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Heart of the Wolf: Mixing Fact and Fiction

When writing Heart of the Wolf, I did a lot of research on wolf pack dynamics and individual wolf behaviors. And in fact, in each of the subsequent books, Don’t Cry Wolf and Betrayal of the Wolf, I’ve incorporated even more details about wolf behaviors. So in every book, readers will find out something new. I’ve just started Allure of the Wolf, and again, intend to include new wolf details and already have some in mind.

When I set out to write Heart of the Wolf, I wanted to create a story that was as realistic as possible for a werewolf story to be, except I wanted to make it a romance, and the main characters live happily ever after.

Werewolves have been legends in many countries all over the world. So I wanted to incorporate a bit of those into the story, along with real wolf behaviors, and real wolf species. Therefore, red and gray werewolves were born. Conflict makes a story so by creating two different werewolf species, conflict is inherent.

What aspects of my wolf research surprised me? That wolves nuzzle others and objects to show possession. So the next time your dog nuzzles you, he is claiming you for his own.

Did I learn anything about humans through this process? I enjoyed making the wolf and the man one in this werewolf series. When they’re wolves, they still have their human sensibilities. And when they’re humans, they still have their wolf instincts. It’s like taking humans back many years before we lost our more sensitive abilities to hear and see and smell, yet having the brainpower we do now. So the best of both worlds–the animal instincts needed for self preservation in the wild, and the intelligence we have now.

A retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, Terry Spear has an MBA from Monmouth University. As an eclectic writer, she dabbles in paranormal, historical and true life stories for both teen and adult audiences. She is also the author of Winning the Highlander’s Heart and The Vampire…In My Dreams. Sourcebooks Casablanca will release Don’t Cry Wolf, Spring ’09. Spear lives in the heart of Texas. She can be reached through her website: http://terryspear.com

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Thou shalt not…

According to a recent poll, the Bible ranks as the #1 most read book. I wonder how many of those folks polled actually DO read the Bible? Just an idea, mind you.

Go check out the various choices for #2…

Monopoly…it’s not just a game anymore.

So about this dust-up with Amazon and their decision to stop stocking Print On Demand titles unless it’s through their service, Booksurge. As it stands, this is not just mere rumor since the precious golden “buy” buttons are being removed willy-nilly throughout their site. First Kindle, now this. I’m guessing Amazon’s Audible is next.

While I understand corporate bottom line, this smacks of strong-arm tactics. I don’t like bullies and I’m very fond of the little guy, be it small press or an author just stepping into the scene. Must be my blue collar roots showing.

Amazon, in my opinion, is an insidious plague. They have quite a big hook to fish with and they’re using just the right kind of bait. It’s called Convenience. One stop shopping, be it books or CDs or DVDs or a new vacuum cleaner. I buy my new books from Amazon however since it’s one or two a year — at best — it’s not like they’re taking a huge chunk out of my bank account when it comes to text. With that said, I do buy one hell of a lot of stuff from Amazon because it’s convenient (or was until yet another insidious plague — Walmart — opened up in my town.)

Why don’t I just drive to a brick and mortar? Because I don’t live anywhere near a bookstore — either chain or independent. It’s like planning a vacation to get there from here (I’m exaggerating but you get my point.) The B&N by the mall is smack dab in the middle of a traffic nightmare. Borders — at the other end of the road — fares no better. It is inconvenient. Drag winter and snow into this? Hell no. I haven’t set foot in a bookstore since October. B&N and only because I had birthday gift cards. I could have spent them online but I thought it would be a treat. A book/coffee combo is hard to resist when a pair of gift cards are on the line.

But if things continue along these lines with Amazon’s empire, it may have me rethinking my buying habits, both online and off. And perhaps it isn’t too far to drive after all…

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