Things That Go BUMP in the Night...

Halloween is upon us, which is the perfect time to explore creatures that give us the willies. My least favorite creature is revealed at the end of this post. It's totally lame. But I'm me. :) So what about the other creatures, the one's writers have used through the ages to make us pull the covers over our heads or squeeze the death out of a pillow?

Matt over on the QQQE highlighted a few of my favs the other day. Go Vampires! Go Zombies! Go Werewolves! (although I prefer the term Lycan and have made mine glow like smoldering copper with eyes swirling in colors. There. Take that sparkling vamps!) I won't revisit any of these, but feel free to hop over HERE to read his take on them.

I figured I'd start out soft and spotlight an Angel. Angels can appear as flesh and spirit--clouds of mist and lights. It's said they are heavenly messengers, sent from Above, to guide and protect the mortal world. But don't think that makes Angels all fluffy and feather-coated. No way. Angels are fierce in whatever mission they are given or undertake. They are warriors, bent on winning.

Makes you wonder what the real difference is between Angels and Demons, huh?

If you're a paranormal/sci fi/urban fantasy writer, why not try creating a different take on an Angel? 

Next up is a mythical being not so angelic: the Banshee. Gaining a visit from a banshee could likely be the Death of you, forecasting Death or the coming of Death. Their most common disguises are a young woman, an old lady, or a matron, but some believe they can appear as animals, too, primarily in witchcraft. It's also been written that they can be seen in human form, which is probably the reason us MOMs might have heard the phrase, 'My mom is screaming like a banshee.' Banshees are known for their wailing, but also for their low-pitch, which can be as harsh on the ears.

What about a Leprechaun? A leprechaun is said to have all or some of the following: smaller stature, likes green (really??), drinks heavily and is a tad ornery, enjoys thievery but is a totally tool if caught. He'll hand over his treasure and pretty much kiss your feet.

FYI: I've been doing some research on the whole leprechaun subject. The second of the two YA novels I'm currently working on is a take off that old children's story - Rumpelstiltskin. Shh...don't say it, just like Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice... *slaps hand over mouth*


'K, time for me to fess up, right? Drumroll and the crowd leans forward in their uncomfortable opera house seats...


Spiders.


Yuck! There is not much in this world that will freak me out, but seriously, I will totally wig if I see a big one. Ugh...like a wolf spider. I had one of those on the back of my leg when I was pregnant with my second child. Want to see a pregnant chick do Kung Fu and leap in a single bound?? 


Yup. I did it.