NaNoWriMo ~ Are You Prepared?

Welcome to Rudan Thursdays where we talk about…things! Anything from books and movies, to blog posts and authors, to food and drink.

Today, I’m sharing the blog I posted last Saturday over on NKotWB (that’s New Kids on the Writer’s Block, or New Kids, for those that don’t know. Look on my sidebar – go check us out). It’s all about preparing for NaNoWriMo, courtesy of in-depth tips n’ tricks by none other than Mr. Larry Brooks.

Here we go…

As most of you are aware, NaNoWriMo is right around the corner. I stumbled across Storyfix.com whilst perusing my good friend, Gene Lempp’s blog treasures one day…and I’m SO glad I did!

Larry Brooks, author of DARKNESS BOUND and BAIT AND SWITCH, is The Storyfixer.

Recently, he’s been writing posts specifically for NaNoWriMo, and I wanted to share what he’s posted so far with you. So here we go:

#1 – Nail Your NaNoWriMo. Larry kicks off his series telling us that while the name of the game in November is to write and finish our novel, we can begin to develop it in October – start early, be ahead of the game. In this first NaNoWriMo tip, Larry says, Know What You Are Planning ~ imagine that story inside of you inside and out, frontward and backward, and side to side. Visualize all of the angles, visualize the different arcs, characters, plot points. Really immerse yourself in it.

#2 – Keep Your Character Close To Home. Larry says by casting yourself in the lead role, you will develop a character full of visceral emotion and hardy responses.

#3 – Vet and Fertilize Your Story “Idea.” In this tip, Larry explains the differences between “winning” and “succeeding,” as well as “idea” and “story concept.” ~ Differences every writer should know.

#4 – Tell Your Story In Context To…Something. Larry offers tools to enlighten and empower…priceless.

#5 – Don’t Forget To Fall In Love. Use NaNoWriMo to your advantage. Don’t just sit at the computer and “see what happens,” take the concept that speaks to you, that you dream about, that you see in the back of your mind every day, and write that story. Live it, breathe it. Put 200% into it. Fall in love with it.

#6 – Filling Out The Big Picture. Before you can write your story, you must be sure to have three key elements in place. Larry outlines each of these categories in easy to understand language that’ll have you sittin’ up and takin’ notes. So get to it.

#7 – The Most Important Moment In Your Story. Your first plot point. Larry gives advice and tools on how to get it right, even during NaNoWriMo.

#8 – Why and How Your First 12 to 15 Scenes Are Different. Because the First Plot Point is so important and so pivotal to your novel, Larry goes into it further here. He also gives great information for more in-depth study.

#9 – Take A Hike. During the planning stages, it’s easy to become confused and feel adrift. Larry says to take some time to verbally work through these moments with a partner who will quietly listen to you. This can literally be a hike, or as is my case, you can work through it on the elliptical at the gym. He also gives a fantastic bonus tip – you gotta see this.

#10 – Specifics On How To Plan Your Story. Larry dissects and defines each level of story planning: The Visionary Level, The Architectural Level, and The Construction Level. Keys to NaNoWriMo success!

#11 – Cast Your Story With Familiar Faces. Here’s a tip that I not only practice myself, but I’ve also heard about recently from another peer. Using a color photo of an actor as a visual aide is very helpful in adding depth and edge to your character’s personality.

#12 – May The “Forces” Be With You. Here, Larry breaks down five powerful forces, or physics, behind the core competences of writing.

#13 – Begin To Write It Down. Wait just a minute! No cheating here…it ain’t November 1^st yet, kiddies… Larry explains in detail just exactly what the heck a beat sheet is, finally.

#14 – Surrender To The Process. The halfway-point pep talk. Definitely need this right now. All of this prep work is a lot to take in, a lot to process, and a lot to manage. Whew!

