I Dub Thee ... Saving Grace Saga

I've finally come to terms with the fact that I should have put a name to the stories that occur in the world in which Witch Hunt and Fox Hunt take place. I have a third story in the works and I suppose I should let the cat out of the bag on what I've been calling these stories. Therefor I dub thee the Saving Grace Saga.

The Saving Grace Saga is a set of three novels and what will mostly become unpublished short stories that hide away in my desk drawer. Witch Hunt and Fox Hunt are the first two novels in the set and a third is still being written.

I was reluctant to use this name for the stories because I wasn't sure if the second novel would be published. If Fox Hunt had gone no where I would have had Witch Hunt stand on its own, but Fox Hunt is scheduled to be released in June. So be on the look out over the next month or so for news able Fox Hunt and a giveaway or two to celebrate its upcoming release.

As always good dreams and happy reading.

The Fated and Mated

image by duchesssa from freeimages

In romance, especially paranormal romance, you will often find the "fated couple". This couple is drawn together by the universe. It is a theme seen with vampires, werewolves, faeries and almost any paranormal creature that your imagination can think of.

When it comes to readers there tend to be two different schools of thought for the "fated couple" stories. It's a horrible concept or its a concept that can work. There aren't many readers who absolutely, without a doubt love every inch of the concept. I can understand why. I mean the couple aren't so much falling in love with each
other. They aren't choosing for themselves. Fate has made it so, and there isn't much either partner can do about it.

So, here's my take on the topic. It's all an escape from reality. In real life the perfect partner isn't going to fall out of the heavens. It'd be nice, but it just doesn't happen. We have to learn about our potential partners, and even after we've met them, know them and feel we can put our trust in them they could still be the wrong partner. It's not always a happily ever after.

But with the "fated couple" a certain amount of trust is granted to the universe. The "fated couple" was made for each other. This means the universe, God, the Fates, whoever knew that it was going to work out for both partners. To be honest this takes some of the stress off the relationship, while sometimes adding a brand new layer of "Damn the Gods" into the equation.

What really makes these types of couples work for me is the layer of learning the author adds to the story. The couple may be fated to be together, but they're often complete strangers, and some of the fear of showing a weakness goes away when a character feels a deep, universe approved connection with their partner. Knowing your partner is going to accept you no matter what is a feeling that can really enhance a love story.

Stardust : Romance Fantasy at It's Best

I am a sucker for a good romance story. Not just books, but movies too. I've noticed over the years that while I can find fantasy romance books, its tricky to find fantasy romance movies. I don't get to watch a lot of TV so I've missed out on some of those great fantasy TV shows, like Once Upon a Time. I have to skim through the movie section at the store to see what I can find, and a few years ago I noticed Stardust. I hadn't heard hardly anything about this movie before spotting it on the shelf, but that cover caught me right off. After reading the summery I found myself interested enough to buy it and I was happy I did. It's rare to find such a wonderful fantasy romance movie. 

The story starts out with the hero's father making a rebellious move and crossing the mysterious wall that runs along his English village. On the other side of that wall he finds a world of magic and a rather magical one night stand. Nine months later our hero is born.

Skip ahead 18 or so years, and our hero, Tristan has grown into a fine young man in love, but as a simple shop boy he can't quite capture the heart of his lady. So he makes a deal to bring her back a fall star, and the adventure begins. With murdering princes and evil witches, Stardust has a surprising mix of traditional fantasy characters and modern twists. If you're anything like me you'll fall in love with Robert De Niro's character, Captain Shakespeare.

I have to say that this is one movie that not only made it into my collection, it has helped define whimsical modern romantic fantasy for me. I suggest giving it a try if you haven't watched it yet and you if you know of any other movies like it let me know!