Villain Archetypes by Sarah Raplee

Those of you who know me well, know as a reader, I have one important rule. Don’t annoy me. Annoyance will pull me out of your story in a nanosecond. One of the things that annoy me is villains who have no real motivation.

Being “evil” or “insane” is not motivation. Even serial killers have reasons for what they do, as the television series, Criminal Minds, demonstrates.

Mental illness creates a vulnerable population of potential victims for villains. The ‘crazed killer’ stereotype is not in line with crime statistics. Please don’t add to this false narrative that creates fear and prejudice against a group that includes one in five Americans.

In order to be relatable and believable, a villainous character must be as well developed as a heroic character. Anything less is lazy writing.

There’s an old saying, not sure who first came up with it, feel free to tell me in the comments: The villain is the hero of his own story. If you can’t imagine writing the story from your villain’s point-of-view,” to paraphrase Thriller Author Matt Buchman, “start over.”

One of my favorite resources for developing villains is Tami Cowden’s book, Fallen Heroes: Sixteen Master Villain Archetypes. These archetypes give you a place to start. Blending two of them in your character is challenging but awesome when done well.

Another method I like to use is to give the hero and the villain the same major character trait (such as arrogance/cockiness; control freak; charm; not a team player) but show how the hero’s character arc leads to change/transformation, while the villain’s does not. In other words: the hero has an epiphany/learns his or her lesson, but the villain does not—at least not in time to save himself/herself.

If none of this makes much sense to you, I recommend you read the craft book, Goal, Motivation and Conflict by Debra Dixon. This classic reference will help you with character development and plotting.

What is your favorite resource for developing characters?

Happy Writing! ~ Sarah

First Time Through the Pet Door by Sarah Raplee

MARCUS WITH A HAIRCUT

We'd been promising our dogs a pet door since we finished installing a fence around the side yard a year ago. A couple weeks ago, we finally ordered one to install in the back door. Last week, we installed this portal to freedom (theirs to go outside, ours to not have to let them outside). We bought a top-of-the-line,  weatherproof, double-flapped model because the winter wind often blows toward our south-facing door.

Obviously, we were pet door first-timers, or we might have chosen a less intimidating model for our two ten-pound rescue dogs, Mac and Marcus. Hindsight is always 20-20.

Little did we know most dogs don't go through dog doors without training. Hours, often days of training. You have to break the process down into small steps and give each dog as much time as he requires to become confident.

The dogs watched the installation process, and after a few cautious sniffs they decided to ignore the weird alteration their crazy humans had added to a perfectly good door.

FRECKLES AND MAC

The cat, who had been napping in the basement, was understandably freaked out when he went to the back door to be let out. I opened the door for him as usual, and after much hesitation he dashed outside.

The first two or three days after installation,we kept the pet door closed with it's slide-in panel locked in place. After all three pets were consistently ignoring the new addition, we went to the next step in the training process.

That morning, we removed the locking panel and taped the two thick, clear vinyl flaps open with duck tape, one on the inside and one on the outside. With our pockets full of treats, we rounded up the dogs and began encouraging them to walk through the open portal. They eyed the opening suspiciously.

My husband, Chuck, sat on the outside of the door while I sat on the inside. He held a treat through the pet door and gave it to Marcus, who is very food-motivated. Mac hung back, suspecting a (non-existent) trap. Every time Mac worked up the courage to try to get a treat from Chuck's disembodied hand, Marcus darted in to grab the food first. When I made the mistake of saying, "No!", both dogs backed away. The light dawned that I would have to hold one dog while the other went through his training.

MAC  HESITATES

 After that, things went pretty smoothly for Marcus. He'll do anything for a treat. Soon he was jumping happily back and forth through the open pet door after  the yummy morsels we tossed through. Then it was Mac's turn.

Mac is suspicious of anything or anyone new. He approached the hand with the treat slowly, but pulled back when the treat was withdrawn through the opening. This happened several times. Chuck suggested I toss a treat through the opening instead. His hand disappeared.

