Couple Getaways - I - Ireland

Today my post in on beautiful and mysterious Ireland.

This is THE destination I've been dreaming about since I can remember.





There are endless sites to see in Ireland including the Lakes of Killarney, The Cliff of Moher, Kinsale village, Waterford Castle, and Dublin. While I'm part Irish, I've always been drawn to the sights and sounds of Ireland. I think of it as home, even though I've never been.


Most nights hubby and I sit down to dinner with candlelight and beautiful Celtic music playing. A true favorite is Celtic Harp music, it's great for a relaxing and romantic dinner.

Some of my favorite movies set in Ireland (or with some scenes in Ireland) include: The Quiet Man, Circle of Friends, P.S. I Love You, Leap Year, Ondine, The Secret of Roan Inish, and Tristan and Isolde.







All throughout April I'll be posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you'll stop by for the next destination! No passport necessary ;)


~Ann Cory

Couple Getaways - H - Hawaii

Though it has been many years since I've been to Hawaii, I'll never forget how much fun I had. Granted, I was seven years old. But even then it left quite an impression on me.

My mother and I bought some pretty Hawaiian dresses and put flowers in our hair. I remember we were selected from the audience to be personally serenaded by Don Ho. Tiny Bubbles of all things. Back then, that was a huge deal. I also received regular rounds of Shirly Temples with tons of cherries throughout our two week vacation. And I ate to my heart's content. I really enjoyed the sweet Hawaiian bread.

I'm grateful for the pictures I have to remind me of my time there. While I didn't appreciate all of the sites at that age, I can appreciate them now. Such a beautiful island. Definitely a place to visit again someday.



Hawaii is indeed paradise, and couples will have no shortage of finding activities to do with one another. From watching hula dancers, to strolling along the beach by day or by sunset, seeing the bamboo forest, heading out in a kayak, stargazing, exploring the volcanoes, surfing, or escaping behind a waterfall.




All throughout April I'll be posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you'll stop by for the next destination! No passport necessary ;)


~Ann Cory

Couples Getaway - F - Florence

There's a beautiful little spot in Oregon called Florence. There you'll find beautiful evergreen forests, sparkling lakes, towering dunes, and a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean.



With 10 miles of uninterrupted beaches, quaint local shopping, scrumptious dining, and fun activities, there's no shortage of things to do with your significant other.

One of my most favorite attractions is the Sea Lion Caves. I'm amazed at how many sea lions gather there. The sounds they make are quite entertaining, and it makes me laugh to watch them play in the water.

Anorher fun attraction is The Oregon Dunes, where you can rent a dune buggy, or go out on a tour.

Florence is where you'll want to spend a couple days to take everything in, like Old Town, The Heceta Lighthouse, or a leisurely hike to the top of Cape Perpetua.

When you've had your fill of activities, don't forget to do some shopping, and take a peaceful evening stroll at sunset. Florence is a place for tranquility, relaxation and fun, and indeed a memorable couples getaway.

All throughout April I'll be posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you'll stop by for the next destination! No passport necessary ;)

~Ann Cory

Couple Getaways - E - Enchanted Forest

Today's post on Couple Getaways takes us to a quaint little fairy tale place in Salem, Oregon known as The Enchanted Forest. Not only did I frequent there as a child, I've also taken my son there. Not much has changed, but it's still fun to walk around the park and enjoy all of the little cottages and rides. It's a place that like Disneyland, it's just for kids.

Sometimes you don't want the fancy stuff. Sometimes you want to walk around and have somewhere to explore. You can do that at The Enchanted Forest. It's great for the imagination. Pack a picnic and you're set for the day!

Some of my favorite attractions: English Village, Western Town, Water Show, and Storybook Lane. You'll step through a crooked house, go down a rabbit hole, walk into an evil witch's mouth, hang out with Humpty Dumpty, and go through Pinocchio's house.

There are plenty of rides including slides, water slides, a log ride, and the bobsled.

My favorite part of the park is the water show. Lit fountains move and come on with music. It's relaxing and a good place to come in from the sun if you're there during the summer.

While it wouldn't scare me now, the haunted house used to have me running and screaming. My poor parents had to chase me down a couple of times before no matter how much I begged, they said I couldn't go in there.

