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.

Monster Monday: Dads of Horrorland

As a final wrap up of our June, Monster Dads feature, we turn to the big screen for the top depictions of monstrous fathers in horror films. There are some wicked contenders, but we’ve narrowed it down to the top FIVE:

Jack Torrence – The Shining (1979)

All work and no play certainly was a prescription for madness for Jack Torrence, played by the dreadfully cool, Jack Nicholson. Jack’s insecurities make him the perfect target for the ghosts living in the Overlook Hotel. A hotel he is charged with caring for during the long, isolating winter. Too bad Jack brought his young family along for the brutal ride to insanityville.

   

     George Lutz – The Amityville Horror (1979, 2005)

Nothing strikes the heart of an evil, possessed house like a frugal daddy. When George Lutz (James Brolin) scoops up the real estate find of the century, a Dutch Colonial home to DIE for, dismissing its bloody past, he and his family are embraced, body and soul. Only this welcome wagon comes in the form of possession and blood.

   

     Sir John Talbot – Wolfman (1941, 2010)

Sir John has the daddy of all secrets – every full moon he turns into a man-eating werewolf, so bloodthirsty he even kills the woman he loves. The mother of his sons. All is soon revealed however, when son is pitted against father, werewolf mano et mano / claw and claw / furry chest and....well, you get the idea.

     

     Dad Meiks – Frailty (2002)

Bill Paxton is chilling in his portrayal of a father who believes he can see demons and the sins of others, and who is doing God’s work by killing said folks – while his two young sons watch. He’s training them, you see, to join him in his gruesome duty. To the very end of this film you’ll be wondering – is Daddy Meiks a serial killer or the hand of God?

       

     Satan – Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

While there is a very human male “daddy” in this film, John Cassavetes, he just might be for show. His young, pregnant wife fears he’s made a pact with a bunch of Satan worshipers in exchange for increased success. She’s probably right. And the real father of her child? None other than the fiery redsuit himself, Satan.

Survival Tip: May and June we celebrated the horror of dysfunctional parents, but all monster jokes aside, if you’re a teen and feel unsafe in your own home or just need someone to talk to, please consider the aide of such organizations as Kids Help Phone . If you’re an adult in a soul-sucking relationship, get out while you still can – ask friends or someone you trust for help.

Monster Monday - Monstrous Daddies: Father Time

Old Father Time may be a far less monstrous version of the terrifying Grim Reaper, but make no mistake, the clock eventually stops here.

Generally depicted as an elderly bearded man dressed in a robe, carrying a scythe and an hour glass, Father Time symbolizes the flow of time and its effects. His old body is a reminder that time is the devourer of all things and his life will run out – hopefully in peace.

But we wouldn’t count on it.

Also known as Chronus, the Greek god Lord of time, Father Time has had more than his 15 minutes of fame, gracing the film, literature and mythological stages in various forms such as a serpentine with three heads – a man, a bull, and a lion. 

Survival Tip: Unfortunately, we’ve yet to discover the elusive Fountain of Youth so there’s no real escape from the grand daddy of the inevitable. We’d advise a lifestyle of healthy food, regular exercise…you get the idea.

Monster Monday: Monstrous Daddies - Darth Vader

        


                VADER
If you only knew the power of the Dark Side. 
Obi-Wan never told you what happened to your 
father. 


                LUKE
He told me enough! He told me *you* killed him! 


                VADER
No. *I* am your father. 

Ah, the classic reveal from Star Wars Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back. When racking our brains for monster dads to feature this month, Darth Vader quickly whooopaaa'd his way to the surface. Synonymous with  betrayal, cybernetics, and asthmatic breathing Vader is THE iconicly evil father figure of pop culture. 

One who encourages his only son to join him in serving the dark side. You know, to destroy their remaining Jedi brethren, serve the Emperor, and rule the universe as big bads. Talk about high and twisted hopes for your child.

Not only is Vader known for one of the most misquoted dialogue lines (Luke, I am your father.), he's the ultimate supervilian and mix of man and machine. His cautionary tale ends in sacrifice and redemption. But the image of Vader as a one hell of a nasty dad will live forever in our collective, film-junkie minds.

SURVIVAL TIP: The force is strong in Vader, try to avoid his Jedi mind tricks.