So there you have it…we’re not finished, not by a long shot, but this is a fantastic start to planning for NaNoWriMo. I encourage all of you to subscribe to Storyfix.com immediately so you don’t miss out on the upcoming posts (which you need to head over there right after you finish this to get posts 15 ~ 19!) but if you don’t – for what reason I can’t imagine – I will post a follow-up to this one next week…just in time for Day 1 of NaNoWriMo.

So talk to me. What do you think about Larry Brook’s approach to novel planning? Are you prepared for NaNoWriMo? What do you do differently? Are you going to participate in NaNoWriMo? Why, or why not?

Your Health!

Welcome to Slàinte Sundays where I give a toast to those posts I enjoyed during the week.

On Craft…

Kristen Lamb brings us part 2 of her series on story Structure: Plot Problems – Falcor the Luck Dragon & the Purple Tornado.

David N. Walker gives us an in-depth look at how we can build our characters into full four-dimensional people.

On Networking and Social Media…

Sonia Medeiros asks what I sometimes ask myself: Got Blog Fatigue?

Kristen Lamb wraps up her series on the three critical people to know on Social Media with ~ The Closer.

Roni Loren rants about blogging and building platforms…this could also go under “Motivation,” ‘cause I gotta tell you, I was relieved and inspired when I finished reading it…Thanks Roni!

On Motivation…

Jenny Hansen over at Writers In The Storm Blog wraps up their Fear series with this finale on phobias. Don’t look at the spider pic…just scroll down right past it…

Jenny Hansen is back with tips and insight from New York Times Best Selling Author, Susan Mallery.

Jillian Dodd, hosted by David N. Walker, inspires us with her story of the journey up Mt. Fuji…or almost up :p

Just For Fun…

Shéa MacLeod gives us a snapshot at Mermaids and how the different cultures depicted them. Very interesting!

Marcia Richards tells the story of a haunted prison where hangings and murders were the norm.

Piper Bayard and Kristen Lamb are back bringing their vision of America to you, the people. Let’s hear it for Piper-Lamb 2012!

Natalie Hartford brings yet another nifty gadget – the Drill Blender. A must have for anyone on the go.

Gene Lempp explores the beginnings of theatre.

Jess Witkins shares a spooky experience with a Ouija board.. *shivers*

Steena Holmes shares the latest on the Bandit Creek series…whoa, wait, a ménage??

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

To Kristen, David, Sonia, Roni, Jenny, Jillian, Shéa, Marcia, Piper, Natalie, Gene, Jess, and Steena…

Slàinte…your health!

Spoooky Spiderweb Cake…Yum!

Welcome to Rudan Thursdays where we talk about…things! Anything from books and movies, to blog posts and authors, to food and drink.

Halloween will be here before you know it. Here’s an idea for a spooky treat!

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 Package (18.25oz) White Cake Mix

1 Can (16oz) Vanilla Frosting

1 Tube (.68oz) Black Decorating Gel

2-3 Black Licorice Laces

4 Large Black Gumdrops

Red Food Coloring

Yellow Food Coloring

Here’s how to make it:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grease and flour a 13x9in baking pan.

Prepare cake mix according to package directions.

Pour batter into prepared pan.

Bake cake until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean – about 28-38 minutes.

Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.

• Set aside ½ teaspoon vanilla frosting.

Place remaining frosting in a medium bowl.

Add red and yellow food coloring, a few drops at a time (start with about ¼ teaspoon each), until desired orange color is reached.

Frost cake with orange frosting.

Pipe spiderweb, using black decorating gel, on top of cake.

• Cut eight 1 ½in pieces of licorice lace for each spider.

Make 4 holes with a wooden skewer on each side of each gumdrop.

Insert 4 pieces of licorice into each side of gumdrops for legs.

Make eyes with small dots of reserved vanilla frosting using a toothpick.

Add dots of black get for centers of eyes.

Place spiders on cake…voila!

Wanna do cupcakes instead? No problem! Simply prepare the cake mix according to package directions for cupcakes. Pipe a tiny web on top of each cupcake and add one spider. A spookalicious treat for the kiddies!