For a great post on the history of The Enchanted Forest, stop by Here - it's fun to see how one person's dream can come true!


All throughout April I'll be posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you'll stop by for the next destination! No passport necessary ;)

~Ann Cory

Sexy and Mysterious? Or something else? Nikki Duncan Guest Blog

I am so thrilled to have fantastic author Nikki Duncan on my blog today!

Think of your favorite characters, whether from TV, movies or books. How often do you know everything about those characters before the show or story ends? How often are you left wondering about a little piece of them?

Personally, some of my favorite characters maintain an air of mystery, or have to continue fighting for their major goal. A few examples of late…

Reese from PERSON OF INTEREST. He has a wounded past and has done some not so nice things. Now, though, he’s been pulled from his self-imposed seclusion and has the chance to do some good. A chance to make amends for his past. It’s not necessarily a path he wanted to find himself on, but now that he’s on it, it’s one he can’t stray from.

Then there is G from NCIS: LA. We know his last name, or at least what we think is his last name, and his first initial. No matter cases he solves or how many people he helps bring to justice he is always searching for answers about his past. Who is he? What does G stand for? Does he have family? And on and on go the questions along with why it is he really doesn’t allow himself to settle into a relationship. What is he really afraid of?

The character that so far has always stood out the most to me was Jarod from THE PRETENDER. After escape, Jarod spent every moment of his time trying to help the underdog or protect someone he saw in need or right a wrong he inadvertently caused while in captivity. For Jarod, that meant travelling from place to place with his radar set to suspicious.

Do these characters, or whoever your favorite ones are, strike you as sexy and mysterious or do they come across as something entirely different?

When I decided to write an empath, I thought about these characters I enjoy so much and then I considered how I could make said empath similar. This hero makes his appearance in the third book of the Sensory Ops Series.

Dr. H is an empath who was stolen by a shady arm of the government as a child and experimented on until he was finally able to win his freedom. The peace he’s lived for the time he’s been out has been great. And free of liars and government.
Until now.

Tell me which characters are your favorites and why. Are they mysterious and wounded or more straightforward?

Commenters will be entered into a drawing for an ARC of ILLICIT INTUITIONS, set to release next Tuesday. I’ll stop by tomorrow to announce the winner.

Love could be their greatest liability.

Ava Malia knows three things. She was once a kickass covert operative. She will eventually adjust to her new team, the FBI Specialized Crimes Unit. And the only way to finally be free of her professional past is to solve her first case and get her hands on a game-changing technology. The only problem? Success rides on her ability to swallow her distaste for the persona she must adopt in order to earn the trust of a mysterious scientist.

Dr. H escaped childhood captivity with three things. His sister. Complete control of his gift. And an engulfing distrust of anyone in the government. Adjusting to a life of freedom hasn’t been easy, but he’s found peace in solitude. The sexy woman auditing his empathic studies, though, has a way of getting under his skin that’s both arousing and disturbing. Plus, his psychic ability warns him of secrets so deeply buried in her psyche, they’d be better left alone.

Yet their instant attraction strips away all their protective barriers, down to the foundation of a new, fragile trust. And a vulnerability that, when an old enemy opens fire, could blast away any chance of a future.

Read an excerpt of ILLICIT INTUITIONS now!

Drumheller - D - Couple Getaways

Welcome to the "D" portion of my ongoing Couple Getaways series.

Maybe you and your special someone aren't looking for a romantic getaway. Maybe you're looking for something a little more primative. A place to be active, hike, or uncover dinosaur fossils.

If so, you should definitely stop through Drumheller in Alberta, Canada. Drumheller is known as dinosaur valley.

The family and I spent a couple of days there and had a wonderful time. Unfortunately we went during an unseasonably hot week so we didn't get to spend as much time outside. We did however enjoy ourselves in the nicely air conditioned The Royal Tyrrell Museum. You can spend the entire day in there. Not only are the exhibits plenty and magnificient, they have a ton of interactive exhibits to lose yourself in.

Other sites to see in Drumheller include:

Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site - where you can explore the 210 foot underground conveyor tunnel, hike up the newly restored Blacksmith Shop, or ride on the 1936 Mancha mine locomotive.

