Bloggers/vloggers that have influenced me...

Hey there!

I have spoken of my influences in areas such as music, writing, film, and other forms of entertainment I might take part in, but it occurred to me that I have never spoken of those that influenced me in my blogging and vlogging.
So here goes. :)

A few years ago, I stumbled upon the Underground Wellness YouTube Channel when I was researching a few health related websites. At the time, I had an issue with my thryroid. I was getting to be dangerously thin, my skin had a sort of sallowness to it, among other things. Instead of being on meds, I wanted to try and take care of it by making some lifestyle adjustments. I was becoming disillusioned by much of the medical industry. Then one day I happened upon this particular video. :)


I was then introduced to Underground Wellness and its founder, Sean Croxton. The above video made me want to watch more and the next two videos had me hooked.




What I liked about Underground Wellness was that it wasn't a 'magic pill' or one size fits all sort of thing (which even holistic sites and references can be guilty of). Sean had a podcast where he featured many experts in their field with scientific research backing them. It made me want to try the Paleo way of eating, which is what ended up helping me (sorry, vegan friends!) and much of the material featured focused on fixing the thyroid. To this day, I am on absolutely no medications.

Sean grew his own empire, with his podcast, his book "The Dark Side of Fat Loss", video sessions and interviews, and more. And going with the philosophy of 'cover-thine-own-behind', I will say that no, I am not a health professional. Just sharing what helped me.

Nowadays, Sean is focusing more on mental health and self-help, but Underground Wellness is still up for public consumption.

Underground Wellness Website and Podcast

Recently, Sean released his JERF ("Just Eat Real Food") bar, which I will be trying and possibly reviewing. Add to that, I tweeted out a congratulations to Sean on the JERF bar's release and he liked and replied to my tweet, which made my day. :D

Next up is LeahMouse. As someone who was a gothkid (and still kind of is) her video 'What Goth is Not' was awesome to behold. ;)


Leah also had a lot of other great video blogs and there is all kinds of gothy goodness. :)

Last but not least is Jenna or 'White Witch Parlour.'  Her blogs are just plain awesome and here is the one that got me hooked. :)




Be sure to check out their channels and hey, sub to mine as well!

Underground Wellness
LeahMouse
White Witch Parlour

And stay tuned for a new book review (Sai Marie's latest book) and a followup to Living History and One-sided Perceptions of the Past."

Til then, here is another favorite Underground Wellness video.



I'm out. :)

Living History and One-sided Perceptions of the Past, Pt. 1

Well hey there.

A lot has been on my mind in the last few weeks, and I vented some of it out in two videos. If you haven't seen them yet, here they are.



As someone within the Living History realm, I can say that it has been a truly great time and I have met/am meeting a lot of awesome people from whom I continue to learn much from. Though in addition to that, I view it as a sort of responsibility, one that involves giving the public an accurate (or as accurate as possible) and well-rounded account of historical events. Much of this is heavily weighed upon portrayals of the different types of individuals that lived throughout the ages. When a visitor comes to a historical site it is up to those working it to try and convey this and encourage said visitor to adopt an appreciation for those that came before them.
Historical reenactment extends far beyond dressing up in a 'pretty costume' (sometimes they're not so pretty, depending on who you are portraying), and it certainly isn't talking in the old stereotypical 'Shakespearean accent'. Nor is it shrieking "witchcraft!!!" when a visitor takes out his/her cell phone (sadly, that is something I have witnessed...I died a little inside that day...). In other words, turning your persona into a caricature (please, just don't).
Now I know some might be thinking 'but isn't that how someone from 200+ years ago would have reacted to modern technology?' My answer is that some might have, yes. But there are others that would have regarded it with more intrigue than fright and condemnation. In one of the debunked myths in Mary Miley Theobald's book, Death by Petticoat: American History Myths Debunked, just how superstitious those in early America might have been varied. Not everyone was dead against new science and inventions (look at Ben Franklin and the American Enlightenment, for one) and not everyone was highly superstitious. On a side note, the Medievalist also has an article theorizing five things medieval people would hate about the modern world. It's a pretty good article, so check it out. :)

