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by eden

Vampire skeletons—fact or hype for paranormal romance books?

June 5, 2012 in Paranormal Romance Books

Source: naharnet.com

First it was last week’s zombie apocalypse news, this week it’s the discovery of centuries-old vampire skeletons. It seems like the real world is turning into a setting for a series of paranormal romance books. Maybe I won’t have to worry so much about my upcoming 18th birthday—we may just be living in an apocalypse world by then.

According to Channel News Asia, skeletons that were treated for vampirism were unearthed in Bulgaria. Scientists found skeletons with stakes thrust through their chests—and whether you’re read any paranormal romance books or not, everyone knows what the best method for killing vampires is.

The old school legend says that evil people were magically transformed into vampires when they died. Young adult fantasy books often take creative liberties, making vampires out of those simply bitten by other vampires or catching plagues that instill a craving for blood. While the existence of vampires in Bulgaria has never really been confirmed, what has been proven is the widespread superstition that if rods were thrust into the corpses of those who were evil during their lifetime, this would prevent them from becoming vampires. While in fantasy and adventure books, this usually happens once the person is already a vampire, maybe the Bulgarians had it right by taking preventive action. Maybe that’s exactly why there is no recorded existence of vampires there! The people took care of the problem before it happened.

According to Bozhidar Dimitrov, the head of the National History Museum in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, over 100 corpses stabbed to prevent vampirism have been discovered over the last decade. He said that in some parts of Bulgaria, this was a regular practice, up until the beginning of the 20th century. Sounds like their people definitely took fantasy and adventure books featuring vampires to heart.

While young adult fantasy novels like Twilight or Vampire Academy brought vampires to our minds in recent years, hopefully it won’t lead to these superstitions being made popular again. Who knows, if zombie-ism can occur, maybe vampires really can exist too.

by eden

A life to write fantasy romance novels about

May 11, 2012 in Fantasy romance

Source: lorettalovehuffblog.com

If only I were a Coal. Life would be so different! Obviously, I wouldn’t have to be working so hard to save the Pearls, but I’m talking about much more than that. If I were a Coal, I could call my own shots. My mate rate would be sky high and I’d be able to choose my destiny. I might actually even be able to mate for love—the kind I read about in all my fantasy romance novels.

I probably would never even think about a romantic apocalypse.

It would be so strange and yet amazing to have Coals vying for my attention. No longer would people assume I’m dumb and worthless—they would actually listen to what I have to say. Instead of burying my nose in fantasy romance novels, I’d have friends to hang out with and talk to. The thought of having an actual social life is unbelievable to me.

I could have dreams and desires—some that would even come true. I would have time to think about other things besides mating and survival. Maybe not that much time, but more than I have now. I could read tons of post apocalyptic books and not relate to the characters like I do now.

As great as the life of a Coal would be, I would make sure I didn’t treat people in the classes below me like they were, well, below me. I know most people think that’s impossible, there’s no way I would be sympathetic to the plight of the Pearls—but I would be.

I would even work on the campaign to save the Pearls. I would be an ambassador or a spokesperson, to show all other classes that Pearls are amazing people too.

I would help Pearls find mates so they could avoid a romantic apocalypse. Maybe I could give others hope by sharing ways to have an adventure romance, since I’d be having one to die for myself. I could actually be in a place where I could give others hope. My life would really have actual meaning.

Oh, the things I would do if I were a Coal!

 

Eliminating zombies apocalypse world style

March 23, 2012 in Apocalypse World

After reading the last blog post from our oh-so-lovely Ethics Officer on killing zombies in an apocalypse world, I came up with some ideas of my own. I figure neither one of us has actually ever met a real life zombie, so who’s to say one of us has more experience than the other?

Using some inspiration from all the science fiction and fantasy books I read, along with a little online research, I developed some other ways for getting rid of the undead. Many of us don’t have guns or know how to use them, so if we find ourselves in survival mode, deep in a post apocalypse world, it’s best to have some ammunition-free options to work with.