Taitneamh…enjoy!

Do You Know Your Celtic History?

Welcome to Tursan Tuesdays, where I take you on a journey through the Celtic world.

Today, we’re going to take a look back at the history of the Celts. This may be a refresher for some, or something new for others.

Ok, really, I’m sick. I’m surrounded by germ infested children, and my house has turned into a contagion zone – they’re going to have to put up the white tents soon…

That said, we’re taking a bit of a break on our Gods & Goddesses comparisons, but fear not! A brand-spanking new post will be up next Tuesday…even if it kills me

And now, here you are, a brief history of the Celts…

Who Were The Celts?

A better question would be “Who IS a Celt?” because the Celts are alive and well today my friends, just as they were thousands of years ago.

Some say a Celt is a mystic or witch who dances around stone circles in the moonlight. Some say a Celt is a nature loving person who is kind to animals and people. Some say a Celt is someone who lives in either Scotland or Ireland. Still others say that a Celt is one who speaks the Celtic language, produces Celtic art, or proclaims himself or herself a Celt.

My opinion? Sure, any of those could be correct, but there is much, much more to a Celt than that. Celts are not an ethnic group, and there are many varied religious beliefs associated with them.

The fact is, Celts embrace a certain way of life, a certain way of being.

I believe, however, in order to understand the modern Celt, you must first know their history. Don’t worry, I’ll keep this brief.

First, let’s talk about the “text book” stuff.

The ancient Celts were the first European people north of the Alps to emerge into recorded history. They distinguished themselves from their fellow Europeans by virtue of the languages which they spoke, now known as the Celtic languages (i.e. p-Celtic, q-Celtic, Gaelic, etc.).

Now, the exact geographic location from whence the Celts came is unknown, but you better believe everyone has a theory.

There are historians who say they branched off from other tribes in the lands between the Baltic and Black Seas. Some scholars argue that they originated in the areas now known as Switzerland and South-West Germany.

Regardless of exactly where they began, it is well-known the Celts migrated north, expanding their settlements in various lands throughout Europe. Due to the rise of the Roman Empire, and then the expansions of both the Slavs and the Germanic Peoples, the Celts eventually settled in the lands of Ireland, the Isle of Man, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall and Brittany. These six are now known as the Celtic Nations.

However, I would like to point out that there are Celts living in almost every country on the planet, from Argentina to Australia, and from Russia to Canada and the U.S.

Now, let’s chat about the fun stuff.

The Celts were and are a very resilient people, known for their fiery passion, strength, courage, imagination, creativity and easy eloquence.

The mystic and otherworldly aspects of the Celts are certainly real, but only a part of who they are as a people. Not every Celt is a witch, and not every witch is a Celt!

*Fun Fact: Many of the traditional Christian beliefs have roots in ancient Celtic culture.

The Celtic people believe in the power of Nature; they see the land as the embodiment of the Great Mother – nurturing, loving, and elemental. They lived then, and now, in tune with the rhythms of nature and their yearly cycle of festivals reflect this. They are a harmonious and peace-loving people, unless threatened…then, watch out! Their passion, courage, and unwavering devotion to their cause are the hallmarks of a Celt.

So talk to me. Do the characteristics of the Celtic People ring true in you? Do you notice any similarities between yourself and the Celts? I am passionate about these people and love learning about them! What knowledge do you have about the history of the Celts?

Your Health!

Welcome to Slàinte Sundays where I give a toast to those posts I enjoyed during the week.

It seems like this week’s theme was overcoming fear, which I appreciated since I’ve been struggling with that. (If you’re a writer, than you have too – so read up and kick fear’s a$$!) We have quite a bit on craft as well, and a TON that’s just for fun! Enjoy!

On craft…

David N. Walker continues his series on character outlining. This week’s post is about those other guys, the supporting characters.

Kristen Lamb begins her series on novel structure with Structure Matters. A must read.