Five Things Medieval People would Hate About the Modern World

Like with most things, how new inventions were perceived varied depending on ethnic group, religious affiliation, geographic region, etc. Therefore, if you are going to portray someone who would jump around screaming every time a cell phone or other technological device was taken out, really think about why your person would do that. Is it their religious background (very likely)? Or the overall customs of his or her ethnic group (perhaps)? Perhaps your person is from a remote area and hasn't been exposed to much beyond the ways of his or her family. REALLY think about these things, along with how they might react to someone from their era who is of a more scientific mind and might not freak out so much upon seeing a modern cell phone (or any new invention from their respected time period, for that matter). With these in mind, your portrayal will come across as more honest as opposed to a comical caricature that will leave your visitors with little to no respect or understanding of our predecessors.
In addition, if your persona is one who would be more intrigued than frightened by a technological device, give the visitor you are communicating with a little of your background that might indicate why you are not reacting as your modern guest might expect. Most reenactors I've come in contact with just ignore tech devices altogether, but if you are going to react, whether with fright or intrigue, research why your persona might react as he or she may. Really research the religious beliefs, or even non-religious beliefs (because there were non-religious people in early America) of your area and what they were. If it were me, I would also refrain from speaking of supposedly held superstitions until you find evidence that the groups of your chosen persona actually did believe in such things (through research, you'd be surprised at what was actually believed and not believed...and sometimes it isn't what you might think).
This is not to say that someone who knows little to nothing about history but is still interested in getting involved with Living History can't get involved. By all means, join us. The more the merrier. When I got involved with living history, I was already into history, though there is much I learned since doing this. What's important is that you at least come in with a willingness to learn and maybe get with a more experienced reenactor. Let them do most of the talking to visitors, at least at first. Take in what they are saying and research those things on your own time. Think about what you might want to portray and also research that. Ideally, first and secondary sources are most ideal. Firsthand sources are the documents, journals, books, and things that were written within the respected time period. Secondary sources might be a textbook that cites original documents, journals, etc. There are also third sources that cite secondary sources that can be pretty good. Many also turn to the internet.
Now I do know a few reenactors that completely dismiss the internet as far as research goes. I don't completely agree with this. I think there are good blogs and websites that can point one in the right direction, though being aware of the bogus information out there is also of importance. It can seem like a lot of pressure, but doing the research and allowing yourself down that rabbit hole can be a lot of fun. The more you learn, the more you really want to learn.
With that said, I see a rather troubling trend of falling into the one-sided historical view trap. I don't think this is anything new but as I delve deeper, I am able to see all that was taking place and stories that can be lost if they are not told. I have seen many going the 'easy route' and us female interpreters tend to be great culprits of this.
In the two above vlogs, I discuss a video put out by the Jas, Townsend & Son YouTube Channel. The video in question is called A 19th Century Housewife. It features a woman by the name of Kim McCann portraying a woman called Lucinda Barker.
Lucinda is a housewife on a 19th century prairie who is not only dedicated to being a homemaker, but she is also decidedly illiterate. The way Lucinda is portrayed, I would also say that she is very much set in her ways, not to mention very unapologetic. From a modern perspective, and likely from the perspective of a more educated woman of her era, Lucinda is one to be pitied for being 'denied the opportunity for education'. However, someone like Lucinda might not see it that way and also might even be insulted upon such an insinuation.
Now compare a Lucinda to someone like my 18th century/Rev War era persona, Sadie Miller. Sadie was born and raised in Philadelphia. She is educated, higher class, and went to be a schoolmarm in the small frontier town of Talley Cavey. Meanwhile, her fiance Joshua is stationed near the Talley Cavey area in the militia. After they get married, Sadie will be helping his family run their printing press (many women of the 18th century were prominent members of the press...this is explained in an article from the Colonial Williamsburg site titled "Gentlewomen of the Press"):