Visit the Fossil World Dinosaur Discovery Centre




Stroll through the Homestead Antique Museum





Check out the amazing Hoodoos






See the world's largest dinosaur made entirely out of steel. It weights 145,000 pounds, is 86 feet high, and is 151 feet long! Very impressive. I was just happy it was made out of steel. I'd never run fast enough from something that huge. You can climb up and look out its giant mouth.



All throughout April I'll be posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you'll stop by for the next destination! No passport necessary ;)

~Ann Cory

Couple Getaways - C - Cayman Islands

Looking for a place of beauty, relaxation, and romance? Go no further than the Cayman Islands.

150 miles sout of Cuba there are three islands: Little Cayman, Grand Cayman, and Cayman Brac. The three islands are visible limestone peaks of a submerged mountain range more than four miles deep.

The magical underwater kingdom of coral reefs that ring these islands are not to be missed.



If you're an underwater enthusiast, you'll have the pleasure of exploring over 200 underwater sites while enjoying the vast array of exotic and colorful tropical creatures that inhabit the area.

At Sting Ray City, tourists are welcome to swim with the otherworldly creatures. Deep-sea fishing expeditions are available. If you prefer above the water sports, you'll find plenty of things to do including: Windsurfing, wave running, water-skiing, and parasailing.

If you prefer to stay dry, visitors have the option to enjoy the view in the Atlantis Submarine where the submarine trips above the reefs to treat you to a view of the tropical fish in their habitat.

On land there are just as many activities to take part in such as golf, tennis, birdwatching, and hiking in the abundant beautiful locations including Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park , the Booby Pond Nature Reserve, and the two-century-old Mastic Trail. As well as touring the ancient caves on Cayman Brac.

And don't forget to visit the world's only sea turtle farm, this. The Cayman Turtle Farm breeds and releases sea turtles into the wild.

This is definitely a place I'd love to go with my sweetheart. How about you?

All throughout April I'll be posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you'll stop by for the next destination! No passport necessary ;)

~Ann Cory

Honeymoon in Brazil - B - Couple Getaways

Since more than 30 percent of the earth's remaining forests are in Brazil's Amazon rainforest, it's good motivation to grab your loved one and check out the beautiful blue water, explore the rainforest, and observe the wildlife that sustains it. Whether by foot, raft, canoe, boat, canoe, or from the air, you'll be surrounded by a glorious paradise.



Brazil is famous for two of its white sandy beaches: Copacabana and Ipanema.

What all is there to do in Brazil?

Visit Corcovado Mountain
Couples can enjoy a 25-minute ride uphill on a tram through the dense tropical growth of Tijuca National Park.

Admire the Views from Sugar Loaf
At 1,300 feet, Sugar Loaf is spectacular. Two separate cable cars will take you to the top. It's the perfect setting to watch sunsets.

Stroll Copacabana Beach
By day, enjoy the warm cobalt blue water of Copacabana. Or cool off with a moonlit stroll.

Shop in Ipanema

Visit H. Stern
Jewelry mecca, H. Stern, is THE place where visitors can gaze at over 50,000 pieces of jewelry, many made with gemstones like the Brazil mined blue topaz and amethyst.

Explore Downtown Rio

Savor a Romantic Dinner for Two

Relax in the Seaside Village of Parati
Parati, a charming town built in the 1600s. Its quaint cobblestone streets are lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries.

During the month of April, I'm taking part in the A-Z Challenge. My theme for the posts are Couple Getaways. I hope you'll stop by as I make my way to Z.




~Ann Cory

Breakfast at Tiffany's - Six Sentence Sunday

Welcome to Six Sentence Sunday!

The following six sentences are from my book Breakfast at Tiffany's. This is a menage erotic romance published by Resplendence.

“Our only interest is pleasing you.”
She couldn’t believe this was happening. It was surreal and scary and beyond all comprehension. There had been a certain safeness to admiring them from afar. They couldn’t reject her and she wouldn’t have to get her emotions stomped on. But now, they were throwing themselves at her, promising pleasure and not just from one, but from both.

To read the rest, pick up a copy of Breakfast at Tiffany's from Amazon.


Ann Cory

Into the Blue - Sweet Saturday Sample

Happy Saturday!