Before I could dig a treat out of my pocket, the cat walked in through the opening as if he'd used a pet door all his life!
Go figure.

After much encouragement and praise, Mac finally stuck his head through the opening and ate a treat placed on the mat outside. After several times, Chuck put the treat far enough away that Mac had to step through to get it. Once Mac was sure there were no dangers awaiting outside the door, he walked through. Of course we made a big fuss about what a good boy he was. When Chuck tossed a treat back through to the inside, Mac followed. Hooray!!!

HOORAY FOR MARCUS!!!

We repeated this lesson twice a day for two days to build Mac's confidence. By the end of the second day, both dogs were going in and out the open pet door at will--just like the cat.

Next step was to only tape the outside flap up. One of us held the inside flap out of the way, but let it fall on the dog's back as he went through. Even Marcus was a little unsure about that. The flaps have a steel bar attached to the bottom that adheres to a magnet when it shuts. This keeps the wind from blowing the flap open. The bar is heavy enough to startle the dog until he gets used to it.

After several training sessions, the dogs were still hesitating to go through for a treat, knowing the flap would fall on their back. It seemed this step was going to take quite a while.

Unfortunately a storm rolled in last night, so the dogs had to wear their raincoats this morning to go outside. I held the inner flap up. After only a moment of hesitation, Marcus squeezed through, raincoat and all. Mac soon followed. I'd been worried about nothing!

It was too windy to leave both flaps up. I let the inner one fall. Mac came back and pawed the flap. I lifted it so he could come inside. After drying him off and removing the raincoat, I walked to the kitchen to fix their breakfast. A moment later, I heard the flap snap shut! I returned to see if the wind blew it, and Marcus pushed it open and came inside without help! Mac followed him in. The noise I'd heard was from Mac going outside on his own!

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

This small miracle gives me hope they will quickly adapt to the final step, which involves passing through both flaps. We'll tackle that one in a few days.

Wish us luck!  ~Sarah, Chuck, Mac and Marcus (and Freckles, the cat)

PS: Have you trained a dog or cat to use a pet door? If so, what was your experience like?

New Year's Traditions - When? Where? Why? by Sarah Raplee

LISTEN UP, READERS! I went down the research rabbit hole and this blog post is the result. Be forewarned.

Although many countries and peoples around the world celebrate New Years’ Day on January 1^st (according to the Gregorian Calendar,) not every country nor every religion follows the Gregorian Calendar. Named after Pope Gregory XIII, the Gregorian Calendar was officially introduced in Italy, Poland, Portugal and Spain in 1582 to replace the Julian calendar, which was considered too inaccurate.

Interestingly, many countries that are not predominantly Christian use the Gregorian Calendar for government business and other secular activities. And lots of predominantly Christian countries include many citizens following different religious or cultural systems. It stands to reason that billions of people observe two different New Years’ celebrations. (As a member of the Baha’I Faith, I am one of those people.)

Most of the Gregorian New Year’s celebrations take place on New Years’ Eve and involve fireworks. Sydney, Australia, puts on the world’s biggest fireworks display at the waterfront near the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.

A less-widely-known observance occurs in Rio De Janeiro. The traditional celebration of Reveillon includes millions of people standing along Copacabana Beach. All dress in white and throw flowers into the ocean to honor Iemanjá, the goddess of the sea, according to the African religion of Candomblé. There’s also live music, dancing and a wonderful fireworks display, along with many traditions and superstitions. And parties! Reveillon is also observed in New Orleans.

REVEILLON IN RIO

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is Scotland’s world-famous New Year’s festival, presenting three days of spectacular events. Festivals, parades, street parties and concerts lead up to fireworks bringing in the new year. The celebration lasts through New Year’s Day.

