By Kathy Kulig (Guest Blogger)
Shapeshifters:
the heroes who haunt us, hunt us, and hunger passionately for us
Do
you love shifter romance? I do! Romance shapeshifter stories are
hugely popular now and have been for quite some time. What is so
compelling about these metamorphosing heroes? Is it their tendency to
be alpha leaders of their pack? Are we attracted to the lone-wolf,
brooding type of guy? Or maybe we love following these tortured
heroes as their heroines try to save them. What other reasons do you
think draw us into these books?
I
think some of the most popular shifters now are: dragons, wolves,
bears, leopards, jaguars, and lions. But I’ve also seen foxes,
dolphins, coyotes, various birds of prey and mythical beings like
gargoyles and mermaids/mermen. Years ago, I even read one book with a
shifter pack of sea otters. It was a well written story too.
I’ve
been a fan of these books for a long time and have written a number
myself. Through my research, I’ve discovered the amazing folklore
and mythology surrounding the shapeshifting world. Many countries
have their own shapeshifting myth, some are hundreds of years old.
I’ve utilized them for inspiration in my books.
What
causes or initiates the transformation of a shifter from human to
creature form? Here are a few ways:
- Magic spells
- Curses
- Genetics
- Alien races
- The magic power from an object or talisman
- Divine intervention of a god, faery being, etc.
- Race of beings
Theriantropy
is the transformation of a human into animal form. There are legends
where humans can transform into objects or plants. Don’t think this
could make for a sexy romance, but I could be wrong.
The
Navajo Skinwalker legend is a type of shapeshifter. Legend says they
are a medicine man or a witch who changes form into another animal
like a fox, coyote, owl, etc.
Many
countries have their own creature feature and mythology
Here
are a few examples:
Argentina
– has a fox-like werewolf and were jaguar forms.
Canada
– have bear shifters
China
– are known for their Chinese werewolves, and a female fox spirit
who is very dangerous.
Greece
– A vrykolaka is similar to a were wolf or vampire.
Ireland
and Scotland – They have the myth of the selkies or seals that
can become human. They are supposed to watch over fisherman.
Norway and Sweden- have the eigi einhamir (not of one skin). I
used this myth in a shapeshifter series of mine yet to be
re-published. These shifters don animal skins, like a wolf skin, and
can change at will.
My
favorite Shifter Movie: Lady Hawk. The heroine was a hawk
by day and the hero a wolf by night. A curse kept them in this
predicament. Very romantic.
I
love writing shifter stories. There’s mystery, angst, drama, and
conflict—all work well in a steamy paranormal romance.
DRAGON
WITCH – Takes place on another planet. The dragon shifter is
part of an alien species who shifts twice a year with an intense
drive to mate. Their ‘arrangement’ works well for Jaida, a
biologist in the colony, until her ex-lover and fleet pilot returns.
He wants Jaida badly, but he has a secret, they both do, that could
tear them apart and harm the small colony.
THE SHIFTER’S SPELL – has a stag shifter. A Rory has been trapped for over 400 years by a Celtic curse for violating sacred ground. A ritual to honor the Sidhe may free him. But he has one chance every 80 years to perform this ritual, and he must convince Carolyn to help him. But there are secrets and risks. If he tells her, he could lose her forever and risk his chance for freedom. Release date TBA, early 2018.
I
have a three-book series that take place in Arizona and have a
variety of shifters. Very dangerous and sexy shifters from another
world and dimension. One woman is caught in the middle of a war
between shifter worlds. The titles and release dates are yet to be
determined.
I’m
also working on a shifter book for Kindle Worlds: The Paranormal
Dating Agency. I plan to have that book completed and released later
this year.
So
who are your favorite shapeshifters? Who are the strangest shifters
you’ve heard or read about? Any shifters you don’t like?
Books
in the Dark Realms series: Dark Worlds
of Supernatural Heroes, Who Haunt Us, Hunt Us and Hunger for Us
DRAGON
WITCH, BOOK 1 – Out now.
EDGE
OF PASSION, BOOK 2 – Out now.
TATTOO
WITCH, BOOK 3 – Out now.
THE
SHIFTER’S SPELL, BOOK 4 – Coming soon!
More
books to come…
*All
books in the Dark Realms series are individual and stand-alone
stories.*
About the Dark
Realms series
A collection of sensual romance novellas and short novels with supernatural heroes and fantasy elements. Shifters, space and time travel, witches, and perhaps a vampire or ghost in the future. They can be set on Earth, on another world or with in another dimension. With out of this world heroes who haunt us, hunt us and hunger passionately for us. Each book is a complete and individual story. No cliffhangers!
A collection of sensual romance novellas and short novels with supernatural heroes and fantasy elements. Shifters, space and time travel, witches, and perhaps a vampire or ghost in the future. They can be set on Earth, on another world or with in another dimension. With out of this world heroes who haunt us, hunt us and hunger passionately for us. Each book is a complete and individual story. No cliffhangers!
About
Kathy
New York Times
and USA Today bestselling author Kathy Kulig is known for her
sexy contemporary and paranormal romances that are passionate,
intense and riveting. These emotionally-charged stories are full of
heart and always have a happy ending. She began her writing career in
journalism, publishing articles in magazines and newspapers. Kathy
has been featured or quoted in the Chicago Tribune, Writer's
Digest, Romantic Times Magazine, USA Today HEA, Bustle Magazine,
Florida Weekly, and appeared on several radio shows. She has
spoken at national and local conferences, writer's groups and
libraries.
When
she's not writing, she loves to work out, travel, read a ton of
books, watch movies and have dinners out with her darling husband.
She lives in Pennsylvania in a 100-year-old Victorian house with a
garage built out of reject tombstones.
You
may read more about Kathy, her books, contest and upcoming projects
by visiting her
Website http://www.kathykulig.com and subscribing to her
Website http://www.kathykulig.com and subscribing to her
Mailing
list. http://www.smarturl.it/KathysHotNews
Facebook group/Street team:
2 comments:
Thanks so much for having me as a guest, Lisabet. :)
Hi, Kathy,
Sorry I wasn't here to welcome you earlier. Wednesday I didn't even get a chance to log in, I had so much real world stuff to deal with.
Your books sound very varied.
I have one or two shifter stories. In one, the hero shifts between a man and the Mayan feathered serpent god Quetzcoatl!
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