Today I'm taking part in Sweet Saturday Samples. This sample comes from my book Into the Blue available now at Amazon.

Samantha Jensen walked to the edge of the diving board. The water in the pool looked impossibly blue. Almost cerulean. It called to her. Begged her to slip into its liquid paradise and escape the record high temperatures of the afternoon. The Santa Ana winds had picked up that morning and, mixed with the mid-summer humidity, made it hotter than usual. Unable to resist, she dove in headfirst. Into the blue.

The surge of water against her breasts gave her instant relief. While far from cool, it offered a momentary respite. She moved her body like a mermaid along the bottom and admired the intricate tile work. Above she watched the water ripple. Gold rays from the sun splashed the surface like splotches of paint. So peaceful. So serene. She'd always felt safe in the blue. It was a place she went in her mind as a child. No one bothered her there.

No one made her play favorites.

No one else was allowed in.

~Ann Cory

Silent Kisses and Themes

I'm sort of piggybacking from my post earlier this week on It's In the Kiss. Only this time I'm posting about kisses from the days of silent cinema.

Thomas Edison's 20-second long The May Irwin Kiss was the most popular Edison Vitascope film in 1896. Many considered it scandalous to view two physically-unattractive people magnified on the screen during an extended kiss.

Alexandre Dumas' famous story of a Parisian courtesan, Camille was remade in the silent era in 1917 with Theda Bara.

Corinne Griffith starred as a destitute, wide-eyed, and naive showgirl in Milestone's silent romantic comedy The Garden of Eden .

Two of the most prominent characters in silent romantic films: Rudolph Valentino and Theda Bara.

Rudolph Valentino: The Latin Lover

The charismatic Valentino was dubbed the "Latin Lover" after an illicit tango dance in The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. He became a box-office male superstar with his portrayal of a dashing Arabian sheik named Ahmed in a few silent melodramas/costume adventures, The Sheik as well as Son of the Sheik.

Theda Bara: The Vamp

Ohio-born Theodosia Goodman was an unsuccessful stage actress with the name Theodosia de Coppett, until she changed her name to Theda Bara. She became a major star in her first starring role as an exotic, sexually-aggressive femme fatale vamp character in Frank Powell's melodramatic A Fool There Was.

The magic of Greta Garbo and John Gilbert:

Greta Garbo and John Gilbert were two of the earliest romantic screen couples in the silent era. Reportedly, they had Hollywood's first French kiss on screen in a shadowy garden scene, and the first-ever horizontal-position kisses in an American film. Soon after, they were paired in MGM's melodramatic silent film A Woman of Affairs.

For more about early romance, you can click the source where I gathered this information from Here.

Starting next month, along with my regular blogging, I'll also be participating in the A-Z Challenge.

I'd like to say I was forced into it, but really I like a challenge, and it intrigued me. I'm sure I'll be sorry later ;) My theme for these A-Z posts will be Couple Getaways.

Hope you'll stop in and check them out.

Now I must get back to writing! Have a wonderful day :)

~Ann Cory

Creature Corner - Griffons

Today I'm posting about one of mankind's most implacable foes - the Griffon.

Griffons are large, fierce-looking creatures. Their front half resembles an eagle with large swooping wings that are capable of lifting them along with prey up off the ground. Their back half and tail resemble that of a lion.

They have upright pointed ears, cruel, hooked beaks, and bright glowing eyes.

There are two varities of Griffons: Northern griffon and Indian griffon.

Griffons are well known for their speed, strength, sharp vision, and keen hearing.

The first recorded encounter of a griffon happened in 3000BCE in Egypt.

These odd creatures make their homes high in the mountains, and along rock overhangs. Since they are not fond of heat, the females often build their nests inside a cool cave. These nests are often found laced with gold, emeralds, precious stones and stolen jewelry.

Griffons are monogamous, they mate for life. If one partner dies, the other will never re-mate. Offspring remain with parents for three years. During this time their parents forage food for them. A griffon's preference in prey is a horse, which they can lift with ease, rider and all. Because of their curved claws, they easily pierce, pick up, and fly off with their prey.

Source: Fabulous Creatures and Other Magical Beings

Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Ann Cory

Creature Corner Wyverns and Drakes

While Wyverns and Drakes are both cousins to dragons, there are differences between the two.

