Tangled Tuesday-Inked

My Pictish Wolf from The Book of Kells
 Done by Errol J Cathcart

As writers, sometimes our characters mark us in ways that go beyond the psychological. It's probably a weird, writer thing, but when you create a character, it's kind of like evoking a real person. You take something that's indiscernible, perhaps just a glimmer of thought, and bring it into focus on the page. Is it any wonder that something you create would in turn, leave you something in return?

I was watching Ink Master the other night, which I like to do while practicing my ballet. An odd combination perhaps, but that's what I end up doing. It's an interesting show because you see the artistic work that goes into creating a tattoo. (You see a lot of fighting between the artists too, but I swear that's not why I tune in!) I'd love to be a guest "canvas" but would probably be a tattoo artist's nightmare. Some of the "canvases" are talked into things they hadn't planned on, and there's no way I'd agree to that. I put a lot of thought into my tattoos and ponder on them for months before making a commitment. To date, I have three--one on my ankle, one on the back of my neck, and one on my belly.

Right before BETWEEN was released, I got a Pictish wolf (above) tattooed on the back of my neck. You can read about why here (in the last two paragraphs), if you're interested. The warrior I dreamed of has gone into my character file, where he will make an appearance in a future novel, as he's already marked me in a physical kind of way.
The Pictish wolf is from The Book of Kells. It accompanies a poem about a warrior who has lost everything/everyone he loves. The warrior questions his life, faith, and dedication to his king and country as he wanders alone. The poem is a very sad one and stuck with me. Aside from my dream which led me to get the wolf, the poem seemed to represent Cronan from my paranormal book BETWEEN.  So, in a roundabout kind of way, I have Cronan at my back. If you've read BETWEEN, that may sound a little unsettling!

Image via Art Imagery via The Book of Kells,
7th Century Scotland/Ireland 

This is a companion piece to my wolf. I haven't gotten this one yet, but it represents Lucas, another one of my characters from BETWEEN. (I'll definitely omit the flower) I haven't decided where it will go.

*The Book of Kells states this is a lion, though it's listed as a hound on most websites, for some reason. I'm not particularly religious, but I've become obsessed with the artwork in this book.

As far as my latest novel, STRUCK, I've thought about getting a tattoo to represent Julian, one of the central characters. The only thing I could come up with would be a Lichtenberg figure on my back. Not only would this be quite an involved tattoo, but I'm not sure I'd want it! (The caused-by-lightning figure "brands" the character Gwynneth, in a "dark spirit attachment" kind of way.)
Julian may have to wait to leave his mark. In a physical way, anyways... 

#Paranormal Wednesday-BETWEEN Extras: Part Three

In the process of writing, I sometimes will write back-story for my characters. In my novel, BETWEEN, there were lots of these back-stories. Prior to Lucinda's life, Cronan and Lucas had been bound together as a Death Spirit and Guardian over the span of 700 years. In order to understand their history completely, I wrote several flashback scenes that weren't included in the novel. You can see Flashback #1 and Flashback #2 here. This is the shortest one I wrote and the last one I'll post. Enjoy!

The setup:

Lucas and Cronan have been bound together since their deaths in 1349. Now, a Guardian and a Death Spirit, they are both responsible for a human life; Lucas must protect the life until it is Cronan's job to take it. It is a cycle that will last through seven lifetimes until their souls are set free. It seems like a simple enough task. However, Lucas repeatedly becomes attached to the lives he is responsible, much to Cronan's chagrin. And every time Lucas steps in to keep Cronan from taking a life, a cycle of seven lifetimes must be repeated.

Flashback #3

1456
Lowlands, Scotland

“Foolish woman! She is not strong enough to survive a near-drowning. There is no need to fuss over her. She will be dead by nightfall.”

"Eithne is a strong child, Symon.” The woman set her jaw and stood to face her husband. “She survived her birth and will survive this.”

“Suit yourself,” Symon grumbled. “I am out to tend the sheep. Or have you forgotten our livelihood?”

“I have not.” Ana wrapped the sleeping child in woolens and kissed her forehead. “Sleep, Eithne. I will return shortly.”

She pulled her sheepskin cloak around her shoulders and, sparing her daughter a parting glance under Symon’s disapproving eye, left.

The hut was quiet save for the crackle of the dying fire in the hearth. Two unseen figures stood over the infant. One traced his finger along the child’s smooth brow, causing her to stir.

