I haven’t done one of these in a while, and I really need to because I’ve come across so many interesting creatures while researching for my First Blood series. There are so many creatures of folklore and mythology out there that I’ve never heard of or that I forget about since it’s not as commonplace. So, let’s have some fun learning about these different creatures! I’ll also throw in how I used them or changed them.
Today’s creature is: the Freybug.
Come again? The what?? What about a bug???
Would you believe me if I told you that this is actually a very large black dog? That’s right. In folklore and myth, it was known to travel along roads and scare travelers! Wouldn’t that be fun? For the Freybug anyway.
Not an actual depiction.
The Freybug is actually from English folklore according to Wikipedia, so I’m sure it has a different pronunciation than how I’d say it. Still, I find the name hilarious. So, how do I use this creature?
Well, it hangs around a road scaring people, right? So that’s exactly how I use it. You’ll just have to read Third House to find out more of the juicy details!
Let’s see, today we have a new release by McKenzie Rogue! This is her debut novel, and it sounds pretty interesting. Hmm time to find out what happens…
Click picture to go to Amazon
As future king, Ash’s destiny has always been to mate with a female dragon and rule over the clan But fate has a funny way of screwing things up After Ash’s parents are murdered and their kingdom is destroyed Ash doesn’t care about the throne; all he wants is revenge
Then he finds her. His mate. But she’s human, which threatens any right Ash has to the throne. Not to mention completely against the rules. Finley and all her desirable curves make him and his dragon drool, and despite his best efforts, nothing can keep him away
The Craze is threatening Ash’s mind. If it takes over, it’ll mean death for the prince The only cure is claiming his mate But he’s got more important things to think about Like revenge and keeping his family safe
As Finley gets sucked right into the middle of his plot for revenge, Ash and Finley must battle not just against the dragon shifter prince who destroyed his life, but against the laws that have dictated dragons for centuries.
Today’s snippet comes from another book in The Diner: Of Fishes And Wishes! This story is by Melanie Gilbert and the shared world box set releases Oct 23rd! We can’t wait for you to read it!
Going out to dinner tonight had been a treat to myself. Now, I regretted my choice. I should have waited for a different night. One with less people. The girls at work teased me for being antisocial, but they didn’t realize the extent I would go to be antisocial if it were possible. I needed a place to live, food, and utilities. Those wouldn’t pay for themselves. I hadn’t yet found a job where I could work from home. When I did, I’d be home. All the time.
Habit drove my hand to tap the back pocket of my jeans. I froze mid-step as the blood drained from my face and my heart stuttered to a stop.
I patted the pocket again. Still, nothing.
“Don’t panic, Venice. Don’t panic. Just think. Relax and think.”
Why had I brought the coin with me? No one would break into my crappy apartment. I had nothing and it showed by the state of the entire building. No one with anything would live there. I didn’t even want to live there, and I had nothing.
“Go back to The Diner. Check the seat and talk with the staff. Look on the ground for it as you walk back.” Talking out loud kept me from totally losing my mind, something I was two breaths from doing. I’d been so stupid. So stupid.
My heart beat hard in my chest as I walked, my eyes searching the crowded sidewalk in frantic sweeps. I couldn’t see any glimmers off a coin, even human money, but I still kept searching as my breathing grew more ragged. I had to find it. Everything I’d worked for would be over if I didn’t. My freedom would be over.
The Diner appeared faster than I’d thought. Time and space meant nothing while I’d searched for my coin. If it wasn’t in The Diner, I’d need to scour the sidewalk again until I found it. Even if I had to stay out all night, the lack of sleep would be worth it.
A few human heads raised from their meals when I bustled into the human’s diner in a flurry of rushing limbs. The floor remained spotless as I made my way to the hallway where the tapestry was located that led to the supernatural side. I did what I could to glance beneath tables and booths as I passed them, gaining more unneeded attention, but I couldn’t help it. At this point, I was a breath from pulling my hair out in the fetal position on the floor. The humans didn’t know what I’d lost, physically and beyond.
“Aeternum ceno,” my voice squeaked out the password and I shoved the tapestry aside to walk into the supernatural’s side of The Diner. Good thing the magic knew what I’d meant to say because I could barely understand myself.
My eyes immediately darted to the booth where I’d sat on the other side of the room. Some of the tension inside faded at the empty seating. No one sat there and would be weirded out by my request to search the area. However, that had been the least of my concerns on my walk back to this spot.
“How many?” One of the staff approached me. He stood tall, a good six inches taller than my six and a half feet.
“Um, I’m not here to eat.” I scooted past him and he followed. “I left something, I think. Anyway, it’s not in my pocket. Once I find it, I’ll be out of your hair.”
“What did you leave? I can help you look.”
I wanted to say yes to the man. He was hot. Even in my frazzled state I could see that. But I shook my head. If he came across it first, I’d be in so much trouble. “It’s okay. I’ll find it.”
At the table, my hopes fell. Someone had cleared the space. Maybe they hadn’t noticed the coin if it fell in the crack at the back of the seat.