Wyverns are aggressive creatures, better known in England. These creatures are associated with envy, pestilence, and war, and were known to have spread the plague. Their wings are much like a bat in that they are derived from the forelimbs. They have a distinctive two-legged stance. Wyverns are mainly found in the woods and forest areas. Though they're also found along cliffs. They have eagle-like talons and barbed stings on the tip of their tails.

Drakes are more timid creatures, and typically found in Germanic and Celtic mythology. Their wings are developed from extended ribs, much like a dragon. They're found in remote mountain areas, as well as in caverns where it's said that they're attracted to shiny objects. While they don't breathe fire, they have been called firedrakes due to their toxic blood which is saturated with sulphur salt, and is flammable.

I've not written a story about dragons yet, much less wyverns or drakes, but after having done a little research on them, I may try my hand at it someday. Currently I'm reading Carrie Vaughn's Voices of Dragons, which gave me a little inspiration for this post.

Do you have a favorite book that features a dragon of some sort?

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Ann Cory

A Healthy Dose of Write Motivation

It's a Monday so it's time for a Write Motivation check in!

Good productive week. I finished my novella that I'd been polishing until my eyeballs bled. Okay, a bit over the top, but they were definitely bloodshot. And strained. But hey, you've gotta suffer for your art, right? Sure.

I've started a sexy steampunk story, and as of this morning hit 7k. I'm shooting for about 12k. I'm also reworking a previous WIP on the side, because really, I can't ever just work on one thing at a time. No, not me. It does feel good to be writing, creating, finding new characters to torture.

My March goals are as follows:

1) Edit minimum 6 pages, 4 days per week
2) Write for minimum 30 minutes 6 days per week
3) Update blog minimum 4 days per week
4) Social Network/blog comments minimum 3 days per week
5) Read minimum 30 minutes per day
6) Study craft minimum 30 minutes per day
7) Eat well, drink water, move body every day

What I accomplished:
1)I completed the novella, sent it off to my amazing CP's. Wrote the synopsis (if you read my post earlier this week you'll know that was a feat and a half), and will be submitting it off this afternoon. Woot! Feels good :)

2)I've written 7k on the new story and added 3k on the other one that now needs to be revised.

3)I've continued to blog every day. Go figure.

4)I visited many friends last week, which always feels good. I'm not always great at responding on my own blog, but I do try. I will continue to make rounds and visit friends.

5)Lots of reading :) I finished Wicked Lovely, and am halfway done with Dead Ironby Devon Monk. I also got the great honor to beta read a fabulous book that I can't wait to buy when it's published!! Great characters, intense plot, tons of action and emotion, and fun as well. I will be plugging this fantastic book when it gets closer to debut time - along with the fab author :)

6)My synopsis workshop is still going on and I've been incorporating the lessons into my synopsis. I want to learn to write these babies well! Practice, practice, grumble, practice.

7)I've eaten well, had plenty of water, and worked out 4 days this week. The weather has been nasty and the morning brrrr cold. So excited for spring!

So, novella polished, synopsis written, ready to submit. Cranked out half of a new story. Reworking older story. Feels good to be writing :)

I've done all this with the most exceptional cheering squad to help me get through some rough patches. Not sure I would've made it without the Write Motivation!

So what is Write Motivation?

Write Motivation is a wonderful group of lads and ladies who are super supportive, inspiring, creative, talented, and highly motivating. They are keeping me on my toes. And if I'm having a low point or what-not, they help boost my spirits :) You can hang with us at #writemotivation on Twitter or stop by the above link to learn more. We'd love for you to join us!

Thanks for hanging out with me here on my blog! Go forth and show this week that you aren't about to take it lying down!

~Ann Cory

Creature Corner Kitsune, Nogitsunes, and Primed Suspect

Today I’m going to share some facts about a very special kind of fox that has incredible paranormal powers. They are called Kitsunes or Nogitsunes. While the legends and myths of these creatures are most prominent in Japan and China, they are also written about in many other countries including India. Typically a kitsune is depicted as a woman. Often times as a seducer, able to get into the heads of the men they choose, and have her way with them. They are known to be wise and live a long, long life.