Elizabeth Spann discusses outlining and its benefits in her post, Changing Our Book’s Game Plan.

Annalise Green gives her take on outlining in her post, That Outlining Thing, Or No Pants!

On publishing…

Bob Mayer stresses the importance of team building in his post, Reamde, Pottermore, Hyperion and other mistakes from publishing “experts.”

On motivation…

D.A. Watts at Writers On The Storm Blog continues their series on identifying and overcoming fear. These are excellent posts and I strongly suggest you read the other posts if you haven’t already.

Jenny Hansen follows it up with her post at Writers On The Storm Blog asking Do You Fear Your Dreams? These posts are so inspiring. Fear is the noose around a writer’s neck and these ladies are shoving it into the spotlight so we can all face it together. Totally awesome!

Kait Nolan inspires us in her post on facing and overcoming fear, Explore Your Ragged Edge.

Pam Hawley visits David N. Walker and shares her views on facing fears in her post, Sticking Our Necks Out.

Gary Gauthier is hanging out with Marcia Richards and talking about ways to beat procrastination in his post, How To Turn Your Goal Into A Reality. Great post, Gary!

Marcia Richards puts in her two cents on fear in her post she shares on Sonia Medeiros’s blog, Fear Not.

On Social Media and Networking…

Jenny Hansen offers 8 excellent tips for expanding your network with social media.

Kristen Lamb gives us a much-needed refresher on tips for branding our names and building our platforms.

Roni Loren talks about how she built her author platform and what she would do differently in her interview with Laura Barnes in her latest Savvy Sensation segment. Very insightful!

Techy Stuff…

Carrie Spencer, via her good buddy Woodie, shows us how to add HTML code in our blogs on WP in this segment from Woodie Knows WordPress.

For Fun!

Jenny Hansen asks Do I Have A Dirty Mind? Uh…yeah, Jenny, you do…and I dig it! :p

Steena Holmes announces a new release in the new Bandit Creek Series! 33 Books + 32 Writers + Multi-Genre = Awesomeness!

Piper Bayard announces her running mate for the 2012 Presidential Election…the Dream Team! Ok, seriously, how can we make this actually happen, ‘cause I’m so in!

Annalise Green offers a fun post on the dark side of Mermaids.

Gene Lempp gives yet another thrilling post from his Zoo Arcane with Slayer Spirits and the Unredeemed…muahahahahahaaa!!!

Jess Witkins shares her freaky and appropriate post, I See Dead People. (Cue spooky music)

Mums the word topic in this sweet post from Jillian Dodd, Is Bigger Really Better? (Get your filthy minds out of the gutter!)

I absolutely could not do this post without mentioning; yeah you guessed it, invisible porn! Piper Bayard opens her store and her heart in her post, Invisible Art? That’s Nothing. We’ve Got Invisible Porn. Bust out the credit card, you are not going to want to miss out!

Elena Aitken asks Fashion Forward, Or Totally Backward? in her post about models in magazines, and how ridiculous they all look.

Natalie Hartford shares the Urban Word of the week: Webtrovert.

Shéa MacLeod dishes on some of the sexiest paranormal studs around in her post, Zombies, Vampires, and the Delicious Mr. Spock.

Diana Murdock points out that tattoos aren’t just for gang members or street thugs…they can be inspirational, personal expressions of our inner selves. Awesome post!

Carrie Spencer shares a very cool video on pumpkin carving in her post, Get The Chainsaw Honey, Let’s Carve A Pumpkin!

And there you have it.

To David, Kristen, Elizabeth, Annalise, Bob, Deb, Jenny, Kait, Pam, Gary, Marcia, Roni, Carrie, Steena, Piper, Gene, Jess, Jillian, Elena, Natalie, Shéa, and Diana…  *takes a breath*

Slàinte…your health!

Epic Post

Welcome to Rudan Thursdays where we talk about…things! Anything from books and movies, to blog posts and authors, to food and drink.

