Light paranormal? Try cats! By Author Jody Wallace

 www.jodywallace.com

 Just like readers are often in the mood for a certain kind of book, as an author I’ve found that, at various life stages, I’ve been drawn to write different flavors of stories. This month at Romancing the Genres, I’ve been asked to talk about the lighter side of my paranormal offerings, in particular my books that are dominated by cats.

Okay, I wasn’t specifically asked to talk about books with cats, but what can I say? Dominated. Part of my brand over mumble mumble years of writing has grown to be cats. I mean, I had the website www.meankitty.com long before I was a published author, and I had cats long before I had, well, the ability to hold a pencil. 

What is it about cats and interweaving them into my fiction? Cats are jerks, for starters, but they’re not necessarily villains. There’s a lot of humor to be found in hapless humans just trying to enjoy an adventure with some kissing but also having to deal with rascally cats who are threatening to run away with the narrative. Especially at 2 am when everyone is trying to sleep.

You give a cat an iota of power, and—in real life as in stories—the unexpected is bound to happen. Dogs will do what they’re told or at least feel bad when they fail to please the humans they adore. Cats, on the other hand, only feel bad if you don’t give them the treats they deserve and will not hesitate to keep their humans in line. Humans, or other individuals you might like to read about, going toe bean to toe bean with cats for the upper hand (paw) also creates very interesting dynamics and opportunities for characterization.

One of my current series is a science fiction romance extravaganza set in the far, far future on a place called Trash Planet. This is where the rest of the galaxy sends their garbage, because why not? When the heroine of the first book, CATALYST, is combing through a junk ship, she stumbles across a guy and a cat in a cryopreservation container. And to think, all she wanted was some nice stuff to recycle! Instead, the bad guys after the very special cat and his man threaten everything the heroine holds dear. Like, you know, her ability to be alive.  And eventually the man. She’s not so sure about the cat.

The Cat Ship series has two books so far, with the third due in 2021. They are funny, action-packed, medium-light in tone, and contain cussing and violence. And cats being oh so catty.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jody Wallace’s 30+ titles include sf/f romance, paranormal romance, and contemporary romance. Her fiction features diverse protagonists, action, adventure, and humor. Her readers frequently comment on her great characters, suspenseful stories, and intriguing and creative world building. When describing her methods, Jody says: “There are two sides to every story. I aim to tell the third. And I add cats regardless.”

Outside of her fiction career, Jody has employed her Master’s Degree in Creative Writing to work as a college English instructor, technical documents editor, market analyst, web designer, and all around pain in the butt. 

You can learn more about her at https://jodywallace.com

One Characteristic of Light Paranormal

By Diana McCollum

 

Light Paranormal

 

In light paranormal one might find fanciful or funny characters. Perhaps the sidekick of the vampire is a dentist best friend. Or a teenage mermaid who when coming on to land loves watching the Disney movie The Little Mermaid.

I chose two in my book The Witch with the Trident Tattoo.

A few weeks ago  I wrote about James who was cursed to live for a few years as an octopus. He never lost his love of shoes, and collected them even though he couldn’t wear them.

Today I’d like to introduce you to Mischell. She is a teenage mermaid. Cursed to live and learn some manners as a mermaid till she turns 20. 

Mischell is a typical teenager, when on land. When in mermaid form in the ocean she is subject to her pod of 3 mermaids who are raising her and teaching her right from wrong.

Ella my heroine, a sea witch, can also swim under water or be on land. In this scene Ella is about to leave in her truck.

 

 

“She opened the door to her truck to find a teenage girl, short shocking-pink hair sticking out every which way, sleeping on the seat. Ella shook the girl till she rolled over. Mischell, youngest of four mermaids roaming the waters off the shoreline lay on the front seat, sound asleep. Her hair would turn lime-green when she reached adulthood.

“Mischell, wake up.” She shook her harder.

“Hey, watch the shoulder. Aren’t you pleased to see me?” Mischell pushed herself up to sitting, stifling a yawn. Her crown of short pink hair stuck out every which way. In human form, she preferred steampunk clothes. Today she sported a black leather bustier decorated with chains, gears and a zipper, black tights and a short black skirt.

“Nice clothes,” Ella said, holding in a giggle. Mischell was a typical teenager even if she was a mermaid; she dressed to please herself and no one else.

“Do you like my shoes? James found them for me.” Mischell pointed her foot in front of her. Bright sunshine gleamed on silver ballet flats.

“Oh, my, they…are lovely.” Her shoes didn’t really match her outfit, but Mischell seemed pleased with them. “Why are you here? Your training isn’t over for two more years.”

“I’ve evolved enough I can come on land for longer periods of time. James helped me get here.” She slid out of the truck. “I’m here to give you a message. James was called away by his lordship, and I’m to check clothing bins at the thrift shop, clothes for me and shoes for James. He is extremely specific on what colors he wants.” She counted them off on her fingers. “First he wants purple shoes, preferably sequin, second, black riding boots, third, brown work boots, and yellow shoes, if I can find any. Oh, and only matching pairs.” She rolled her eyes.