“You were not to save her,” Cronan muttered.

Lucas’s hand paused. Silence.

“What were you thinking?”

End

BETWEEN
How far would you go to redeem yourself?

As a young girl, Lucinda was able to see spirits, a gift that didn't come without its problems. Now, a dedicated young veterinarian, she is committed to the idea that every life can be saved.
After a devastating accident, Lucinda tries to escape her past by moving to a small town. There, she meets a newcomer and feels an immediate connection with him. But there is another mysterious stranger to the small town, one that stirs within her a mixture of unease and desire.
As Lucinda is drawn into a bitter tug-a-war from the forces around her, she is likewise pulled into a dangerous twist of past and present events. Forced to make difficult choices, she finds that the two men are locked in not only a battle for her life...but a battle for their salvation.

*Second place in the Preditors and Editors Readers Poll 2012

Purchase Links

Amazon.com

Barnesandnoble.com

Musa Publishing

EXCERPT

#Paranormal Wednesday-BETWEEN Extras: Part Two

In the process of writing, I sometimes will write back-story for my characters. In my novel, BETWEEN, there were lots of these back-stories. Prior to Lucinda's life, Cronan and Lucas had been bound together as a Death Spirit and Guardian over the span of 700 years. In order to understand their history completely, I wrote several flashback scenes that weren't included in the novel. You can see Flashback #1 here. I will post one more next Wednesday. Enjoy!

The setup:

Lucas and Cronan have been bound together since their deaths in 1349. Now, a Guardian and a Death Spirit, they are both responsible for a human life; Lucas must protect the life until it is Cronan's job to take it. It is a cycle that will last through seven lifetimes until their souls are set free. It seems like a simple enough task. However, Lucas repeatedly becomes attached to the lives he is responsible, much to Cronan's chagrin. And every time Lucas steps in to keep Cronan from taking a life, a cycle of seven lifetimes must be repeated.

Flashback #2

1870
The Midlands, England

The horse reared. The woman’s gaze was ripped away from the deer and she was thrown onto the horse’s neck. The horse took off, pounding the ground with its hooves.

Branches from the blur that made up the forest ripped at her hair and sliced across her face. A scream sounded from her throat. She buried her face in the horse’s neck and tried to find the reins that had been yanked from her grasp. Suddenly, the reins slipped into her hands. She pulled with all her strength, shredding her fingernails on the leather. The horse reared backwards, hooves tearing at the grassy edge of a deep ravine.

The ravine that would have swallow them both and ended their lives.

Shakily gathering the reins with a sob, the woman took a few moments to catch her breath before she turned to see her brother charging towards her on horseback.

He pulled on his reins to slow his horse. “What would possess you to ride off like that, Catherine, have you lost your mind?” his voice was raised in alarm. “It will do you little good to break your neck before the wedding.”

“I shall not marry,” she replied, desperation edging her voice. “I do not love him.”

“Surely, you jest?” His face registered disbelief.

“I need time to think.” She clenched the reins in her hands. “It was unfair of father to approach me so.”

“You haven’t a choice in these matters. He has already promised your dowry. Randolf is a good man, Catherine. He cares about you. You could do worse.”

"But--"

“You have embarrassed yourself enough. I suggest you follow and make your apologies.” He turned to look at her. “Well?”

Catherine's shoulders slumped. She nudged her horse forward.

Unseen and straddling the horse behind her, Lucas could see Cronan still standing at the ravine. Their eyes locked and a small pang of guilt nagged at his insides as his counterpart turned from them and stalked away.

End

BETWEEN
How far would you go to redeem yourself?

As a young girl, Lucinda was able to see spirits, a gift that didn't come without its problems. Now, a dedicated young veterinarian, she is committed to the idea that every life can be saved.
After a devastating accident, Lucinda tries to escape her past by moving to a small town. There, she meets a newcomer and feels an immediate connection with him. But there is another mysterious stranger to the small town, one that stirs within her a mixture of unease and desire.
As Lucinda is drawn into a bitter tug-a-war from the forces around her, she is likewise pulled into a dangerous twist of past and present events. Forced to make difficult choices, she finds that the two men are locked in not only a battle for her life...but a battle for their salvation.

