Fate in the world of The Overseers

The Overseers: Book 1 - The Collector

Blurb

After watching millions die, those human emotions are starting to take effect. Instead of collecting his next spirit from the car accident that is about to kill her, Kale saves her life. His punishment for ruining fate... is mortality.

Samantha hasn't been able to stop thinking about her beautiful hero. So when she stumbles across him, lying in a hospital bed with a small case of amnesia, she is more than happy to offer him her help. It's the least she can do to re-pay the man who saved her life.

Though Samantha soon learns that Kale isn't the guardian angel she thought he was, not to mention how far he has fallen to earn a place in her heart.

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 Excerpt

The Makers. One woman. Three individuals. Each represented the three phases of a mortal’s existence upon earth. Adelpha, birth. Iva, life and Thana, death. Over the centuries, they had become known as many things, the Moerae. The Parcae. The Norms. The Matrones. The Fates. They were the first created after Earth and its mortals, and they were designed for one reason and one reason only. To create purpose within the World. To design and control the Creator’s divine plan for all eternity. He waited patiently, not daring to lift his head. Seconds stretched into minutes, yet they did not speak to him. Kale took a deep breath and raised his head carefully in hope of not meeting any of their eyes, but his gaze fell upon a giant hole within their tapestry.

Fates’ tapestry. It was an exquisite and vibrant design that covered the walls of the chamber in layers. Each individual thread was a lifeline, spun delicately from the hair and blood of the Fates themselves. Each length was chosen to match that of a mortal’s time on earth. Each individual thread was cut and woven into the ongoing design, linking people’s fates and circumstances. It was a design that only the Makers understood.

And something told him the reason he was brought here was because of that very hole.

Buy Link: http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/books/thecollector.htm

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This is a post taken from my own blog which I wrote in October - the release month of The Collector. I find that a lot of people have very interesting views regarding life after death, and fate etc. So I thought it would be interesting to have a discussion. :-)

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So today I thought I would whip this post up to follow on from my October 2011 blog post at Sarah Ballance's blog - These posts can be read in any order. The post at Sarah's is about how I came up with this story based on my own personal beliefs. 

But instead of discussing beliefs a little more, I thought I would talk a bit about fate within the world of The Overseers.

Now, over at Sarah's I was discussing how I view fate as a road map. That no matter what we decide in life, everything is already planned out for us. Like a driver on a journey, we are just choosing which route to take.

So, what would happened if a bomb was suddenly dropped a mile or so ahead of you, taking all the roads with it and leaving you with a pit?

The only difference between my view on fate, and my characters view on fate, is that I am viewing it as an individual. We each have a road map, that may run alongside and join with others road maps. But, The Makers have to view fate for billions upon billions of people, all of who are there and then gone again. They have a future for the entire world to map out as the present slowly fades in to the past, and quickly becomes our history. So, Fate's design is an ongoing tapestry. Why a tapestry? Because it is colourful. Detailed. Vibrant. And so complex, no one would understand it.

As you may already know from the blurb - and could probably guess from the above little excerpt - Kale has gone and ripped a hole in Fates design. *Cue the fatal "dun, dun duuuuuuun!"* Perhaps it seems a little harsh to punish a man for ripping a hole in a piece of material - an extremely important piece of material - but let us look at the effect ripping a hole in material has...

Have you ever looked closely at... oh lets say jeans. If you look at a pair of jeans you will, naturally, see the tightly woven threads, all of which make a little double criss cross. Now, when you rip that material, you have cut those threads; you have created two frayed halves of each thread, and completely disturbed that neat, tight flowing pattern.

Naturally it is easy to fix - even though people do sport holes in jeans. It is meant to be more cool, right? - you can just sow up the hole. But you will never get that original pattern back. Ever. You are just taking a different piece of thread and pulling, or rather, forcing everything back together, and all in a weak attempt to seal that hole and fix the problem. But those original fibres are still severed. That break in the pattern is lost forever.

This is what Kale has done. He has unintentionally ripped a hole in the vast vibrant material, severing all the threads in half and disturbing the well planned flow of things.

He has cut peoples life lines. Disturbed the natural flow of their lives. He has basically caused havoc, and cut fate out of the picture for one moment, and because of this, people are dropping dead way before their time. There are crazy accidents happening. A sudden influx in premature births, and so on.

Just one moment you ask?

(Well, despite the fair size of the hole, you have to remember that The Makers have been around since the world was created, so they are rather good and quick at the job. Plus you have to remember that the other plain is timeless.)