http://www.history.org/foundation/journal/spring03/womenofpress.cfm

In the second video, I make suggestions on how a Lucinda Barker and Sadie Miller can work well together on a living history site.
What gets me, though, is how people happily and indignantly comment on videos like the 19th Century Housewife with their one-sided views of not only history, but also those that lived back then, including someone like Lucinda. And anytime someone posts a link offering a differing viewpoint, the other commenters either don't reply or get really defensive, dismiss it as false without even looking into it and refuse to debate it on an intellectual level. Personally, I like how Kim portrays Lucinda as unapologetic, someone who might look at someone like Sadie Miller and think that not only is she out of her mind, but that her fiance is out of his mind for allowing her to do such things. She might not see any need for a schoolmarm and she also might wonder what Joshua's family is thinking in allowing her to work with them at their press. She might look at all women doing what Sadie is doing and think that they are ruining their lives. Meanwhile, someone like Sadie might look at Lucinda and think her a simpleton, though Lucinda, in some ways, might be more intelligent than a Sadie Miller (and vice versa), despite the lack of formal education. And there is something to be said about that.
No, I am not saying don't get an education, but I will also suggest looking into ancient civilizations like the Mayans, the Aztecs and all they were able to do without a formal education as we know it today. Should those ancient indigenous tribes be 'pitied' because they didn't have access to formal education? Or were they educated in a way that was valuable to their particular culture and area in which they lived? The same question can be asked about a Lucinda Barker as well as a Sadie Miller. I was talking to a friend the other day about the ancient world and how many tend to view the ancient world in a rather homogenous way despite that fact that each ancient civilization had their own culture and way of life, whether we speak of the Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, Celts, Norse, Balkans, and others. I plan to delve further into this in a future blogpost.
As far as women and living history go, I would suggest, along with looking into a Lucinda Barker, looking at the female blacksmiths or women like Penelope Barker, Flora MacDonald, Charlotte Corday, Clementina Rind, Christiana Campbell, Nancy Morgan Hart, Elizabeth Glover, Elizabeth Timothy, Cornelia Bradford, and many more. Look at all of them and think about how you can offer a well-rounded view of history to potential visitors to your historic site. If there are already plenty of Lucinda Barkers at your living history site, maybe look into being a Nancy Morgan Hart. Of course, you would have to think about how she might fit in (or not) into the given area and any traditions of those of the town your site portrays and research that, but the end result of having a well-rounded and well-developed persona is extremely rewarding, particularly when your persona starts relating with others in the village. And when you speak with visitors and see the impact it has on them, it is just that amazing.

I will be continuing with this in my future blogposts. I will be doing another women in history blogpost, then delving more into the ancient world, their cultures and contributions, the roles of men and women, and such traditions of Ostara, Mabon, and Imbolc, along with raising your vibrations and how it ties into all this. There is much more to come. :)

One-sided Preceptions of History?

Getting you all warmed up for my next blogpost...



I had a little rant prepared after something that had been weighing on me, but since I've cooled off, I broke it down into two questions.

Jas Townsend & Son YouTube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/jastownsendandson

A 19th Century Housewife featuring Kim McCann (jas. townsend channel)
https://youtu.be/CUx9U_e4qlA

Gentlewomen of the Press
http://www.history.org/foundation/journal/spring03/womenofpress.cfm

For All the Grace of the Sex
https://www.history.org/Foundation/journal/Spring04/women.cfm

Why I'm Involved with Living History (from my blog):
http://tiffanyapanwritingproject.blogspot.com/2016/08/why-i-am-involved-with-living-history.html

History Myths Debunked
http://historymyths.wordpress.com

Eric Sloane website:
http://www.ericsloane.com/

Conner Prairie Website (check it out!)
http://www.news-connerprairie.org/


A follow up to my last video, "Living History: Two Questions" and more on my views on the importance in showing and telling of history from more than one perspective.