A kitsune is not as powerful in their mortal form, but they have far more chances to experience pleasure as a human. They are likened to the Western concept of the succubus – beautiful, seductive, and able to draw life force out of their chosen victim. In some myths they are considered evil, while others depict them as good. Either way they are most noted as tricksters.

Their fox form differs from that of a regular fox in the amount of tails they have. The most powerful, the Nogitsune, can have up to nine tails. They are able to light a fire to see their way in the dark by rubbing their tails together. Other powers include breathing fire and creating illusions. It is said that while in their human form, the women’s faces still take on that of a fox, more often with their cheekbones, narrowed structure and the slant of their eyes.

There are many myths and legends found on the website depicting different types of kitsune. It can make for many hours of reading, which I found while researching about these unique foxes for my story Primed Suspect. Shape-shifters of any kind are always a catapult for my imagination and often keep me up late at night.

Creature Corner: The Selkie and The Nagas

Today I’m blogging about Selkies. Selch or selk(ie) is the Scots word for seal. Selkies are also referred to as water kelpies or seal people. I find them quite mysterious and I’m working on a story now about one. If you aren’t familiar with Selkies, then please read on.

It seems the legends of these unique creatures or spirits originated in Scottish and Irish folklore. Selkies are seals who have the ability to shed their seal skin and take human form. They are considered gentle, and I’ve just always considered them magical.

For many years I lived along the Oregon Coast. In one particular area along Gleneden Beach, many seals would come ashore and bask in the sunlight. I used to close my eyes and pretend I was alone on the beach, just strolling along when a male selkie would emerge from the ocean in human form, with droplets of water cascading down his muscular body.

Male Selkies are known to possess seductive powers. With their dark hair and eyes, and devastatingly handsome good looks, they are able to seduce a woman with ease. Most males seek out human females for companionship. I have a feeling I could overlook the webs between their fingers and toes. I have a feeling I’d be too distracted by everything else.

Female Selkies are somewhat the opposite, often being quite shy. They don’t go looking for a mate, even when they’ve come ashore and discarded their skin. If a mortal man happens by and captures her skin while she’s in the form of a woman, the she can be forced to become his dutiful wife. If she ever finds her skin only then can she return to the sea.

To me, Selkies are simply fascinating. I enjoyed the reference to selkies in the movie Ondine starring Colin Farrell.

Another interesting creature is known as the Naga.


This week I’m blogging about Nagas. The term Naga means serpent. Nagas are able to shape-shift into a human, or into a snake. Sometimes they can become part human, part snake, and sometimes they can be part mermaid, part snake. Often times they fully change into a snake and can become so large they can devour an elephant. When they are in snake form, they tend to resemble cobras or pythons.

Nagas or snakes represent rebirth, death, and mortality in that they are able to shed their skins and in a sense be reborn. Nagas were known to keep to themselves, typically living in underground cities or deep in the jungle, rather than out in the open with humans. They are found mostly in tales from India in much of the Hindu mythology. It is said Nagas feared unicorns.

While many fear snakes and consider them evil, the Hindus consider Nagas as nature spirits – protectors. In North India, there are communities who claim to be direct descendants of Nagas.

When I came across this type of shape-shifter, it got my imagination working overtime. Beautiful as the snake women were, my mind went a different direction. Something more powerful and masculine. The idea of a man (and we’re talking about a devastatingly handsome man here) cursed to become a Naga by a ruthless Naga queen seeped into my dreams and a story was born. My short story Snake Charmer from Ellora’s Cave can be purchased on its own, and it’s also included in the Glamorous Garnet print anthology.

Ann Cory

Creature Corner: The Mare and Windigo

In Norwegian myth, there is a terrifying female shape shifter called the Mare. She is known as a tormentor, mainly of men, and only wreaks havoc at nightfall. Though this shape shifter takes on the form of a horse, she is able to enter a dwelling through a keyhole or a wall crack.

Once inside she mounts the chests of her victims, making it difficult for them to breathe, causing extreme pain and frightful dreams. In America she is known as the nightmare.

In daylight hours she roams in the form of a woman, usually someone’s wife or mother, without any characteristics or markings to distinguish them as anything but human. While they can shift into other creatures, it predominately chooses to become a horse.