My husband recently introduced me to the gentlemen at Epic Meal Time. Not directly face-to-face, I mean he introduced me to their youtube channel. Yes, channel. These Canadian boys are so popular they have their own channel, and the hits just keep climbing.

I immediately felt it necessary to share this with all of you. My husband and I have watched almost all of the episodes to date, and I found myself at times disgusted, intrigued, baffled – but always entertained.

Words like this immediately come to mind when I think of Epic Meal Time: “epic,” “gross,” “giant,” “gross,” “monstrous,” “gross,” “colossal” …ok, you get the picture.

Anyway, take a looksie and tell me what you think.

**WARNING: Explicit Language**

<object height=”344″ width=”425″><param name=”movie” value=”http://www.youtube.com/v/m9FRSghXhDM&t=4s&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1″><param name=”allowFullScreen” value=”true”><param name=”allowscriptaccess” value=”always”></object>

So talk to me. What did you think? Have you heard of Epic Meal Time before? I noticed that for all the…um, artistry…they actually seemed to know how to cook. Well, perhaps that wasn’t fully represented in this particular video, but if you watch more episodes you can see that they actually seem to know what they’re doing…interesting..

And, if anyone knows how to post youtube videos without the coding showing up, pass that info along, eh?

Warrior Gods

Welcome to Tursan Tuesdays, where I take you on a journey through the Celtic world.

Last week kicked off my series on comparisons of the Celtic Gods & Goddesses to those of other traditions. We began with The Mórrígan, and it was a lot of fun. You can check it out here.

We’re going to mix it up today. Rather than start with the Celtic warrior god, we’re going to get to know Ares, the Greek warrior god, a little better. While researching Athena, I got to know her brother and found him fascinating. You may have noticed I gave you a hint of him in my last post.

Ares

 Ares is one of the Twelve Olympians, and the son of Zeus and Hera. Unlike his sister, Athena, Ares can be brutal, violent, and destructive. He is a Greek god of war and battle. His particular level of violence seems similar to that of The Mórrígan or Sekhmet.

Ares is fascinating because in one aspect he is regarded with contempt. Due to his affair with Aphrodite, and her husband, Hephaestus’s, clever way of dealing with the incident, Ares is pitied, and often in mythology he faces humiliation and disgrace.

Yet, in another aspect he is compared to the Roman warrior god, Mars. Often they are regarded as one and the same. Mars is said to be just as savage as Ares, yet he is shown with more dignity and grace than his Greek counterpart. Why is this so, if they are the same god?

In further contradiction to the afore-mentioned disdainful view, in some lands, namely Sparta and Macedonia, Ares is revered. He is described as victorious, with superior military skills and physical strength. Indeed, his physical strength, military genius, and resilience are said to be unmatched.

Ares had temples erected in his image, rituals and hymns performed in his honor, and companions with names like “Fear,” and “Dread.”

One bad love affair ruined everything it would seem. A lesson can be learned from this…

Camulus

Camulus, or Camulos, is the British and Gaulish Celtic warrior god. Like Ares, he has been equated to the Roman warrior god, Mars – only, Camulus is considered to be even more dangerous, if that is possible. Interestingly enough, his godly traits are the antithesis to the meaning of his name, Heaven.

Not a lot is known about this illusive god. His symbol is the wild boar, and he is known to wield an invincible sword.

Some say that the Roman town of Camulodunum, now Colchester, England, was named in his honor. Others say it was Camelot that was named after him. Who is to say which is right?

You may think that not knowing much about this particular god makes him less interesting, however I would argue it is this mystery that makes him fascinating. There is so much potential here, so much is open to interpretation and imagination. Just think what stories could be told about him, what journeys he may have, what battles he may wage. Perhaps he is destined for a great love…imagine the type of goddess that would capture this warrior god’s heart. Very interesting..