Check out more at my YouTube Channel and stay tuned for a new blogpost. :)

One of My Favorite Interviews...

In my short entertainment career, I have had the pleasure of doing many awesome interviews, but this one is among my favorites. It is from about a year ago (just before I did my first #B2BCyCon). Thanks Jon Towers for the great interview and conversation! If you haven't heard it yet, have a listen. :)

http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/red-horse-radio/e/230-tiffany-apan-writer-history-geek-musician-actress-43416168

Fort Frederick Recap and Merchant Haul

A couple weekends ago I did some 18th century camping at Ft. Frederick in in Big Pool, Maryland. Because it was such an awesome time, I did a recap and merchant haul.
NOTE: Due to my editing software's unwillingness to cooperate in making it one whole video, I had to divide it into two parts. Part 1 is the recap/video footage of the event and part 2, the merchandise haul. :)

Fort Frederick Market Faire

Featured Merchants:
Paul McClintock (From Common Hands Studio
http://www.fromcommonhands.com/
The Virginia Floor Cloth & Textiles Co.
http://virginiascarves.com
Dobyns abd Martin Grocers
http://dobynsandmartin.com
Fashions Revisited
http://fashionsrevisted.com
Samson Family Leather
http://samsonleather.com

Anaerfell (The Blood of Dragons, #1) (on sale this weekend!)




The Blood of Dragons: Book 1

A Novel You Cannot Put Down

Drast and Tyran might be considered a bit black-hearted, or even immoral. Drast is cunning but reckless, hunting for admiration. Tyran is calculating but tactless, searching for affection. When the two brothers set aside their ambitions to fulfill their father's desire for immortality, they readily discover many opportunities for redemption. Now, while wielding a powerful magic that drains their life, Drast and Tyran will embark on a maddening quest, facing skin-switchers, dragons, and the God of the Dead.

Grab a copy today.

BIOS

Joshua Robertson was born in Kingman, Kansas on May 23, 1984. A graduate of Norwich High School, Robertson attended Wichita State University where he received his Masters in Social Work with minors in Psychology and Sociology. His bestselling novel, Melkorka, the first in The Kaelandur Series, was released in 2015. Known most for his Thrice Nine Legends Saga, Robertson enjoys an ever-expanding and extremely loyal following of readers. He counts R.A. Salvatore and J.R.R. Tolkien among his literary influences.

www.robertsonwrites.com/

@robertsonwrites

J.C. lives in the Midwest with his wife and two dogs. He recently earned his MA in English Literature and is working on his debut novel for his own fantasy world. Despite growing up with Dungeons & Dragons, Lord of the Rings, and a collection of both Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms novels, J.C. has an abiding love of classics and spends his free time reading anything he can get his hands on.

www.crimsonedgepress.com

@jcboyd_author

LINKS

Pick up a copy for only .99 on Amazon throughout Mothers Day weekend!





Excerpt:

