doesn't know and sometimes what you don't know can kill you.
Excerpt- Too much thinking, too early in the morning. I pulled my heavy legs out of bed and stretched away the stiffness of sleep. Surreal was the only word to describe my life and dreams the past few days. Shuffling towards the kitchen to get a drink, I was met with smell of breakfast and coffee. This was getting ridiculous! People had to stop breaking into my house. I tiptoed towards the kitchen, my heart quickening as I tried to glimpse my most recent intruder. I needed to know whether or not I needed to call the police.
In honor of the release of Secrets (Guardian Trilogy Book 1), Liz Schulte is revealing 6 secrets of her own. Join in the scavenger hunt for a chance to win an ebook of Secrets and Dark Corners and a $15 gift card to Amazon! All you have to do is collect the answers to all six clues then head back to www.LizSchulte.com and post your answers in the comment section of the Scavenger Hunt post. Happy hunting!
Clue #6- My mother has always been a huge British history buff. She named us after the Kings and Queens of England, which might be the reason I sometimes use a horrible fake accent and proclaim I was born in the wrong country. My name sake was the last monarch of the Tudor dynasty. (Back to Liz Schulte's Bat Country www.LizSchulte.com)
For more fun release day activities and giveaways please check out Liz's facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Liz-Schulte/182081915177084
Secrets Revealed Clue #6
Secrets Cover
Blurb- While Olivia Martin observed life through her camera, the abyss gazed back at her. She discovers mysterious men follow her around, people close to her are dying, and her dreams are no longer her own as she falls head over heels for a perfect stranger. A chance encounter leads to an obsession that could destroy everything she has ever known or loved. Olivia is about to find out there is a lot she doesn't know and sometimes what you don't know can kill you.
Excerpt- Too much thinking, too early in the morning. I pulled my heavy legs out of bed and stretched away the stiffness of sleep. Surreal was the only word to describe my life and dreams the past few days. Shuffling towards the kitchen to get a drink, I was met with smell of breakfast and coffee. This was getting ridiculous! People had to stop breaking into my house. I tiptoed towards the kitchen, my heart quickening as I tried to glimpse my most recent intruder. I needed to know whether or not I needed to call the police.
In honor of the release of Secrets (Guardian Trilogy Book 1), Liz Schulte is revealing 6 secrets of her own. Join in the scavenger hunt for a chance to win an ebook of Secrets and Dark Corners and a $15 gift card to Amazon! All you have to do is collect the answers to all six clues then head back to www.LizSchulte.com and post your answers in the comment section of the Scavenger Hunt post. Happy hunting!
Clue #6- My mother has always been a huge British history buff. She named us after the Kings and Queens of England, which might be the reason I sometimes use a horrible fake accent and proclaim I was born in the wrong country. My name sake was the last monarch of the Tudor dynasty. (Back to Liz Schulte's Bat Country www.LizSchulte.com)
For more fun release day activities and giveaways please check out Liz's facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Liz-Schulte/182081915177084
November 17, 2011
Nephilim – Evil Giants or Error of Human Translation?
There is very little written information about the Nephilim that exist and with most of it coming from a few minuscule verses in the bible, is it any wonder that humanity strives to find out who they really were, or in most cases make up their own crap about the Nephilim. Like I did in "ImmortalVoyage"
One of the problems I have is the information itself. The bible has been translated so many times its context cannot be relied on as fact. Even the name Nephil is open to translational debates, which leads us to question the validity of their description in the first place.
They are described as the offspring of sons of God and daughters of man. In other words, God had children that were not human....Man may have been made in his image, but according to this definition the human male is not a "Son of God". Oh and wait...they were giants according to the translations. By this logic, shouldn't Jesus have been a giant too?
Now let us step back for a moment and see how this all might have played out. A son of God walks into a bar, the cave sluts are all drinking whatever fermented in their goat stomach bags since yesterday, when one of them pipes in, "Hey, nice wings you got there." And nine months later, she's trying to push out a giant baby. Yeah...I'm confused too.
Scenario number two – The Nephilim are the sons of God, but still got jiggy with the daughters of man, so God made them leave, which to sounds a bit hypocritical to me, especially since the whole Jesus incident.
Is it just me or does anyone else see a problem with Nephilim as described in biblical text? What is your image of a Nephil (Wings, no wings, giants, demon...)? C.G. Powell Author of Spell Checked: Book One of The No Uncertain Logic Series Follow me! Facebook | Website | Twitter | Goodreads Buy my book Amazon | Barns & Noble | Smashwords
One of the problems I have is the information itself. The bible has been translated so many times its context cannot be relied on as fact. Even the name Nephil is open to translational debates, which leads us to question the validity of their description in the first place.
They are described as the offspring of sons of God and daughters of man. In other words, God had children that were not human....Man may have been made in his image, but according to this definition the human male is not a "Son of God". Oh and wait...they were giants according to the translations. By this logic, shouldn't Jesus have been a giant too?
Now let us step back for a moment and see how this all might have played out. A son of God walks into a bar, the cave sluts are all drinking whatever fermented in their goat stomach bags since yesterday, when one of them pipes in, "Hey, nice wings you got there." And nine months later, she's trying to push out a giant baby. Yeah...I'm confused too.
Scenario number two – The Nephilim are the sons of God, but still got jiggy with the daughters of man, so God made them leave, which to sounds a bit hypocritical to me, especially since the whole Jesus incident.
Is it just me or does anyone else see a problem with Nephilim as described in biblical text? What is your image of a Nephil (Wings, no wings, giants, demon...)? C.G. Powell Author of Spell Checked: Book One of The No Uncertain Logic Series Follow me! Facebook | Website | Twitter | Goodreads Buy my book Amazon | Barns & Noble | Smashwords