I ran my hand in the crack, cringing the entire time. The effort didn’t come up empty. I did find a few french fries and human coins, but I didn’t find my coin. Tears burned my eyes as I sat in the empty booth, staring at the white laminate covering the wood.
“Are you sure I can’t help you?”
The man now sat in the seat across from me, a grin on his face. I scowled.
“Where is it?” If he didn’t have it, I’d strangle him for laughing at me.
Whether we want to admit it or not, Christmas is coming sooner than we realize! Yes, it’s the beginning of October and therefore pumpkin and spooky season, but who doesn’t want to get their Christmas shopping finished early? And what better gift to give than books!
This year, I’m holding the cheapest sale on my paperback books ever! For only $5/book plus shipping, you can purchase any of my books from me, signed, to give yourself or others on your Christmas list! Just follow the link to the submission page and fill out the form! It’s as easy as that. The only book not available is Negative Energy as I’m still working on getting that paperback up for sale.
Welcome to one of my favorite places on Earth: Shipshewana, Indiana! You’ve probably never heard of it, and that’s okay. It’s a small town in northern Indiana with some of the best shopping and food imaginable!
What I would say is the biggest attraction to Shipshewana is the Flea Market. Rows upon rows of vendors with some unique items all for a fair and cheap price! It’s fun to see the popular items that change year after year as so many people will sell those. There are staples that my family checks out every year, and new vendors we find along the way. One of our favorites is the Spice Guy. I’m not sure what his shop is called at the moment, but that’s our family nickname for him. He’s got a multitude of variety in large containers. If you love to cook, he’s a must see.
It doesn’t matter who you are, there’s something for everyone! There’s booths with clothes, dresses, purses, tools, wooden crafts, guitars for kids, movies, books, flowers, and so much more! And let’s not forget the food vendors. There are lots of those too. Depending on how fast or slow you go through, it could take all day to explore!
The flea market itself is open with individual booths being covered by buildings, tarps, or nothing but open air. In rainy weather this can be an issue, but we’ve rarely ran into this situation. For us, it’s almost always been sunny and HOT. Very hot.
Also, unless specified as a special weekend event, the flea market is only open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays weekly and runs throughout the summer. You never know what you’re going to find. It changes year to year!
Right behind the flea market (or in front depending on which way you’re facing) is Yoder’s Meat & Cheese Co. Let me tell you, they have the BEST cheese ever! It’s also a great price. Plus, the variety of cheese they have makes me a happy person: they have samples I can try! (or so they did before this year, and I’m unsure if the pandemic has affected this or not)
My dad would say the best part are their pickles. They’re huge and whole. He likes to buy them by the 5 gallon bucket.
Now, for my second favorite place of all (and reason for going) is The Blue Gate Restaurant. Their family style chicken dinner is AMAZING!!! It’s now a buffet style meal, and you can’t go wrong with all you can eat of the best food around. Plus THE PIES!!! Yummy!! There’s always new flavors as well as the staples. Come with an empty stomach because you’re going to want all the room you can get for this food. They also have little bread loaves you can spread peanut butter and/or apple butter over. Their peanut butter and apple butter are both homemade and you can even buy them in the Blue Gate’s store. The store also sells pies, candy, mugs, knickknacks, Christmas ornaments, and soooooo much more food. I can’t name it all. And outside they have small ponds with fish (the kids in our family always find this facsinating)
Across the street and all throughout town are stores with furniture, decorations, and food! These stores are open during the week and after the flea market closes so there’s always something to do on days the flea market is closed.
The Shipshewana area is celebrated for being home to the third largest Amish community in the United States, for having the Midwest’s largest flea market, and for its reputation of hand-crafted wares.
While you’re planning your future family trips, make sure Shipshewana is on that list. You’ll never regret it. I wasn’t able to go this year when some of my family visited because I had car trouble on the way, but I can’t wait for my trip next year! (Pictures taken by my mom)
For more information, check out: https://www.shipshewana.com/ They even have an IG account: @shipshewana_flea_market & @shipshewanaindiana
Today’s spotlight book just released so it’s brand spankin’ new! It’s book 1 in the Broken Court series, and don’t you just love that cover??? Another added to the TBR pile (I must read faster). Check it out below!
The fae king once tried to break me, but now… I’m coming for him.
After being exiled from the only home I’d ever known, I swore to never return. Instead, opting to start a new life offering my services to supernaturals who’d rather not get their hands dirty.
When a distractingly handsome and alluring fae shows up asking for my help, my initial reaction is to refuse. There’s a darkness in him that beckons me, and in my experience, any type of connection is a weakness I can’t afford.
However, after I discover the identity of his enemy, I find myself pulled into his battle, hoping to slay a few of my own demons in the process.
As something sinister attempts to take control, I’ll have to decide whether to continue doing things my way… Or chance the risk and let others fight beside me.
The only thing I know for sure is that the fae king’s biggest mistake was thinking he broke me, and my biggest victory will be proving him wrong.
Today’s snippet is coming from my upcoming book in The Diner Box set. It’s called “Black Cat’s Curse” and I find this book hilarious. The dynamics between Lucky and Doris are beyond adorable as she tries to act like she doesn’t like him and he loves to annoy her.