WHEN NEW YEAR'S DAY DOESN'T FALL ON JAN. 1

Baha’i New Year, Naw Ruz, marks the Vernal (spring) Equinox, when day and night are equal in length and spring begins in the northern hemisphere. For members of the Baha’I Faith, work and school are suspended. The new year marks the end of the month of fasting and is usually celebrated with a festive get-together including prayers, dinner, music, dancing, and other fun activities. There are few fixed rules for observing Naw-Rúz. Bahá'ís all over the world celebrate it as a festive day, according to local custom.

BAHA'I NAW RUZ DANCERS
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Pagan New Year, Midwinter (or Winter Solstice) Many Pagans consider the festival of Midwinter, or Winter Solstice (usually Dec. 21st) as a celebration of the transition from the old year to the new.  In the past month, the sun was ebbing. In the new month, the sun waxes brighter. This reversal symbolizes the rebirth of the solar god and foretells the coming of the fertile seasons. The ancient megalithic sites of Newgrange and Stonehenge are precisely aligned with the Winter Solstice sunrise and sunset. Practices vary, but usually include offerings, feasting, and gift-giving. Tree decorating and bringing evergreen boughs, sprigs and wreaths into the home are common customs.

Muslim New Year, Al-Hijra, marks the Hijra (or Hegira) in 622 CE when the Prophet Muhammad moved from Mecca to Medina, and set up the first Islamic state. The date marks the beginning of Islam as a community in which spiritual and earthly life were completely integrated. There is no specific religious ritual required on this day, but Muslims will think about the general meaning of Hijra, and regard this as a good time for 'New Year Resolutions'.

CHINESE NEW YEAR

Chinese New Year The Gregorian calendar is used in China for civil purposes in modern times. The Chinese Calendar is used to determine important festival dates, such as Chinese New Year, as well as auspicious dates, such as wedding dates. Chinese New Year is celebrated for fifteen days and falls  between January 21 and February 21 on the Gregorian Calendar. This is considered the most important festival of the year, with many traditions. People go to the temple and pray for good luck in the coming year and to have their fortunes told. They clean their homes to sweep out the bad luck that has accumulated in the past year. Red is the New Year’s color, representing good fortune. People hang red decorations and wear red clothes. At midnight when the New Year begins, people set of firecrackers that are loud and mostly lit on the ground. The loud noises are thought to scare the bad spirits away, to prevent them from bringing bad luck.

Buddhist New Year For three days after the first full moon of April, Buddhists celebrate New Year’s Day in certain countries. In other countries, the New Year is celebrated around the full moon in January. The time it is celebrated depends on the country and people. For example, people in Tibet celebrate at the full moon of February, while people in China, Vietnam and Korea celebrate at the end of January or the beginning of February. Customs and traditions vary in different countries and among different forms of Buddhism as well. For all Buddhists, visits to temples or monasteries are important. All include feasting and merrymaking.

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S(S)!!!

Fiber Arts, Lost and Found by Sarah Raplee

This style, but with a smocked top and
crocheted lace trim on edges of sleeves
and hem - as well as matching slip.

Hello, I'm Sarah Raplee, author of Paranormal Romance that crosses genres into Suspense, Fantasy and Steampunk.

I've loved working with fabrics, threads and yarns since I was five years old. In kindergarten, we were each given a big square of burlap and a huge assortment of yarn and embroidery thread, dull plastic darning needles, buttons and pieces of fabric and told to imagine a scene in nature and recreate it with our materials on the burlap.

I loved the scratchy texture of the rough burlap, the softness of dark green cotton muslin, the slippery feel of brown satin. I pictured an apple tree in a meadow of flowers with the sun shining down. Round red buttons became apples, yellow fabric became the sun. I cut out fabric birds and made yarn-and-button flowers. Happiness bubbled up as my vision came into being.

Later, I learned to making yarn octopuses and sew doll clothes by hand. When I was old enough, Mom taught me to sew clothes on her machine. I took to it like bird to flight.
Years later, I decided to sew my first baby’s christening dress. I was determined to learn to crochet in order to make the five yards of lace trim required. I wanted to create a family heirloom. [I'm traveling, so unfortunately don't have a photo of the actual christening gown and lace to show you. These photos will give you an idea.]