The odd odor of too many people mixed together reached Ella’s nose. “Did you get your clothes from the thrift shop donation bin?”

“No one wanted them, so I took them.”

“Mischell, you need to go back in the ocean. You’re not through growing. When you stay out of the water there’s always a chance you’ll change back and die on land.”

Silver bracelets jangled against a steampunk gear bracelet as Mischell crossed her arms. “It’s not fair. You can come and go whenever you please.”

“I’m not a mermaid like you, I’m a sea witch. Do you understand?” Ella squeezed Mischell’s shoulder. She’d always had a special spot in her heart for the young mermaid. 

Mischell had been banished from Atlantis because she had a desire for shiny pretty things. Unfortunately, some of those things belonged to others. So she was sent here to learn some manners and rules of the ocean. Her training was put in the hands of three other mermaids, who were not thrilled being held responsible for the child. Ella could still remember cries of protest from Mischell when she was taken from the only home she’d ever known, and at such a young age. “How long can you stay?”

“I’ve only been here a short time, so maybe five hours?” She clasped her hands under her chin, her face glowing with expectation. “Can I stay today, please, please? I won’t be any trouble, I promise.”

“Okay, for a couple of hours. Now, what message do you have for me from James?”

 

I hope you enjoyed this scene from The Witch with the Trident Tattoo.

 

Do you like it when the author springs an unexpected character in the book?

 

A Little Spirit Paranormal by Paty Jager

I'm at the blog today to talk a bit about light paranormal in a book.  I don't know if someone before me went over the difference between dark and light paranormal but I'll do a brief overview. 

Dark paranormal is usually vampires, demons, werewolves, zombies and books with a darker almost Gothic theme. 

Light paranormal is usually witches, spirits, ghosts, with lighter themes than the dark paranormal. 

I write light paranormal. Mostly spirits and ghosts. Though I have enjoyed reading books about witches from authors like Nora Roberts, Mary Stewart, and Diana McCollum. 

My Spirit Trilogy ( I think you figured out this is a paranormal), is first and foremost a historical Native American romance. But because I have three Indian spirit siblings who are main characters in the books, that makes the books also light  paranormal. I say light not only because of the spirit element, but because that element of the story is key to the story, but it isn't dark. It is just in how they help the mortals in the books. 

Three books about the Wallowa Band of Nez Perce or Nimiipuu. Three sibling Nimiipuu Spirits fall in love with mortals as they work together to help the People.

Spirit of the Mountain

Evil spirits, star-crossed lovers, and duty…which will prevail?

Wren, the daughter of a Nimiipuu chief, loves the mountain and her people. When an evil spirit threatens Wren’s life, Himiin, Spirit of the Mountain, rushes to save her. But to leave the mountain means he’ll turn to smoke…

https://www.books2read.com/u/4Ek6A3

Spirit of the Lake

Can a spirit set upon this earth to watch over the Nimiipuu stay true to justice when revenge burns in his heart? On their quest for justice, Dove reveals spiritual abilities, ensnaring Wewukiye’s respect and awe. But will these abilities seal their future or tear them apart?

https://www.books2read.com/u/m2R9km

Spirit of the Sky

Can enemies not only work for peace but find love?

Sa-qan, a Nimiipuu eagle spirit, must take human form to save her mortal niece when the Nimiipuu are forced from their land by the U.S. Army. Trying to remain true to her spirit world and her people becomes hard when a Cavalry Officer captures her heart.

https://www.books2read.com/u/b5D814

These books are what I call the "books of my heart." I grew up in Wallowa County where the Nimiipuu summered and wintered, yet I never knew more about them than they rode in the Chief Joseph Days parade and Rodeo. They set up teepees and that was it. When I became an adult I learned how they were pushed from their land and how they suffered. That is what is in these three books. I'm happy to sat that today, they own land in Wallowa County and hold a Powwow there every July. For many years they weren't allowed to set foot in the county.

 My other light paranormal series is my Shandra Higheagle Mystery series. In these books it is a ghost or spirit of my main character's grandmother who comes to Shandra Higheagle in dreams and helps her solve the murders. 

This story started out with my wanting to have a Native American protagonist and coming up with a way to have her involved in the art world because my brother, an artist had given me a great idea for how to hide a weapon on a bronze statue. With is idea, I came up with Shandra being a potter who sold her vases as art and goes to art shows.  The idea of her grandmother coming to her in dreams came from my research of the Nez Perce who live on the Colville Indian Reservation in Washington State. The Nez Perce who live at Colville are descendants of the Non-treaty Nez Perce (the ones who followed Young Chief Joseph to Montana trying to get to Canada-you can learn all of this in my Spirit trilogy) who were first sent to Oklahoma after they were captured and then banned from being with the treaty Nez Perce in Lapwai in Idaho. These Non-treaty Nez Perce also practiced the Dreamer Religion of their ancestors. And this little tidbit, sent my mind spinning and I came up with the idea of Shandra's deceased grandmother coming to her in dreams. 