But none of that stops the fact that they are now having to take spare pieces of threads, and link them to old threads - extensions on pre-planned lifelines - and link them in. One big disruption of flow, and unfortunately they can't just pull that hole close and seal it. Oh no. They have to create a new pattern. A new flow for that point of time.

So, that road map of yours that had a canyon in the middle of it due to that silly bomb, has now got bridges running over it. The roads continuing from it have obviously been tampered with because that hole disrupted your routes, but... Fate prevails never the less.

The Collector is the bomb in this story Arc. Kale has disrupted the flow of fate. In The Collector we get to see Kale dropping zed hypothetical bomb, and then watch his punishment, help him figure out the reasons behind him doing such a thing. We get to see how he feels about what he has done. We get to join him on his new route, on his road map.

Next - and I am determined there will be a next - we will get to see the effects of his spontaneous decision, and how they have effect the celestial order, and other peoples lives.

So, what are your views on life after death? Do you believe in fate?

Paranormal Britain

It's a lovely, warm day today, although I still reckon it'll snow end of Mar / beg of Apr, as it has done for the past couple of years.

But today made me think of spring, and spring in the UK is truly beautiful with the grass looking greener and the smell of everything as flowers begin to bloom...

It makes me feel like getting out and exploring the country, and one of my favourite past times (which, sadly, I have less time and money for nowadays) is to go out hiking, specifically near and around stone circles. For those of you unfamiliar with stone circles, Stonehenge is the most famous of all, but there are lots of little, lesser known ones dotted around the UK, and their energy is amazing.

I don't make a secret of the fact (nor do really go shouting about it) that I'm 100% witch at heart, and there's nothing more grounding and refreshing to really connect with the land, especially when you spend most of your hours at a laptop, belting out blog posts and stories.

Needless to say, that a lot of my inspiration for current and upcoming books have been based on my love of magick, Paganism, and teachings of both witchcraft and shamanism (from various traditions).

In my latest book, The Sands Of Time, I mention how apple trees are a doorway into the land of Faerie. In The Witching Pen, I explore magick in a more urban way, by placing some of my characters in a new age shop in the middle of London, and concluding the events of the story in a 'hotspot' at Hyde Park.

One of the things that makes the UK truly unique, is that all you have to do is drive / train journey for no more than 20 minutes to get from urban to countryside. You're greeted with a complete change of scenery, but neither less magical than the other.

One of the closest magical places for me (about an hour's drive away from where I am), is Pewley Downs in Surrey (nr Guildford). The north and south downs of Surrey as a whole are quite something: they're ancient, but the land also seems to carry itself as if it's brand new and still flourishing in the present. Very strong energy -- very strong indeed.

And this is the part of the blog post where readers begin to think I'm a little weird, but hey, I am. I actually have danced naked around a fire in the snow before. No -- you'll never get to hear about it, but feel free to read my stories, and wonder if there's any fact to the fiction ;)

What are your nearest and favourite magical places in the world?

Dianna x

Shapeshifters VS Werewolves

Is there a difference between the two?

"A Werewolf - also known as a lycanthrope - is a human with the ability to shapeshift into a wolf or a wolf-like creature, either purposely or after being placed under a spell or being bitten/scratched."


Okay, a human with the ability to shapeshift i.e. a shapeshifter, but there is still a difference between them and Werewolves. Shapeshifters by definition are actually able to shift in to any animal form they like, whereas a Werewolf can only shift in to the form of a wolf, or a wolf like creature. So despite the line being rather thin, is there is still a distinct difference between the two?


I guess it is completely dependent on what your personal views on such creatures are. All writers - for example -  have their own idea of what a Shapeshifter is, or how a werewolf should look, and we will all give such creatures our own personal twist. It is our job to keep such creatures fresh and interesting, plus we will always see such thinks differently.

Werewolf

Personally, as both a reader and a writer, I view Shapeshifters and Werewolves to be two separate groups.

To me a Werewolf is a creature that is a mixture of both man and wolf - an old school monster in a sense - view picture on the left.

Whereas a Shapeshifter is a man/woman who completely transforms in to a wolf - view picture on the right - instead a mashup of the two.



Shapeshifter

Anyone who has read my paranormal erotic romance, She-Wolf, will know that my Werewolves are old school grab-your-pitchforks-and-torches creatures. In my head they’re a lot furrier and taller than the picture on the left, but that’s just a visual idea for y’all. My Werewolves are big bads the skulk around in forests, and watch you from the tops of buildings. They don't have tails and they don't run around on all fours. They are scary-cool, and in my head I can totally see such huge, bulky creatures creeping around in the Scottish highlands, or in the cities at night.