Erzebeth convulsed. Her fur and skin shedding away while she wheeled about on the ground in agony. The bones readjusted and organs reset from beast to human. Where a beast had stood was now the naked figure of Erzebeth. Cuts and scratches patterned her body, but none were fatal.
Tyran had no place for modesty. The Vucari woman, within the privacy of the ice dome, struggled to her feet. Again, her dark eyes met his own, filled with compassion.
“You need to be put down, young Red.” Her voice was calm as her feet crossed in front of one another, closing the distance between them. “Your power is greater than any I have seen before, even from the Anshedar.”
“What?” Tyran said, forehead wrinkled with confusion. He had never heard of the race before, whether beast or otherwise.
“You are like a rabid dog, young Red. You are the perfect companion, loyal, and possibly even loving somewhere deep inside,” Erzebeth bit her lip. Her breasts, barely covered by her dark hair, touched the front of his chest. She halted her feet. “But, you are tainted by a disease that is stronger than the goodness in you.You cannot be left to live in this world, or you will corrupt every living thing around you.”
Tyran tilted his chin, lips parting. His free hand touched her pale skin, as whitish as the ice fortress that veiled this moment.
“You would taint me, young Red.” She stepped up on her tiptoes. “As with the rabid dog, you need to be put down.”
He grabbed her by the back of the neck, and pulled her to him. He kissed her with more force than he had ever kissed any woman. This woman was not Isolde. This woman was battle hardened, and a warrior. She was not plain. She grabbed his shoulders and returned the embrace, her tongue touching his lips. Her body was far warmer than his own, as if it were heated by the darkness.
He did not know what he was doing in this moment. It may have likely been the first time that his mind was clear from thought, acting without thinking. Though, in time, he may consider that when his death was nigh, he found that this was something he wanted to do before death found him.
The crashing against the ice pulled him from the moment. Tyran pulled back, moving the Vucari’s hair from her cheek. “You won’t kill me, Erzebeth.”
“No,” she breathed. Her hands fell to his chest. “But, it still needs to be done.”



Author/Artist Spotlight on Kylie Jude



TA: First, tell the lovely readers a little about yourself and your work.

KJ: Hey, lovely readers! I’m Kylie and I write stories, compose music, edit book trailers and other things, and dabble in digital art. I grew up all over the place but now live in the magical woods of Eastern Kentucky with my husband Eric Jude (.Com) and our ferocious furrbaby, Clack. I’ve only published one short story so far, but I have a lot more coming.

TA: Now as a multi-faceted artist, is there one artform you would say is primary to the others?

KJ: Oh man, that’s a tough one. It’s almost like choosing a favorite child! Video editing is probably the most fun for me, especially when it’s done to music (like trailers and music videos) but I’d say as far as doing something that has meaning and makes me feel like I’m accomplishing my purpose in life, it’s between composing music and writing novels – specifically my Science Fiction series The Undying Chronicles, which I hope will motivate and inspire its readers to change the world. Words are a beautiful conduit for hope and power, and I feel like, at least with this series, I just might have something capable of doing just that – changing the world, in some small way. Even if it just plants a tiny thought in one person’s mind that they can do anything they put their minds to, that they are here for a purpose, that they have the power to choose their fate, I’ve done my job and my life is complete. But then, with music, especially stuff like my forthcoming instrumental solo album (which has a sort of Science Fiction theme and a title I can’t reveal yet), it feels sort of like the same thing but on a deeper level. I’ve done it with a couple film scores I recently composed, but specifically with this solo album, I tried to compose tracks that healed my soul, and that will hopefully do the same for anyone who listens to them with an open heart. It’s almost a spiritual experience, composing music. But then, writing can feel the same way... Well, at least I narrowed it down to 2. ;)

TA: Do you recall the first story you ever wrote?

KJ: I do! It was a Fantasy novel about twin sisters who also happened to be fairy-type creatures, and it involved lots of other stuff too. I started it when I was 11 years old and never finished it. But now, after all these years, I’m starting from scratch and rewriting it. I’m really excited about it, but am trying to focus on getting The Undying Chronicles out there before moving on to this one. I can say, though, that the new version of this story is much more structured and filled with meaning, and I absolutely love the settings and characters. I hope its future readers will too.



TA: As a science fiction writer, what is it about the genre that draws you, as opposed to other genres?

KJ: I didn’t so much choose it as it chose me, but I’ve always loved Science Fiction because not only does it expand the mind and allow us to explore the unknown, but often it literally creates the future. Many books and films and TV shows in the genre have either predicted future technology, or inspired someone to create it. I think that if you’re in the business of changing the world, which I hope to be, then Science Fiction is the genre to work in. It certainly holds the power of influence!

TA: You mentioned that you have a book coming out soon. Can you talk a little about it?

