Saturday, August 2, 2014

                                                  
WRITING FANTASY: by JoAnne Myers


When it comes to fiction writing, almost anything goes. That is why I love writing paranormal and fantasy stories. The author can go completely over the edge and make something unbelievable seem believable.

For my fantasy stories, I get a lot of my inspiration from real life experiences. Not necessarily my own, either. My love for monster stories came from my childhood, from watching Count Dracula and Werewolf movies. Most of the stories from my anthology, Loves, Myths, and Monsters,


 Loves, Myths and Monsters

When it comes to fiction writing, almost anything goes. That is why I love writing fantasy stories. The author can go completely over the edge and make something unbelievable seem believable.

For my fantasy stories, I used my love for monster movies to contrive a collection of unusual tales of mystery, danger, twists and turns. My love for monsters came from my childhood, from watching Count Dracula and Werewolf movies.

Welcome To Anna came from my love of the Twilight Trilogy. Instead of the leading lady being pursued by a vampire and a werewolf as in Twilight, the leading lady in Welcome to Anna, is pursued by a Chupracabra; a large hideous creature that transforms between being a coyote and a beast that kills at will.  What happens next is a series of chilling mysteries, and unsuspecting friendships and love.


The Hunter's Bride-This story was derived from searching the Internet on various legends and myths from different countries. 

Moon People came from my imagination of how I believe Mermaids came to exist. Since they are part human, I imaged superior beings living on the Moon, and one fell off, landing in the Earth’s ocean, and being swallowed by a passing fish.

The Pack-This story depicts my version of how werewolves evolved.

The Bidding I got from watching an episode of The Twilight Zone as a child. It takes place in Circleville, an actual town in Ohio, close to my home.


The Agreement-Roseville, an actual small town in Ohio, is where this story takes place.  I thought it would be interesting to find out what happens to an arrogant city slicker when he meets a no-nonsense country sheriff.


For The Love Of Ginnie-My love of American history and the Civil War, conjured up this tale of adventure, and a roller coaster ride of joy and perils for the hero.


Is It Only A Myth?- With the legends, myths, movies made of it, and reported sightings of this elusive but deadly creature half man/bat/rat, I had to write about the Mothman.


The Proposition-I wrote this tale of love conquers all, because I love cowboys, and strong minded women.


The House On Shady Lane-This story is based on historical facts of a family from the 1870’s believed to be the country’s first serial killer family. They were even hunted by the famous Pickerington Detective Agency.


Love's Curse takes place in a real town famous for local resident John Holmes, the King of Porn, and of the local college’s actual mascot.


So, the next time you get Writer’s Block, or need a new idea, try switching on the television, open a newspaper, delve into history or simply look and listen. You will find something to stimulate your muse. #


Excerpt

For the Love of Ginnie

I don’t know why I wanted to save the life of a person I never met. Maybe it was because I was tired of bachelorhood. Maybe it was because I was a chemist and the unusual, and unexplained, fascinated me. Or, maybe, it was because I was obsessed with this twenty-year-old, dark-haired beauty named Mary Virginia “Ginnie” Wade I had read about.

These questions filtered through my mind as I drove to the bar to meet my best friend Will.

Will’s favorite hangout was “The Bling,” originally an old truck stop on State Route 93, in Nelsonville, Ohio. The place became a restaurant/lounge/dance hall and brothel when semis no longer became a necessity for long distance hauling. The invention of the transporter also replaced many other primitive jobs such as mail delivery and travel. “The Bling” was best known for the large flashing lights suggesting scantily clad women in seductive positions above the front entrance, and its “bulldogs,” monster-sized bouncers in Armani suits who patrolled its two-block perimeter, inside and out.

“The Bling,” just another joint with a sleazy atmosphere, like all alcohol-serving establishments, differed only in that it catered exclusively to class “A” clientele. Politely—or maybe not so politely—everyone called it the “Whorehouse for the rich and bored.” Its reputation grew. Its income grew even faster.

I pulled up in front and exited my vintage DeLorian, tossing the keys to the baby-faced valet, by-passed the doorman with no questions asked. Just an exchange of large smiles between us. Will was also part-owner.

As I entered the twenty-four carat gold, electronic doors, Will immediately spotted me and motioned me toward the bar with his diamond embellished hand.

I loved sitting at the bar. It was the perfect place to see the shows. “Two double scotches and water,” Will said, as we shook hands, and I slid into my seat beside him, just as the tall, leggy waitress produced the drinks in an instant.

I immediately recognized the “girl” as one of the latest “do-everything-like-a-wife” robotics. Robot manufacturing had become a booming business since the last war destroyed the immune and reproductive systems in most humans, especially females.