Having my sainted mother, a master (mistress?) of the art of crochet, in my corner gave me the confidence to even attempt such a thing. Mom taught me using a large hook, thick yarn and the patience of—well, my mother. She's an amazing woman.

Although the end goal was to crochet yards of tiny, delicate blue lace, for the first week I made thick potholders. Then I graduated to thinner yarn, a smaller hook, and bookmarks. Lots of bookmarks! Finally, Mom announced it was time to work with a thin-sliver-of-a shiny steel hook and some cotton crochet thread hardly thicker than sewing thread. That was super hard! After a few days’ practice, I tackled the lace. It took weeks to finish the lace and the dress, but I’ve never been prouder of making something beautiful and meaningful with my own two hands.

After that, I loved to crochet. I made hats, booties, blankets and sweaters for my children and for gifts; crocheted scarves and vests and afghans, doilies and lace pillow edgings; and even a beautiful red skirt for myself. The skirt required a knitted waistband, so Mom and I figured out how to knit and purl a little, but it took forever to finish that one small piece! The end result was beautiful, but I hadn’t the patience for knitting.

Through the years, I tried knitting a few more times, but it never stuck. My slogan became“crochet all the way!”

Fast-forward to the present. The second-eldest of my ten grandchildren and her husband are expecting a baby—our first great-grandchild! I so want to make him a blanket, but I gave up crocheting some years back due to arthritis in my hands. It’s just too painful.

A friend suggested I try knitting, because it puts less strain on the finger joints. I decided to give knitting another try. My daughter-in-law gave me a book for beginners, Stitch 'n Bitch: the Knitter's Handbook by Debbie Stoller. I tried, but I struggled with the book until I visited my sister for a few days. She had me knitting and purling in half an hour.

After much practicing with large needles and thick yarn, I knew Knitting didn’t hurt my hands. I bought yarn for the (gulp) soon-to-arrive baby’s knitted blanket. I chose an easy pattern from the book. Last weekend we went for a getaway to Gig Harbor, Washington, where I planned to begin my project. But when I started to knit, I discovered the yarn I’d chosen had NO STRETCH WHATSOEVER! Knitting requires yarn that stretches a little. .

Luckily, amongst the picturesque shops around the harbor, my husband spotted Rainy Day Yarns. I showed the shop ladies my stiff yarn (something they’d never experienced before) and asked them to recommend some yarns that would work in the pattern. They guided me to the area where I discovered an even more beautiful (and elastic)  yarn than my original!

I’ve rolled the hanks of yarn into balls. Tonight, using the virtues of patience and gratitude I’ve learned over the years, I begin a new chapter in my creative life—as a knitter!!! (Although the baby may be crawling by the time I finish his blanket...)

SOMETHING RICH AND STRANGE by Sarah Raplee

This post was first published at Romancing the Genres in 2015.

I love reading and writing stories set in worlds that are enough like our own to be recognizable, but have, to quote the Bard, undergone “a sea change into something rich and strange.” Think of fairytales, The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis or Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic, the Pirates of the Caribbean films or television shows like Grimm and or Marvel’s Agents of Shield.

One of my stories from the anthology Love and Magick is set on the Oregon Coast during Victorian times. I did a ton of research to make the setting for Curse of the Neahkahnnie Treasure realistic. But the plot is about the search for a cursed pirate treasure guarded by a cursed ghost. Something rich and strange 9both literally and figuratively speaking!)

My paranormal romantic suspense novel, BLINDSIGHT, is the first in the FBI Psychic Agent Series. The series is set in our contemporary world, with a twist. People with psychic abilities exist, unknown to the general public.

The other of my stories in Love and Magick, Enchanted Protector, is set in a medieval-like world, but one where evil needle-toothed gnomes, dark witches and other Fae creatures complicate life for humans (and each other.) Enchantments happen and a pretty little girl can read thoughts. This world is even richer and stranger than my Victorian world.