There are a number of different creatures throughout the world who can transform shapes, so I suppose Shapeshifter in a sense has just been dubbed as the title of a category of magical and mythological creatures; even so, each have their own names and descriptions dependant on their locations. A few examples:-

Skin-Walkers (American Indians) are able to shift in to any animal they desire.

Nagas (Asia) are snake people. And just like Werewolves, and Boudas - Hyena-men (Africa) - they are another type of creature that are a cross between human and animal.

Selkies (Ireland/Scotland) are seal-maidens that shed their skin to become human. If they put the skin back on they will shift back in to their original forms.

There are so many different types, so I’ve added the following link - which is one of many - great site that will list a number of creatures with the ability to shift:- http://www.seekerworld.com/legends/werewolf.html

I guess after a ton of books, and movies about such fascinating beings descriptions/definitions have twisted and merged, and changed to a point where the line is rather broad. Then again it is up to our own imagination on how we wish to paint the creatures in such stories, and whether we wish to view them as different groups or one in the same.

What are your views on such creatures? Do you see horror monsters in your head, or bigger animals when reading stories? Which would freaky you out more if you bumped in to them in the dark?

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Both pictures were found through google image search:-
Information taken from:- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Werewolf

Werewolf picture was found on - http://www.ranker.com/list/werewolves-on-film/ariannafelidae

Shapeshifter picture was found on - http://monster.wikia.com/wiki/Shape-Shifter

The "New Adult" Genre

I've been seeing an awful lot of discussion flying around about the "New Adult" genre (18-35 year olds) over the last couple of days, so thought I'd air some thoughts and see how it may fit into the paranormal romance genre.

It interests me because I think my writing style may fit into that category... then again, maybe not?

My main characters are all between 25 and 35 years of age (well, for the most part. I usually try to fit an older man in there somewhere, because I have a soft spot for older men, and that's another blog post!), but my writing style tends to be much lighter than what you'd get in a book aimed for the adult romance market. I like my characters fun-loving and with young hearts and young minds. Maybe 'youthful' is a good word. I'm not sure... Anyhow, my personal feeling is that paranormal romances (or even paranormal mainstream fiction) lends itself to a younger writing style anyway. I think it's because there's something tongue-in-cheek about the supernatural, and how people react to it. I'm trying to think of a adult paranormal romance I've read that's oh-so-serious, and off the top of my head, I can't actually think of one.

Paranormal romance is also a great genre for exploring bizarre relationship connections that you wouldn't get away with in another type of romance, e.g. the power struggles between angels and demons, or werewolves and, I don't know, kittens or something. You can really take things to the extreme.

I'm all for a new genre if it's called for. But I have to say, that I find it hard to pigeon-hole my books. My style of writing may be considered more young adult, but the content is definitely adult; the characters are 25 years old or over, but they can often act like ditzy teenagers (can't we all?) -- I mean, where is the rule that says once you reach, what, twenty-eight? thirty-eight? you suddenly only think grown-up thoughts and do grown-up things? NO! Inside me is a cheeky, stroppy, sometimes amusing little child, thank you, and I think I'll remain that way until I'm old and grey!

So is there really a difference between the New Adult genre, and an adult book that's written in a younger style?

What really is the New Adult genre?

Feel free to jump in with thoughts -- I'm still trying to figure it out ;)

Quotes I love!

Or rather, lovely love quotes!

I wouldn't call myself a cynic, because I'm really not. Yet, despite being a romantic, I have never been entirely keen on Valentine's Day. I believe you can show your appreciation for your partner, and celebrate love all year round.

But, as it is Valentine's Day tomorrow, I thought I should do a post that at least links to the day. So, I am going to share some of my favourite romance - film, and book - quotes with you.

Films:-

"Marry me Margaret, because I would really like to date you." Andrew - Ryan Reynolds - The Proposal.

“You were the love of my long life.” Mitchell – Adrian Turner - Being Human

“I love that you get cold when it's 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realise you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” Harry – Billy Crystal - When Harry met Sally

I love Smallville! I love Chloe & Oliver:-

"Oliver... I never thought I'd have to tell you how I feel about us, because the smile on my lips when I looked at you... pretty much said it all. But now that you won't be seeing it anymore, I'll have to use words to tell you. I've never loved anyone the way I've loved you. And I never will again. You will always be my brightest star, my knight in shining leather, my hero." Chloe Sullivan – Alison Mac - Smallville

Classic Books:-

“Sometimes I have the strangest feeling about you. Especially when you are near me as you are now. It feels as though I had a string tied here under my left rib where my heart is, tightly knotted to you in a similar fashion. And when you go to Ireland, with all that distance between us, I am afraid that this cord will be snapped, and I shall bleed inwardly.” Mr Rochester - Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

“My love for Linton is like the foliage in the woods: time will change it, I'm well aware, as winter changes the trees. My love for Heathcliff is the eternal rock beneath: a source of little visible delight, but necessary. Nelly, I am Heathcliff.” Cathy - Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Two of my fave Alpha’s from my two fave Series:-

“I worry something will happen and I won’t be there and you’ll be gone. I worry we won’t ever get a chance and it’s driving me out of my skull.” Curran - Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews

“No more excuses, Mercy. You are mine, and I am keeping you.” Adam - Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs

Now to gush over my own characters quotes:-

“Do you truly feel that she is worth your wings?”