Snippet
“Dear, I don’t know where those paws of yours have been, but that isn’t the place for them,” Doris stated, sliding in behind the bar on this side of the diner via a door to the left. “Now, take a seat on the stool.”
The woman’s voice jogged my witch’s attention from her laptop, and she finally noticed me. “Umm, nice kitty?” Her voice was so hesitant and uncertain that I had to wonder what about my small stature had her sounding like that. Did she think I was going to attack and try to scratch her eyes out?
Very nice kitty, I confirmed and watched as her bright, sapphire eyes widened and her mouth popped open.
“You talk.”
Doris chuckled, taking a drag on the cigarette still hanging out of her mouth. “Of course he talks. He’s a black cat. All they ever do is talk.”
I do not, I argued, sitting my butt down on the bar for emphasis. And this is my seat.
This summer, me and three other authors decided we wanted to create a fun box set! Inside you’ll find the craziest and awesomest supernatural diner on the planet. Each of the four stories included in the box set revolve around this supernatural diner and its mysterious tapestry.
Blurb:
Step into The Diner, and enter into a world where nothing is as it seems. Enjoy a hot mug of coffee or a chat with a ghost.
Step through the Tapestry and portal to The Diner, where food is served with a side of supernatural. A place hidden from human sight, where you’ll discover witches with familiar’s, elven warriors and even Doris.
Step through the Tapestry and portal to The Club. Where the drinks are unusual, the vampires brood and danger lurks in dark corners.
Step into The club and become mesmerized by mermaids. Step into The Diner if you dare.
So, my story in the box set is Black Cat’s Curse, and I can’t wait for you to meet Lucky and Brooke! He’s a black cat on a search for his witch. There are also books with vampires, elves, witches, mermaids, genies, ghosts, and much more. Inside its pages is something for everyone.
Lately, fonts have been on the mind. Why? Because, as I’m not sure many know, I make most of my book covers myself. While I’ve purchased some premades and customs, I prefer to make my own covers. It’s cheaper for me to do it that way, but I also find it relaxing, and it’s a chance for me to learn something new. Learning new talents is like going on an adventure and not knowing what you’re going to find. It’s the same when I start a book and a new cover. I never know what adventures they’ll take me on!
Now, back to fonts. While the cover art is absolutely necessary and important, the right font is VITAL. You wouldn’t put a spooky looking font on a sweet contemporary romance cover just as you wouldn’t put beautiful swirly fonts on a horror cover. The fonts need to match the cover, story, and genre.
Since I make most of my covers, I have to constantly be on the search for new and good fonts. I’m still not an expert with fonts and finding the right fonts, but it’s fun to play with. I’m still learning all there is to know about fonts and where to get them, but I’ve found a few great places for amazing fonts.
One of those places is FontBundles.net. They have a huge selection of fonts! Some are free, others are on sale, and they have bundles of fonts also on sale. Their new font selection is one of my favorite sections to scroll. And, it just so happens that I found an email in my inbox today about a Christmas bundle for sale…well the word Christmas piqued my interest. You know how much I love Christmas anything! It’s definitely worth a look! I was giddy about every font I scrolled past.
So, in short, if you’re looking for a great font site, don’t miss FontBundles. Really, don’t. They have the perfect fonts at the right price and you’re sure to find a style that you love for whatever project you’re working on! I have some fun Christmas covers on the mind now…
(PS they even have craft bundles any crafters should check out too!)
And we’re back for another book spotlight! I haven’t read this one either, but it has tigers, so you know I’m in! I’ve added to my TBR pile and you should too! This is the start of an addictive 10-book binge read with all types of shifters.
He’s on a mission to find missing shifters. She’s about to become one of them.
Abandoned as a baby, Amber Allen has never known another shifter like herself. She came to Shifting Sands Resort hoping for answers about her past, but she only finds questions about her future. She doesn’t understand the connection she has with the handsome stranger at the bar, but she knows that his arms feel more like home than anywhere she’s ever been.
When spy and tiger shifter Tony Lukin asked for an assignment somewhere warm, he wasn’t expecting that the real heat would be between the sheets. But he’s at the all-inclusive, shifters-only, clothing-optional luxury resort for only one reason, and it’s not the sapphire pool or the white sand beach… or the enchanting botanist at the bar offering to buy him a drink.
Tony’s real mission is to uncover who or what is behind the sinister disappearance of shifters from the resort over the last few years. He’ll have to move fast or risk losing everything… and the secretive owner of the resort seems to be doing everything in her power to stop his investigation.
Can Tony convince Amber that they’re destined to be together… before she goes missing, too?
![Dragon's Honor: A Curvy Girl and Dragon Shifter Romance (Royal Dragon Shifters Book 1) by [McKenzie Rogue]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51PciRGFDJL.jpg)
![Dark Fae Cursed (Broken Court Book 1) by [Heather Renee]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51C7kpg8p2L.jpg)
![Tropical Tiger Spy (Shifting Sands Resort Book 1) by [Zoe Chant]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51LFUGhzLiL.jpg)
Heather Karn 