So talk to me. What do you think of Ares? Is he a pitiful, immature boy – or a magnificent warrior whose reputation has been smeared by jealous adversaries? What do you know about the Roman warrior god, Mars? Have you ever heard of Camulus? What do you know of him?

Please share – I love learning more about these traditions!

Your Health!

Welcome to Slàinte Sundays where I give a toast to those posts I enjoyed during the week.

I apologize for the late post, however germs and illness are spreading through my household like wildfire and I have been struck low. I explained in more detail in my post from New Kids on the Writer’s Block.

That said, I will endeavor to carry on. Here are, in my opinion, the best of the best from the past week:

On motivation…

Laura Drake at Writers On The Storm Blog tells us how we can overcome our fears of failure.

Fae Rowan, also at Writers On The Storm Blog, shows us the other side of the coin, and tells us how we can overcome our fears of achieving success – of which group I am a part. Excellent post, very motivating!

Marion Spicher shares tips on achieving self-discipline, something we can all use!

Jenny Hansen asks a question that, I think, we all struggle with: Do Writers Need Validation? Really motivating post, I’m better for having read it.

Steena Holmes reminds us that we need to create boundaries and learn to stand up for ourselves, especially when it comes to protecting our writing time!

Diana Murdock talks about looking deep down inside ourselves and asking the tough question, do we really want this? Yet another thought-provoking post from Diana.

Marcia Richards offers five steps we can take in order to keep our dreams alive. Very important for those of us struggling to stay focused on our goals while juggling our crazy schedules and demanding families. And don’t miss her post on health and fitness where she shows us nine really easy ways to stay fit and not give up our routines. Impossible you say? Nope.

Elena Aitken shares an inspiring story of her nine-year old daughter’s self-confidence. A learning moment for all of us.

Cate Woods reminds us that as world creators and trend breakers, we writers need to think outside the box. Or just recycle it. Great post!

Piper Bayard, guest posting at Writers On The Storm Blog, explains the difference between what we writers think we know, what we need to know, and how we can learn what we need to know.

On craft…

David N. Walker gives us another well thought out post on craft, this time focusing on the Protagonist.

Kristen Lamb explains how editors can spot novel illnesses usually within the first 20 pages or so. Very enlightening!

James Killick shows us how we can flesh out really great characters by asking them, yes the characters, 10 questions.

On networking…

Kristen Lamb offers us a few informative and educating posts on networking and social media. She dons her stethoscope as Dr. Twuth in this first post to explain the changes recently made by Facebook, and why we should embrace them. The second is a post on Mavens and why they are not only helpful, but necessary. Finally, Kristen shows us why blogging really IS important, and NOT dead as some insist on insisting – as long as you’re doing it right. Hmmm…I hope I’m doing it right… Check out my post from my writer’s group blog for more great info on Kristen and all she has to offer.

Roni Loren, Fiction Groupie, offers us five ways to protect our brand. Very enlightening, I learned some things I need to change in the way I network. Great post!

Just for fun…

Natalie Hartford shares with us this nifty little device that is at once useful and chic.

The wait is over! Jillian Dodd shares with us the results of her labor of love. Her daughter’s room turned out absolutely fabulous!

You all know how I love me some stories. David N. Walker tells a very interesting tale of Ruth and Boaz. It has some intriguing messages we can all take from it.

Jess Witkins tells us about her dream team of super heroines. This was so much fun! I only wish She-Ra had been included…

How simple it would be if we could simply spray on our clothing? Carrie Spencer gives us the deets.

Wow…we have quite a few peeps here again, so rather than list them all out, I’ll just say…

Slàinte…your health!

The Final Four

Welcome to Rudan Thursdays where we talk about…things! Anything from books and movies, to blog posts and authors, to food and drink.

Sorry kids, by “The Final Four” I’m referring to the final four books in the Sherbrooke series by Catherine Coulter – not basketball. *shudder* I apologize if you are a basketball fan, I’m more of a football fan myself

Here’s what you’ve missed so far in my series on the Sherbrooke family: Oh Those Sherbrooke Men! & I’ve Got More Sherbrookes For You!