Enchanted Protector excerpt

Ruby pushed into the wind with her head down. She had seen no one in the alley, but a moment later her feet tangled with some small creature that screeched in outrage. She windmilled her arms and then fell on her bum. The unforgiving stones jolted her spine to the top of her head. For a moment, her eyes would not focus.

After a few seconds, a wizened little face with a white beard and bushy white brows floated into view. A frown of apparent concern scrunched the small man’s countenance. “So sorry, miss,” he said. “My fault entirely. Let me help you up.”

Hands the size of a small child’s tugged on her arm with surprising strength. Ruby wobbled to her feet and blinked down at the small Fae man. He straightened her apron and brushed dirt off her skirt. Her head began to throb and her heart began to pound.

He finished and peered up at her. “That’s better, wot? Right as rain you are, I trust.”

Ruby drew her brows together. The word trust did not belong in the mouth of a gnome. Or was he an elf? Both were small in stature, with pointy ears and an odd way of speaking. Ruby had trouble telling the two Fae races apart. It was said that elves were merely mischievous, whereas gnomes would steal the shirt off a man’s back while he drowned.

The little man smiled, and it became obvious what was what and who was who. Whilst an elf’s teeth were small to match the size of his mouth, in shape and number they appeared human. This gnome had what looked like a hundred narrow, pointed teeth.

Ruby lost her voice. The enduring memory of Mam sewing up her mangled left hand when she was small caused her to sway in the face of all those needle-like teeth.

The gnome lifted his face skyward as if he were a dog scenting the air. His smoke-colored eyes widened and then he twirled in place, scanning the square. He backed away from Ruby. “We must be off, with snow coming, wot? Carry on, miss. Carry on.”

He scurried down the alley, mumbling to himself as he disappeared into the shadows. Lightning cracked overhead and snowflakes poured like eerie white rain from the storm-tossed clouds.

#

Prince Rolf of Helmsgaard, heir to the Dragon Horn Throne, lowered his muzzle to gnome height and followed Thumble-no-skin’s sour scent into the village. The strong odors of unwashed humans, wood smoke and cooking meat layered with the Fae creature’s scent trail. Not to mention the smell of sewage, which he luckily minded less than he had when he had been fully human. Since the devious little gnome had cast the enchantment that had transformed him into a wolf, Rolf had learned to use his heightened senses to his advantage.

The gnome’s scent trail was fresh, the sour odor of his evil magic strong. Rolf’s heart lifted. Thumble-no-skin could only have arrived recently or Rolf would have caught his scent sooner. Perhaps he could finally catch the Fae man without a bolt-hole nearby.

He trotted down the cobblestone street the villagers had deserted in favor of the market. The bustle of the crowd reached his ears. He caught the sweet feminine perfume of a maiden, as if the girl had passed this way only minutes before him. One of his frequent waves of melancholy threatened. Lying with women was one more thing denied him since the treacherous gnome and his gang of thieves had played him for a fool.

He picked up a trace of tangy gold attached to the maiden’s scent and awakened from his reverie. The hackles on the back of the prince’s furred neck lifted. Few of the villagers possessed so much a farthing. The girl’s small treasure would be as irresistible to the gnome as a shiny buckle to a crow.

New Years’ Traditions—When, Where, Why? by Sarah Raplee

LISTEN UP, READERS! I went down the research rabbit hole and this blog post is the result. Be forewarned.

Although many countries and peoples around the world celebrate New Years’ Day on January 1^st (according to the Gregorian Calendar,) not every country nor every religion follows the Gregorian Calendar. Named after Pope Gregory XIII, the Gregorian Calendar was officially introduced in Italy, Poland, Portugal and Spain in 1582 to replace the Julian calendar, which was considered too inaccurate.