It’s suggested that a horseshoe hung over the bed, or another type of iron/metal object, can discourage the Mare. Should she not find a human to victimize, she will torment livestock by riding them roughly. To keep livestock protected, it is best to tie a bell around their necks, or hang metal around the barn.

I believe the Mare has visited me. I've woken with my chest heavy, gasping for air, and near tears from a terrifying dream. Maybe I should consider investing in a horseshoe. Mare be gone!

And onto a seasonal, subarctic maneater with a heart of ice - otherwise known as the Windigo:


It is said these ruthless creatures were humans at one time, who became possessed cannibals. With trees used as snowshoes they roam forests of the north, hunting for human flesh. Blizzards follow their path of bloody destruction.

They’re described as tall giants with gaunt forms, glaring eyes, and a shriek that paralyzes its prey. In seconds the ice creature rips out all vital organs and feeds. Even the creature’s own family is considered prey.

I don’t know about you, but I’d rather not run into one. I’m uncoordinated when it comes to walking in snow, so I doubt I could run or get away from some demon-like thing that has the munchies. Then again, I'm not a fan of snow so I can't imagine why I'd be out walking in it to begin with. But I've said that about other things, so who knows ;)

In my research little is said about how to escape a Windigo. You can attempt to throw excrement at the creature to buy some time, but flinging poo wouldn’t be my first choice.


~Ann Cory

Insecurities and Synopsis Writing

As part of the Insecure Writer's Support Group hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh, I am sharing my continual growth and self improvement that I've embarked on this year.

I will forever be a work in progress. And I'm down with that.

Though I've been writing for a number of years, I have a number of weaknesses to overcome. The important thing to remember is that a weakness can turn into a strength. It just takes time, work, dedication, and practice.

This week I'm putting a spotlight on synopsis writing. Now, I consider blurbs and log lines fun to write. A synopsis - not so much. I need practice writing them so that they're engaging and succinct, detailing the characters, plot, and important inciting events.

Mine reads like a book report. A somewhat dull book report.

And I don't get it. Because I'm super jazzed about my book. I LOVE my characters and the crazy ride I've put them through. I'm proud of the lessons my characters learned, and for their growth throughout the novella. But do you think I can convey that in my synopsis?

How can I spend months writing a book and not be able to clearly express what my book is about? Why can't I make it exciting and bursting to be snatched up by a publisher or editor?

This month I'm in a workshop taught by Sally Walker to help me gain some confidence in this area. My big hope is that weeks, or maybe months from now, I can scratch writing a synopsis off my list of weaknesses, and add it to my strengths :)

Do you find synopsis writing easy? Do you have a proven formula? Someday I hope to say YES!


~Ann Cory

Creature Corner - The Tengu and The Leshi

If you're ever looking for inspiration, you need only look to the many shape shifters and monsters out there in mythology and folk lore. Today I'm going to talk about two different types of shifters. The Tengu and the Leshi.

The Tengu(a group of high-flying demons) are found in the mountainous areas of Japan, often dwelling in cedar or pine trees. There are two tiers of the Tengu: Higher Tengu and Inferior Tengu. The Higher Tengus wear red bishop-like robes and a small crown. They take human form and are often seen with white hair, red faces, and holding a feather-made fan. They travel as independents, rather than in a flock as the Inferior Tengu does.

The lesser tier of Tengu is described as having small wings and sharp claws on their toes and fingers. Often their clothes are made of leaves and wear black hats on top of their heads. Both types of Tengu have long beaklike noses. It is expected of the Inferior Tengu to carry out the nasty orders and demands of the Higher Tengu.

These shifter demons are known to be the spirits of the unforgiving dead. They have a fondness for playing malicious and practical jokes on innocent travelers. The Tengu most enjoy taunting Buddhist monks. In fact they will lead a monk astray, bind them to a treetop and offer them food that isn’t food at all, but excrement. How appetizing!

They are also not beneath stealing children and hiding them from their parents. When the children are returned, they rarely regain their senses.

Awareness and adhering to the rules of the Tengu will greatly increase your chance of travel without incidence. It should be understood that the Tengu own all the trees in the mountains, and are to be propitiated for any wood taken. Woodcutters offer rice cakes if they chop down a tree. A lack of respect could cause the Tengu to start avalanches or worse.