Alright, peeps, we’ve got four books to cover, let’s get to it…

Pendragon

Meggie Sherbrooke, daughter of Tysen Sherbrooke who we all remember from The Scottish Bride, decides to marry Thomas Malcombe, the Earl of Lancaster. Her intention, to escape a broken heart, is successful when she falls in love with her husband. Meggie finds her new home in Pendragon, a castle on the southeastern coast of Ireland. The ancient dwelling, full of eccentric people, charms Meggie – in a fashion that may very well lead to disaster.

The Sherbrooke Twins

Twins James and Jason Sherbrooke, sons of Douglas Sherbrooke from the first book in the series, The Sherbrooke Bride, are quite the dashing pair, content to continue sowing their wild oats for the foreseeable future. However, fate has something else in store for these two heroes. Enter the lovely Corrie and the alluring Judith. On top of the engaging and entertaining romances between the two pairs is the looming shadow of danger. Someone is trying to kill Douglas Sherbrooke!

Lyon’s Gate

Five years after the drama involving the plot to kill Douglas Sherbrooke, James and Jason Sherbrooke are back. Without giving anything away, let me just tell you that Catherine Coulter masterfully incorporates this series with The Valentine Legacy from her Legacy series, and Night Storm from her Night series. Excellent book, a must read!

Wizard’s Daughter

Ms. Coulter takes a break from the normal, and heads directly into the paranormal, in the latest edition to the Sherbrooke series. With many of the old characters from previous stories come to the fore, Ms. Coulter delivers a sensational story of a woman, Rosalind, at the center of a centuries-old mystery.

A broken, abused child, Rosalind was found on the streets by Ryder Sherbrooke and taken in by the Sherbrooke family. Years later, she meets Nicholas Vail during her first season in London. Together they come to realize that she is the key to unlocking a code written by a 16^th century wizard. This is a story you don’t want to miss!

So there you have it, the Sherbrooke family. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Remember to mark your calendars; the latest Sherbrooke novel scheduled to release this November is Prince of Ravenscar. I can’t wait!

Check out Catherine Coulter’s entire works here.

So talk to me. What do you think of the Sherbrooke series? Do you have a particular book by Catherine Coulter that you enjoy? Who is your favorite author? Do you have a series that you would like to see reviewed here? Let me know!

Warrior Goddesses

Welcome to Tursan Tuesdays, where I take you on a journey through the Celtic world.

Recently, someone asked if The Mórrígan, from Celtic mythology, was in any way similar to Pandora, from Greek mythology. I answered that The Mórrígan was a Celtic warrior goddess, and according to Greek mythology, Pandora was the First Woman; created by each one of the Gods. I went on to say that while these deities are not similar, there are many similarities between other Gods and Goddesses in our different cultures.

This got me thinking…wouldn’t it be fun to compare and contrast Celtic deities to those from different mythologies?

Let’s do it

I thought it only fitting we begin with The Mórrígan herself.

The Mórrígan, or Great Queen, is the Irish warrior goddess of battle, strife and fertility. She is known for being one of the most beautiful and sexual of all Goddesses, as well as being quite deadly. She has no problem using her sexuality to get what she wants, and can be ruthless in her pursuits. She can determine the outcome of wars, as well as predict when heroes will meet their end.

There is some debate over whether The Mórrígan is part of a triple deity or the sum of three separate deities. Many believe that she, along with her sisters Macha and Anu make up the Great Goddess, or The Goddess, the Great Mother of all the land. Still others say The Mórrígan is a triple goddess made by the aspects Badb, Macha, and Nemain.

The Mórrígan is a shapeshifter; she can take the forms of raven, eel, cow, or wolf. The raven, or Carrion Crow, is a harbinger of death. It can frequently be seen flying above the battlefield, circling and casting spells to determine the victor. She will use the other animal forms in whatever way best benefits her agenda. The Mórrígan can also take different human forms. She can appear as a Crone, bringing news of death and destruction, or warnings of such. She can appear as a young maiden to cast praise and love upon her chosen hero. This young maiden aspect of The Mórrígan is less well-known. Turns out she does indeed have a softer side.