Although the grandmother comes to her, she doesn't just tell Shandra everything. Shandra has to decipher the dreams to help her catch the killers.

This only shows seven of the fifteen books in the series. 

You can find these books at my website: https://www.patyjager.net/shandra-higheagle-mystery-series/  most of these books are available in ebook, print, and audio. 

I prefer reading and writing the lighter paranormal books, what about you? Do you like lighter or darker paranormal reading? 

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 47 novels, 8 novellas, and numerous anthologies of murder mystery and western romance. All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

blog / website /  Facebook / Paty's Posse / Goodreads / Twitter / Pinterest   / Bookbub

Top photo purchased from DepositPhoto

Light Paranormal Romance Blog-versation Hosted by Sarah Raplee

 

Hi!  I’m Romance Author Sarah Raplee. I write in several different sub-genres of Romance, including Paranormal Romantic Suspense and Steampunk Romance. As a reader, I love Light Paranormal Romance books. They are light, fun, adventurous stories with surprising plots and characters.

My favorites are the Steampunk / Vampire / Werewolf Romance mash-up series, The Parasol Protectorate by Gail Carriger, and The Witch with the Trident Tattoo by Diana McCollum.

The Witch with the Trident Tattoo by Diana McCollum 

Blurb: Gifted witch Ella Stone, born with an affinity for water and the ability to talk to sea creatures, is on a mission. Ocean life is disappearing off the Atlantic Coast, and Poseidon needs her to find out why. She'll do anything she can to find answers, even if that means hiring handsome, brooding sea captain Noah Drago to help.

Ella leads an isolated existence, keeping her secrets close. To the world at large she's a scientist, but deep down she's a lonely witch, wanting a deeper connection but afraid of reaching out. When Noah accidentally learns of her magick, she'll have to trust him.

Noah has been a commercial fisherman all his life, except for five years as a Navy SEAL. He's seen and done things that scarred him, so he keeps to himself. Ella hires him and his life changes as quickly as a storm at sea. The sexy scientist's kisses turn Noah's world upside-down. Soon, he's plunging into a world of myth, magick and passion.

But will their growing connection-their love-be enough to save them from an encroaching evil bent on destroying all life as they know it?

SOULLESS (Book 1 of The Parasol Protectorate)

Blurb:

Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations.

• First, she has no soul.
• Second, she’s a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead.
• Third, she is being rudely attacked by a vampire to whom she has not been properly introduced!

Where to go from there?

From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire, and the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.

With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible.

• Can she figure out what is actually happening to London’s high society?
• Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing?
• Who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?
  
  

I read both Light and Darker Paranormal Romance. Definitely leaning toward lighter books at this time.

Do you prefer light over darker? What are your favorite LPNR books?

 ****

Here are a couple of books from my TBR pile:

The Goddess Gets Her Guy by Ashlyn Chase

Quick blurb:

Dr. Aaron Samuels visits the Puerto Rican rainforest to find a cure for heart disease. There he meets a beautiful mysterious woman talking to a frog. As an empty-nester, Aaron recognizes a lonely soul when he sees one, but he never suspects she's Mother Nature herself!

It’s a Wonderful Midlife Crisis (Book 1 in the Good to the Last Death Series) by Robyn Peterman

 

Blurb:

Whoever said life begins at forty must have been heavily medicated, drunk, or delusional.

Thirty-nine was a fantastic year. I was married to the man I loved. I had a body that worked without creaking. My grandma, who raised me, was still healthy, and life was pretty damned good.

But as they say, all good things come to an end. I’d honestly love to know who ‘they’ are and rip them a new one.

One year later, I’m a widow. My joints are starting to ache. Gram is in the nursing home, and dead people think my home is some kind of supernatural bed and breakfast. Gluing body parts onto semi-transparent people has become a side job—deceased people I’m not even sure are actually there. I think they need my help, but since I don’t speak dead, we’re having a few issues.

To add to the heap of trouble, there’s a new dangerously smokin’ hot lawyer at the firm who won’t stop giving me the eye. My BFF is thrilled with her new frozen face, thanks to her plastic surgeon, her alimony check, and the miracle of Botox. And then there’s the little conundrum that I’m becoming way too attached to my ghostly squatters… Like Cher, I’d like to turn back time. Now.

No can do. 

Whatever. I have wine, good friends, and an industrial sized box of superglue. What could possibly go wrong?

Everything, apparently.

All in all, it’s shaping up to be a wonderful midlife crisis…

What's on your TBR pile?