KJ: I can’t talk about it too much until it’s released, but yes, book one in The Undying Chronicles is in the beta reading and editing stages now and we’re hoping to finally have it published soon – which is pretty exciting after 6 years! The first book in the series is called Undying and follows girl named Amaya, who was born with no arms due to radioactivity in the atmosphere. Her missing limbs make her a target for termination by Population Control Robots, so her parents have always kept her sheltered, but when her father goes missing and she sets out to find him, her search ends up leading her down unforeseen paths of hope, love, pain, and strength. Her new robotic arms are just the beginning of a journey that will change her life, and maybe even her world.

TA: What is your favorite sci-fi subgenre and why?

KJ: Definitely Space Opera. I’ve always loved space and would have tried to be an astronaut if I thought my body could handle it. But sadly, it can’t, so Space Opera (and anything else having to do with space and other planets) is a bit of an escape for me. In a way it allows me to venture into space and visit new worlds without having to leave the comfort of my home, and I think that’s what draws a lot of people to it.
And yes, there is a bit of a Space Opera element to The Undying Chronicles, although I don’t think I’d necessarily classify it as a Space Opera. But any time I can work space travel into my stories, I am happy.

TA: What's coming up and where can everyone find you?

KJ: In addition to The Undying Chronicles, I’ve got a Dystopian short story coming out in an anthology fairly soon, as well as another possible short story in another anthology. I’ve also got my instrumental solo album coming out soon, as well as some cool new covers and originals with my husband and our music project Under The Dying Sun, which could probably be best described as Folk Rock meets Doom Metal (or Folk Doom? That sounds more like it, haha) – and I’ve always got some sort of new book trailer coming out through our production company Frozen Creek Studios, which offers all kinds of services for all kinds of creative types, including authors, but for the next few months our main focus is helping with everything from music to editing for a TV pilot which is filming in June. That’s something you’ll definitely want to keep an eye on, especially if you’re into shows like Game of Thrones or Vikings. I’ll link to it below along with a bunch of other links ;)



Me:

KylieJude.Com

Twitter.Com/KylieKerosene

Facebook.Com/Kerosene13

Frozen Creek Studios:

Twitter.Com/FrozenCreekArt

Facebook.Com/FrozenCreekStudios

Youtube.Com/FrozenCreekStudiosOnline

Under The Dying Sun:

Facebook.Com/UnderTheDyingSun

Rayden Valkyrie TV Pilot:

RaydenValkyrie.Com

Twitter.Com/RaydenValkyrie

Facebook.Com/RaydenValkyrie

My short Paranormal Thriller on Amazon:

http://amzn.to/1VRZYYl

Author Spotlight on A.L. Mabry




A.L. Mabry is a publisher and multi-genre author. She is currently working on several projects, including a short story collection, Darker Daze: The Storms Within (dark fiction) and the first book in her Chthonian Guardian trilogy, Soul Purge (fantasy). Darker Daze is being released exclusively on Patreon while Soul Purge will be published in 2017 by OWS Ink, llc. She has a sci-fi project in the works, Vivamus (science fiction), which will be released in early 2018.
A.L. Mabry is one of the founders of and the Executive Marketing Manager for Our Write Side (OWS Ink, llc), an online community for writers, readers, publishers and more. She writes occasional articles on OWS focused on the connection between life and writing. She publishes articles on Medium and also has a weekly writing prompt; Coldly Calculating: Writing By The Numbers: Putting a dark twist on colloquial phrases with a numbers theme.
She was previously the Editor in Chief for Eat, Sleep, Write and once ran a successful special needs blog, Rage Against the Washing Machine which has since been retired. She is a highly sought freelance writer who specializes in research-based writing. This allows her to provide quality content on a variety of topics. She enjoys helping other authors find their way with private coaching and sharing what she has learned from personal experience, for example, this post on Perfecting Your Bio. As an author, she enjoys writing in all genres and forms, even grocery lists. She is an artist at heart and Wiccan by nature with an obsessive love of vampires, kilts, and blue butterflies. She is passionate about many topics, and her posts and stories are often laced with the snarky sense of humor one acquires from raising five teenagers, all at once.
In her downtime, she can be found with her loving husband, Shawn, and their children. She maintains her shreds of sanity with yoga, tea, and cats.
You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedn, Instagram, and Tumblr or shoot her an email. Be sure to subscribe to this site to stay updated on story progress and release dates.