Be warned however, cross The Mórrígan at your own peril…

Sekhmet, or Powerful One, is the Egyptian warrior goddess of vengeance, war and retribution. She is also known as a goddess of healing. It is said she is fiercely beautiful with the light of the sun shining through her. She leads the pharaohs in battle, and will protect them by shooting arrows of fire at their enemies. Like The Mórrígan, Sekhmet is quite deadly; only death and destruction will sooth her warrior’s heart and her breath is the hot desert wind that rips through the sand dunes.

A solar deity, Sekhmet is also sometimes referred to as the daughter of the sun-god Ra. She is frequently spoken of in connection with the goddesses Hathor and Bast. She bears the solar disk and the Uraeus, which associates her with Wadjet and royalty. This links her to the goddess of justice and order, Ma’at. In this aspect, Sekhmet is a divine arbiter in the Judgment Hall of Osiris, which also associates her with the Eye of Ra, and Tefnut.

Unlike The Mórrígan, Sekhmet is not known to shape shift. Often she is depicted as a lioness, the fiercest of all hunters, wearing a red gown the color of freshly spilled blood. In some depictions, Sekhmet’s dress has a rosette pattern over each nipple which is an ancient leonine motif and can be traced to the observation of the shoulder knot hairs on lions. Occasionally she is shown in her statuettes or engravings as being naked or with minimal clothing. Tame lions were kept in temples dedicated to Sekhmet at Leontopolis.

Over the centuries, Sekhmet’s power has gained her several titles, including Lady of Flame, Before Whom Evil Trembles, Mistress of Dread, and Lady of Slaughter. In order to placate Sekhmet’s wrath, her priestesses performed a special ritual before a different statue of her at different times of the year.

This warrior goddess isn’t all bad, however. Remember, she is also a goddess of healing. While she can bring pestilence and illness upon any whom she chooses, she can also bring cures for these ailments. At one time, her name became synonymous with “physician,” and her priestesses are considered to be at the same level as physicians.

Like The Mórrígan, however, I would treat Sekhmet with all due respect and deference.

When one thinks of the term, “goddess” one usually thinks of the wise and powerful Greek Goddess, Athena.

Athena is a warrior goddess, but according to Greek mythology, she is also goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, strength, strategy, female arts, crafts, justice and skill. A very well-rounded goddess. While she is a goddess of warfare, Athena isn’t quite as bloodthirsty as The Mórrígan or Sekhmet, though she is no less fearsome or ruthless when provoked.

Like The Mórrígan, there is some debate over Athena’s origins. Some say she is the daughter of Zeus, born from his forehead fully grown and dressed for battle with a war cry upon her lips. Others say that Triton, the son and herald of Poseidon, is her father (or foster-father!). Still others say that Pallas is Athena’s true father. Who can be sure?

Quite unlike The Mórrígan, Athena is a virgin goddess, and in fact she enforces the rules of sexual modesty. Athena has never taken a lover or a consort, and the Parthenon, her most famous temple, takes its name from her title, Athena Parthenos, or “Virgin Athena.”

Athena is known to guide heroes on their quests and in their battles, to protect her cities, and to weave magnificent and shining tapestries. She is often depicted with an owl, which is a symbol of knowledge and wisdom. In her warrior aspect, the goddess is more of a disciplined strategist rather than a violent slaughterer.

No, she leaves those particular qualities to her brother, Ares…

So talk to me! What do you think of these magnificent ladies? There is much, much more to them than I have shared here, as I’m sure you can imagine. Do you know of other myths or legends surrounding them? Have you learned of different aspects to their natures? What other warrior goddesses do you know? Please share, I love learning more about mythologies of all traditions!