Monster Monday: Cryptid Cries

For weeks my husband and I have heard strange sounds in the woods behind our house. The above picture is one I took last fall as we were walking on one of the many trails. The cries occur at night and in the early morning hours. If we’re outside with the dogs, the sounds are enough to have all three of them charging our back fence.

I can only describe what we heard as screams. Eerie, demonic cries that echoed in the darkness. A few nights ago, the screams sounded like they were coming from inside our yard. So close – the creature that made them could very well have been on our deck. Yet, as soon as we turned on the deck light, the sounds stopped. Creepiest. Thing. Ever.

Since we couldn’t sleep, we searched online and found sites listing the mammals in our region. We listened to recorded calls for bobcat, bear, moose, elk, wolves, and finally heard the screams that had been haunting us in an unlikely source.

A little wee, redfox vixen. Have a boo at this video and you’ll hear the screams:

Amazing that such a small creature can sound so evil. And big. The point of this tale? The experience gave us a taste of what it's like to investigate cryptids. The need to KNOW just what was out there - was overwhelming.

I leave you with this video from Northern Alberta, men listening to ominous sounds of an unidentified beastie in the forest and ask - what do YOU think it could be?

Another Monster Announcement: Monsterthology

Monster lore may be rooted in mythology and science, but its interpretations are often popularized in film, television and literature. Who doesn't love a great monster flick?

We certainly do, and for young monster hunters, boning up on pop culture trivia could actually save your life. The monsters may have different faces, or the lore might be slightly skewed, but fundamentally, every reference is an opportunity for you to get to know your monsters...before they GET you.

On July 27, 2012, Zombie Works Publications launches MONSTERTHOLOGY, a collection of short stories based on classic film monsters. Like Dracula, Wolfman, and Frankenstein. The "other me" (Dawn Ius) is proud to be included in that anthology with a short tale based on an interpretation of Frankenstein, called DEATH ECHO.

While this book may not give you the complete low-down on how to slay the world's most-wanted monsters, we truly believe that knowledge is power - and the key to survival.

MONSTERTHOLOGY will be available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and select Wal-Marts. To find out more about Zombie Works Publications, check out their website.

Monster Announcement

We break from our usual Monster Monday post to bring you a special announcement. The first book in the Most-Wanted Monsters fiction series, Killer’s Instinct, will be published late 2013 (or early 2014) by Leap Books.

The MWM fiction series follows four young members of a secret militia who must slay their personal demons if they want to rid the world of monsters - before the monsters get YOU.

Events are told through the four main character’s points of view, in alternating chapters, yet each novel focuses on the personal journey of a different character. Killer’s Instinct is Hope’s story.

Here’s the cover / blurb:

KILLER'S INSTINCT (Most-Wanted Monsters, #1)

Where there is NO life – there’s Hope.

Hope has always been a bit of a freak. But when her mother crawls from her grave and her undead corpse goes MIA, Hope's last thread of normal snaps with a vengeance.

Enrolling in a militia-style school for monster slayers seems the only course of action. And the best bet at tracking her mother down.

But does Hope have a true killer's instinct? If she finds her mother, will she have the guts to do what must be done?

Coming soon from Leap Books.

ISBN 13: 978-1-61603-024-7

ISBN: 1-61603-024-0

We’ll be promoting the novels on this site, as well as: HERE. Watch for some wicked cool posts in October as we take part in the 3^rd annual Crossroads Blog Tour featuring 13 young adult paranormal fiction authors and bloggers. 

Monster Monday: Anansi

Spiders are creepy enough on their own without adding in a mischievous back story, but that’s the case of the Anansi, a trickster spider so well known he’s given his name to a whole rich tradition of tales.

Anansi – spider – tales are some of the best-known in West Africa. The stories once made up an exclusively oral tradition, and indeed Anansi himself was synonymous with skill and wisdom in speech.

In fact, the once fun-loving spider has made many guest appearances in everything from cartoon series and comic books (Spiderman actually becomes Anansi in one comic), to the subject of a Raffi folk song. 

Don’t let this Disney-rated pop culture status fool you, though.

Over time, the Anansi has turned into a vile creature (which pretty much sums up ALL spiders) that tricks people into allowing him to steal food or money, or something else that could turn a profit.

Thankfully, the tricks ultimately backfire. At least in the storybooks, anyway…

Survival Tip: Keep your eye out for the trickster ANANSI. Chances are, he’s got all eight of his on you.