And now a little about her book Soul Purge and a key person within the story...




Author's note: Tiago is one of the antagonist we journey with through my Chthonian Guardian series. His role is a complicated, complex one although he doesn't realize it. He sets off with very distinct plans which never seem to pan out quite right. Will this broken soul seek the ultimate revenge or will he walk a road of redemption? Only time will tell.
1. What would you say is your best physical attribute?
A lot of people have said my eyes are quite mesmerizing *snicker* but, personally I would say my hands. My hands assist me in everything from survival to...pleasure. *wink*
(Did he just wink at me??)
**Clearing my throat**
2. How much have your parents influenced who you have become?
Well, I did get me blood thirst from them...other than that, nothing I suppose. Left me to be raised by the Queen's court while they remained on Guardian duty. I was groomed to be a consort to the Queen, a position I held fast for many centuries. Once I met DeeAnn, my anam cara, I no longer warmed her majesty's bed.

3. Often people are able to identify with a quote, or there is a quote that effectively sums up their beliefs. Is there any such quote for you?
Our Queen has often said, "Love is a weakness, no good comes of it." So far I have found no proof to the contrary.

4. Who is this darling little creature hiding behind you? Is she with you often?
Oh this little beauty? This is Maeve; I think she is a brownie. SHe came runnin’ through the woods with a piece bread she stole from some brute an’ he was hell bent on getting it back. I didn't really set out to save her...I was trying to take a nap and she was making quite a ruckus. So, I set him straight about it and she tricked me into keeping her by my side. She's a wee bit shy with strangers though she'll often talk my head off.

5. When you turned around I couldn't help but notice the scar that runs down your back. Do you care to share with us how that happen?
Like my parents, I am a Guardian. My charge, Emilia, has always been a bit...hard headed. She's a wee lass but always set on doing things her own way. One evening she insisted on picking some herbs herself, to help a healer. I stayed right with her but we were ambushed by some vile creatures. That scar was the result of a poisonous talon that left me nearly paralyzed. I had only enough strength to kill my charge.

6. Wait...you killed the young lady you were supposed to protect?
There are worse fates than death. Had this creature gotten its vile hands on my charge it would have proven unfortunate for all of us. Can we change the subject, love?

7. Certainly, um...Everyone seems to have that one thing they fear...you strike me as a brave man but is there anything that worries you?
Losing my anam cara. She is my promise of Transcendence. I cannae leave this world without her because she is the completion of my soul.

8. What is Transcendence, exactly?
You humans call it "Heaven." It is where our souls finally get to rest in continuous joy once they have reached complete growth. Every soul lives, dies, and lives again until every lesson has been learned and absolute radiance has been achieved. Our Queen spends much of her life observing the souls and placing them appropriately.

9. Do you normally kill people?
No. Well, not usually. Only sometimes...if they deserve it. Really it is our job to keep the humans safe from...other creatures...but sometimes the humans are their own worst enemies.

10. Are you a vampire, witch or ware?
Yes.

11. I meant which of these are you?
All of them. None of them. I am a Chthonian.

Well, there you have it folks! A sneak peek at one of our beloved Chthonian Guardians. I wonder how much his next interview will differ from today's? We will check back with him prior to book two!

For more information. visit
http://authoralmabry.com

and her patreon can be found at https://www.patreon.com/amandamabry




Featured Post

A Monsoon Concert...Thunder, Lightening, and Music, OH MY! And some Pyrates too!

    Well hey there! I'm back after a long hiatus from posting here! It's been an eventful year as I'm prepping for some cool thi...