I guess a good rule of thumb would be to start packing rice cakes if I’m out walking the mountains and forests of Japan. And here I thought a water bottle and trail mix would be a better choice.


The Leshi (Leshii) is a guardian species found in Russian forests. These shifters are known to be mischievous and tricksters. They’ve been seen in many forms – the most common a tall man covered in unkempt black hair. The Leshi have also been seen with cloven-hoofed feet, a tail, devil-like horns, and carrying a whip to signify he is master of the forest and all animals within it. This cunning shifter can also take the form of a large tree or a small blade of grass, or as any number of animals including a hare, bear, raven or wolf.

The Leshi likes to mess with the heads of people, and will call out to travelers who pass through the forests in a friendly voice, leading the unsuspecting folks in circles until they’re lost. Those most likely to fall prey to the Leshi’s antics are woodsman and hunters. Depending on the Leshi, they may only play tricks on the victim, or they may tickle the victim to death, or cause them to become ill.

While many of the tales about the Leshi make the shifter seem tame compared to many other types of shifters, there are stories where a woman is taken captive, later returned mute and moss-covered.

If one should run into the Leshi, it’s suggested to turn clothing inside out, put the right shoe on the left foot and the left shoe on the right foot. Fire will also work as the Leshi fears fire.

Since I’m terrible with directions, I’m afraid I’d definitely get tricked by a Leshi and get hopelessly lost. Being tickled to death may not be the worst way to go, but it’s not ideal either. Actually, I think it’s kind of twisted, lol. I think I’ll stick to the forests nearby where I’m much more comfortable.

Next Tuesday I'll be sharing two more shifters. Hope you'll stop by :)

~Ann Cory

Oh So Motivated

It's a Monday so it's time for a Write Motivation check in!

I had a great week but found I had to pull a lot more hours trying to get the current WIP all polished and ready to submit. As a result I got up very early and wrote late into the night more times than I care to. It worked okay, but I don't think I can sustain that. Being almost finished (I'm thinking Tuesday at the latest) I will be glad to move onto the other WIPs that have had to wait on the sidelines.

My March goals are as follows:

1) Edit minimum 6 pages, 4 days per week
2) Write for minimum 30 minutes 6 days per week
3) Update blog minimum 4 days per week
4) Social Network/blog comments minimum 3 days per week
5) Read minimum 30 minutes per day
6) Study craft minimum 30 minutes per day
7) Eat well, drink water, move body every day

I accomplished:
1)I spent each day doing deep edits to get the novella polished. I definitely went beyond what I'd set for myself, which was supposed to be the healthier route to go. It's sort of a double-edged sword. This coming week I'd like to spend more time writing.

2)Between two WIP's I've written 10k, which is fine, but really I spent the most time on edits so I didn't expect the number to be high.

3)I've blogged everyday this week. Guess I have things to say for a change? We'll see how it goes.

4)I spent some time schmoozing. I visited more friend's blogs this past week which made me feel good. I always feel terribly rude when someone stops by and I don't return the favor. It's just good manners, you know? My momma did teach me better. I will continue to make rounds and visit friends.

5)Lots of reading :) I finished Changes, A Blue so Dark, Hostage, and am halfway done with Two Minute Rule by Robert Crais. I read A Blue so Dark in a day - terribly hard to put down! Great YA!

6)I'm doing a workshop this week on synopsis writing, because I don't do well with those at all. I need to change that. Always learning :)

7)I've eaten well, had plenty of water, and this week I made the extra effort to workout. I did yoga one day, and interval training 3x's this week. I promise to keep this up. Especially with warmer weather on its way.

I am not a fan of turning the clocks forward. Just saying. Nothing good comes from losing an hour.

So this week I should have the WIP polished and sent out to Beta readers and CP's. I hope to spend more time writing, and yes...working out. Like it or not I need to make my health a priority. *sigh*

So what is Write Motivation?

Write Motivation is a wonderful group of lads and ladies who are super supportive, inspiring, creative, talented, and highly motivating. They are keeping me on my toes. And if I'm having a low point or what-not, they help boost my spirits :) You can hang with us at #writemotivation on Twitter or stop by the above link to learn more. We'd love for you to join us!

Thanks for stopping by! Wishing you a goal-busting week ahead!

~Ann Cory