Interestingly, many countries that are not predominantly Christian use the Gregorian Calendar for government business and other secular activities. And lots of predominantly Christian countries include many citizens following different religious or cultural systems. It stands to reason that billions of people observe two different New Years’ celebrations. (As a member of the Baha’I Faith, I am one of those people.)

Most of the Gregorian New Year’s celebrations take place on New Years’ Eve and involve fireworks. Sydney, Australia, puts on the world’s biggest fireworks display at the waterfront near the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.

A less-widely-known observance occurs in Rio De Janeiro. The traditional celebration of Reveillon includes millions of people standing along Copacabana Beach. All dress in white and throw flowers into the ocean to honor Iemanjá, the goddess of the sea, according to the African religion of Candomblé. There’s also live music, dancing and a wonderful fireworks display, along with many traditions and superstitions. And parties! Reveillon is also observed in New Orleans.

REVEILLON IN RIO

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is Scotland’s world-famous New Year’s festival, presenting three days of spectacular events. Festivals, parades, street parties and concerts lead up to fireworks bringing in the new year. The celebration lasts through New Year’s Day.

WHEN NEW YEAR'S DAY DOESN'T FALL ON JAN. 1

Baha’i New Year, Naw Ruz, marks the Vernal (spring) Equinox, when day and night are equal in length and spring begins in the northern hemisphere. For members of the Baha’I Faith, work and school are suspended. The new year marks the end of the month of fasting and is usually celebrated with a festive get-together including prayers, dinner, music, dancing, and other fun activities. There are few fixed rules for observing Naw-Rúz. Bahá'ís all over the world celebrate it as a festive day, according to local custom.

BAHA'I NAW RUZ DANCERS
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Pagan New Year, Midwinter (or Winter Solstice) Many Pagans consider the festival of Midwinter, or Winter Solstice (usually Dec. 21st) as a celebration of the transition from the old year to the new.  In the past month, the sun was ebbing. In the new month, the sun waxes brighter. This reversal symbolizes the rebirth of the solar god and foretells the coming of the fertile seasons. The ancient megalithic sites of Newgrange and Stonehenge are precisely aligned with the Winter Solstice sunrise and sunset. Practices vary, but usually include offerings, feasting, and gift-giving. Tree decorating and bringing evergreen boughs, sprigs and wreaths into the home are common customs.

Muslim New Year, Al-Hijra, marks the Hijra (or Hegira) in 622 CE when the Prophet Muhammad moved from Mecca to Medina, and set up the first Islamic state. The date marks the beginning of Islam as a community in which spiritual and earthly life were completely integrated. There is no specific religious ritual required on this day, but Muslims will think about the general meaning of Hijra, and regard this as a good time for 'New Year Resolutions'.

CHINESE NEW YEAR

Chinese New Year The Gregorian calendar is used in China for civil purposes in modern times. The Chinese Calendar is used to determine important festival dates, such as Chinese New Year, as well as auspicious dates, such as wedding dates. Chinese New Year is celebrated for fifteen days and falls  between January 21 and February 21 on the Gregorian Calendar. This is considered the most important festival of the year, with many traditions. People go to the temple and pray for good luck in the coming year and to have their fortunes told. They clean their homes to sweep out the bad luck that has accumulated in the past year. Red is the New Year’s color, representing good fortune. People hang red decorations and wear red clothes. At midnight when the New Year begins, people set of firecrackers that are loud and mostly lit on the ground. The loud noises are thought to scare the bad spirits away, to prevent them from bringing bad luck.

Buddhist New Year For three days after the first full moon of April, Buddhists celebrate New Year’s Day in certain countries. In other countries, the New Year is celebrated around the full moon in January. The time it is celebrated depends on the country and people. For example, people in Tibet celebrate at the full moon of February, while people in China, Vietnam and Korea celebrate at the end of January or the beginning of February. Customs and traditions vary in different countries and among different forms of Buddhism as well. For all Buddhists, visits to temples or monasteries are important. All include feasting and merrymaking.

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S(S)!!!