“I don’t know why you waste your time flirting with non-humans,” I said, cautiously sipping my drink. The immense emptiness of not being able to acquire a wife and soul mate, I felt at this age in my life, almost drove me to alcoholism, but my boss and mentor, Doctor Obar Gabry, intervened, saving my life and promising career.

“Because, dear friend,” Will began, “beggars can’t be choosey, and ladies are in scarce supply. Beside, these ‘girls’ are all pink inside.”

Ugh!” I said, gulping down a large swallow of alcohol as if it could wash away my friend’s vile mental picture from my mind.

“Come on, Alex, loosen up. Live a little.” Will motioned to the waitress for another round of drinks. “You’re alive, so act like it. Don’t let your beautiful mind go to waste. This world needs people like you. People started treating me like a god once I became an entrepreneur, and I love it.”

I had to laugh. Maybe my self-pity stage had outlived its use. Only I can find a wife for myself. I certainly won’t ask Will to hook me up. His sense of values are as artificial as the women he beds.

The pain and loneliness I felt at times from yearning for a life-long partner and family wasn’t easy to accomplish. Scientific and Medical technology still could not reverse the sterilization effects on the female species.

Sure there were some human women to date. But most were either sterile, too old, too young, or there was just no chemistry between the two of us. I wanted that spark that unites between two people madly in love...like my parents. I never met any couple happier with one another then my beloved parents. That’s the kind of love I want…never ending.

The emptiness and frustration of not finding companionship at times made me want to die. But that was the loneliness talking. I know that now. I love life. I want to live, and I know who I want for a wife. It’s just that meeting her would be a little tricky.

Abruptly, I asked, “What do you think about time travel?”

“Are you serious?” Will asked. “Scientists have tried to conquer time travel for hundreds of years, and failed.”

“Maybe they failed because they weren’t Doctor Gabry and me.”

Will looked at me in awe. “Oh, my god, you’re serious!”

“We discovered something today in the lab,” I said, giving him an arrogant smile. “We believe this is the answer.”

“So who is to be the Guinea pig?”

“Me.”

Silence came from Will, then a gasp. “That could be suicide.”

“Or the biggest discovery of the thirtieth century.”


MELANGE IN PRINT AND EBOOK:


LULU in print


AMAZON KINDLE STORE



Author Bio:


I have been a long-time resident of southeastern Ohio, and worked in the blue-collar industry most of my life. Besides having several novels under my belt, I canvas paints.

When not busy with hobbies or working outside the home, I spend time with relatives, my dog Jasmine, and volunteer my time within the community. I am a member of the International Women’s Writing Guild, Savvy Authors, Coffee Time Romance, Paranormal Romance Guild, True Romance Studios, National Writers Association, the Hocking Hill's Arts and Craftsmen Association, The Hocking County Historical Society and Museum, and the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center. I believe in family values and following your dreams. My original canvas paintings, can be found at: booksandpaintingsbyjoanne.com

Other Books by JoAnne:


Murder Most Foul-a detective mystery

Wicked Intentions-a paranormal mystery anthology

The Crime of the Century-a biography true crime

Poems about Life, Love, and Everything in Between


Upcoming Releases:

Twisted Love-a biography true crime anthology

Flagitious-a detective mystery novella anthology


Contact JoAnne:

Email joannetucker98@yahoo.com 

Blog Host: rebeccadraco.com

7 comments:

Ashantay said...

I enjoyed your excerpt and love the idea of Moon People. You are so right - fantasy and sci-fi are fun to read just because their are no boundaries. Best wishes for a successful blog hop!

Unknown said...

Wow, that is an awesomely scary cover. Looks like something from a nightmare. Love it.

Sarah J. McNeal said...

JoAnne, I am a big sci-fi, paranormal, and fantasy fan. I really like it when the author has built a convincing world and society. How do you work that out when you construct a world?
Life experiences, even from a distance, are great inspirations for stories. I totally agree with you on that.
I wish you the very best.

Jacqueline Seewald said...

Hi, Joanne,

I agree with you about getting ideas for fiction from nonfiction. I often write faction, especially in short stories. Like you I enjoy writing fantasy but also mystery, romance, scifi and even horror. Creatively, it's good to do mashups.

Unknown said...

Hello Ashantay, thank you for the comment. I really appreciate it. I tried finding you, but could not so I left my comment here.

Unknown said...

I want to thank Rebecca for allowing me this chance to display my artwork on her blog. Also, thank you all who commented. It really means alot.

Unknown said...

Great job to Joanne and all those who visited; come back and bring your friends and have them bring their friends...and blog anytime you like:)