*Second place in the Preditors and Editors Readers Poll 2012

Purchase Links

Amazon.com

Barnesandnoble.com

Musa Publishing

EXCERPT

#Paranormal Monday-BETWEEN Extras: Part One

In the process of writing, I sometimes will write back-story for my characters. In my novel, BETWEEN, there were lots of these back-stories. Prior to Lucinda's life, Cronan and Lucas had been bound together as a Death Spirit and Guardian over the span of 700 years. In order to understand their history completely, I wrote several flashback scenes that weren't included in the novel. I will post two more in the coming Wednesdays. Enjoy!

The setup:

Lucas and Cronan have been bound together since their deaths in 1349. Now, a Guardian and a Death Spirit, they are both responsible for a human life; Lucas must protect the life until it is Cronan's job to take it. It is a cycle that will last through seven lifetimes until their souls are set free. It seems like a simple enough task. However, Lucas repeatedly becomes attached to the lives he is responsible, much to Cronan's chagrin. And every time Lucas steps in to keep Cronan from taking a life, a cycle of seven lifetimes must be repeated.

Flashback #1

1917
Ypres, Belgium

Cronan watched the scene unfold in front of him. His scene. The moment where he would move beyond observer, to participant. 

“Not this one too,” the nurse murmured. She straightened the medal the soldier had received that morning.

A perfunctory medal before dying, Cronan reflected bitterly. The fetid smell of gangrene permeated the tent and his gaze slid down to the pus-filled, blackened appendage.

The nurse pressed her nose briefly against the sleeve of her uniform. She dipped a rag into a rusty basin of water and squeezed it out. Attempting to wipe the mud off the young man’s face, her fingers lingered on his cheek. “The doctor will be here soon, I promise. Hold fast, soldier.” She picked a chat from the soldier’s fair eyebrow and absently crushed the offending louse between her fingernails.

Feeling a sudden unease, Cronan left the tent.

**** 

The distant sound of machine-gun fire filled the air. It was coupled with the wet patter of skittering rats as they swarmed like vultures.

Cronan watched as the doctor made his way along the edge of the trenches. The man slipped in the mud and righted himself. Switching his bag to his other hand, he continued towards the tent. Lucas trailed the doctor like a shadow.

Lucas! A cold fury enveloped Cronan’s senses.

There was a high-pitched whistle. Unseen, Lucas grabbed the doctor’s arm and pulled him down. An explosion lit up the night and blanked out all sound at the same time shrapnel flew over their heads at lightning speed.

The doctor scrambled to his feet and looked around, seemingly unsure how he had fallen. He picked up his bag and continued towards the make-shift hospital tent.

Cronan grimaced as Lucas made himself scarce, his damage done. When we do cross paths again, you will have to answer for that. He followed the doctor into the tent.

“Barely dodged that one.” The doctor held his palm to his ear and winced. “My ears are ringing. Let’s get this done, nurse. Where is Rogers?” He pulled a bone saw from his bag.

“I don’t know, sir." She clenched the rag she had been holding. "He left with Peterson to take that last soldier to the trench wall. He hasn't been back.”

“No time to wait, the artillery is getting closer. Hold him down as best you can while I saw the foot off. With any luck, he'll pass out." The doctor handed her a strip of leather. "I’m out of chloroform,” he added grimly. “But hopefully, we can save him. I've seen too many soldiers die today.”

The soldier’s moans turned into screams, followed by silence. 

Cronan stood in the shadows of the tent. He cursed his counterpart for altering the physician’s path to avoid the shrapnel that would have ended his life.

And more importantly, the life of the soldier.

End

BETWEEN
How far would you go to redeem yourself?

As a young girl, Lucinda was able to see spirits, a gift that didn't come without its problems. Now, a dedicated young veterinarian, she is committed to the idea that every life can be saved.
After a devastating accident, Lucinda tries to escape her past by moving to a small town. There, she meets a newcomer and feels an immediate connection with him. But there is another mysterious stranger to the small town, one that stirs within her a mixture of unease and desire.
As Lucinda is drawn into a bitter tug-a-war from the forces around her, she is likewise pulled into a dangerous twist of past and present events. Forced to make difficult choices, she finds that the two men are locked in not only a battle for her life...but a battle for their salvation.

*Second place in the Preditors and Editors Readers Poll 2012

Purchase Links

Amazon.com

Barnesandnoble.com

Musa Publishing

EXCERPT