 “What good are my wings, friend, when I can hold the world in my arms?” Kale - The Collector, by Elizabeth Morgan

"I love you, Clare Marie Walker, but I swear to god if you ever make me go through this again, I will kill you myself." Owen MacLaren - She-Wolf by Elizabeth Morgan

Those are just the first lot that spring to mind. I can assure you that I could probably pick a quote from every book, song, and romantic movie that I own, but I will stick with these gushy/cheesy/romantic and wonderful quotes for now.

So, what are your fave quotes? What are the lines that have made you go “aww” and wish you were on the receiving end of such a conversation?

The British Paranormal Romance

There are a lot of paranormal romance / urban fantasy books based in the USA, and not so many based in Great Britain.

When I started writing The Witching Pen Novellas, I was adamant I wanted it based in the UK. We have so much history here that could be regarded as magical, and the roots of our Pagan ancestors really don't run that far beneath the surface -- it's all still quite fresh in our history and folklore, from the tales of Robin Hood, to the mighty battles of King Arthur.

I've made my own magical history, of course, with The Witching Pen, but book three (The Demon Bride) will see an introduction of (my own) angel lore, using some elements of London and British history, that will kick start the spin-off novel, The Last Angel -- I'm stupidly excited about this!

So, be aware that within my books, I will use words like "radiator" to mean what you might know as thermostat or heater; "tube" means metro, "jumper" is a pullover or jersey, etc, etc. My characters are British-based and think in British words (although I do add a few Americanisms in there from time to time, after all we live in the 21st Century and the language barrier is eroding with the technology that we have).

Please bear with me, my American readers :) I try to make it all make sense.

And look out for more British paranormal books from me. I love this country I live in. I don't want to say that it's going "downhill" (although with the economy the way it is.....), but it was once SO great. Our knights / vigilantes were courageous, the women who waited for them held hearts of steel, and it's all still here.

I think that when most people think of romances, they don't think of the Brits -- we've earnt a reputation of breeding stiff upper lip men that show no emotion, and women who are too hard to love wholly. Codswallop. It's not just our men's lips that are stiff (if you know what I mean) -- it only hides a passion too great to express, and our women can seem cold because they love too hard.

Love Actually is one of my favourite romantic comedies, and I think it beautifully expresses the above.

Writing the paranormal, my characters are a little more kick-arsey than that, but the core principal is still the same.

I'd like to flood the market with paranormal fantasies and romances based in the UK. This country "totally rocks" :D

Dianna x

Seeds of Blood.

 . . . . Or rather, how the idea for The Blood Series began, and why it is the way it is.

Ideas come to writers in many different ways. My ideas are often through dreams, and on an odd occasion I will look at something, or someone will say something and a small seed is planted. Sometimes it rapidly begins to blossom in to an idea, and other times the idea takes some tender loving care and persuasion.

This post is all the madness and reasoning behind how I came up with writing my paranormal series.

Now, if you haven't read my paranormal erotic romance, She-Wolf, this post might be somewhat spoilerish, but by all means if you want to see how my crazy story of Werewolves and Vampires lurking around the United Kingdom, actually began . . . Then put up your feet, and grab a cuppa.

Welcome!

Welcome to our cyber hangout "Not Just A Stiff Upper Lip!" We are your hosts, Elizabeth Morgan and Dianna Hardy, and we are here to entertain you!

Well, that isn't a complete lie, but we are actually here to hang out with all you lovely people. That's right, this blog is a place for y'all to come and join us in talking about all things sexy and paranormal, and British.

That's right we ladies wish to shine a light on the paranormal and fantasy lovin' around the United Kingdom, and discuss why we have set most of our stories in our merry 'ole England - and well, Scotland, Ireland and oh, Devon. Oh heck, the UK in general.

We will be keeping you updated on our upcoming projects and releases. Sharing excerpts. Giving our characters free rein to post - if they're good. Holding competitions. Swooning and drooling over paranormal hotties, and basically just chatting our socks off.

We do hope you'll come and join us!