Imagine yourself taking a breather or having a moment of adventure romance with your loved one inside a local shopping mall, when all of a sudden, it’s overrun with zombies, Dawn of the Dead style. You want to keep your brains intact but they’re coming for you and you don’t have a gun. This is the perfect time to unleash your machete and go on an undead decapitation spree, severing them right at the neck. Or if you only have a knife on you, you can run up on them and stab them through the brain like they do on The Walking Dead. Clean, quick and simple. All you have to do is keep your machete and knives sharpened at all times.

A less messy way to eradicate the zombie you run into at the park is to throw a little liquid nitrogen at their head followed by a lit match—I’ve read about vampires getting offed that way in several paranormal romance books. All you have to do is keep a water bottle filled with it on you at all times. This keeps the element of surprise, as the zombie will have no idea that it’s not just H20—if they can even think at all. Make sure not to get any on yourself!

If one night your adventure romance is interrupted by one of these rotting creatures knocking at your door, get resourceful. Use furniture, cleaning fluids, bleach, hair spray, pots, pans, forks and whatever else you can find to fight them off. Even a glass vase or mirror smashed over their head may do the trick. You can also use one of the shards of glass or a pair of scissors to spear them through their brain.

Obviously, as we’ve read in many paranormal romance books and seen in science fiction and fantasy films, there are tons of inventive ways to banish the undead. Grenades, molotov cocktails, and those industrial style arrows are other good choices for survival in an apocalypse world. I think the most important thing is to find the method that you’re most comfortable with and can get really good at. Get in the best shape you can, always be alert and on point, and have your method of choice on hand at all times. Sleep with it, eat with it, live with it. Good luck, especially to all the Pearls!

Source: Scottemerson.wordpress.com

by eden

Fantasy romance in an apocalypse world

January 20, 2012 in Apocalypse World

We’ve all heard the saying “Love conquers all,” but will that old adage stand true in a post apocalypse world? Will the strength of love really withstand all the obstacles and life-threatening situations you’ll find in your path? In reality, thought loves does exist, it certainly will not overcome obstacles or trump another’s natural tendency towards survival. For a fantasy romance to work in an apocalypse world will require much more than just love.

The love in fantasy romance novels is wild, passionate and dramatic—able to withstand the most dystopian setting imaginable. If you’ve ever experienced a relationship, you know that kind of feeling rarely lasts and can end up being destructive and codependent. We’re not living in a world of fantasy and adventure—ours is a dark one, where reality is dull and sometimes brutal, especially for the Pearls. If we find ourselves immersed in a post apocalypse world as predicted, then things are going to be very dog eat dog. Even if it doesn’t, the people who mate by their 18th birthday may find themselves in their own trap—for Pearls, mating is out of survival, so they’re looking for pretty much anyone to pick up their mate-option, meaning all compatibility issues fly out the window.

Imagine that you and your love are hunting for dinner. You’re both tired, hot and thirsty, and arguing about which direction to go. You’re sweaty and looking terrible and next thing you know, you’re arguing. Not the fantasy and adventure you’ve read about in young adult books. The argument overrides your environment and you stop being present—you get so caught up and distracted that you don’t hear the group of looters, zombies or worse that sneak up behind you. You’re both caught so off-guard that you find yourself smack in the middle of a romantic apocalypse style battle. It’s an utter travesty!

If everyone didn’t have to mate, then it would probably be best to avoid a fantasy romance altogether and instead form alliances with others whose skills and talents complement your own. In a climate of post apocalyptic survival, you will already be extremely emotionally charged—it can make it worse when you’re emotionally charged not only in regards to your survival, but to how your mate is acting or treating you. It’s a huge catch-22 in so many ways. For example, if you’re a female and you know how to hunt better than your mate, are you going to act like you don’t so you can assume the more feminine role rather than start an argument or perhaps emasculate your man? These kinds of scenarios will be rampant, keeping you on the edge of a romantic apocalypse at all times.

Source: apocalypsetips.tumblr.com

Strategies for an Apocalypse World

December 29, 2011 in Apocalypse World

All the media headlines about terrorism, global warming and conflicts in the Middle East, coupled with the publicity surrounding the end of the Mayan calendar, seem to point to the imminence of an apocalypse world. While some of our focus at the Save the Pearls headquarters is to diffuse the hype, we also want the population to be prepared for anything. For all we know, a romantic apocalypse could indicate the beginning of the end.

A friendly Coal I know who is an expert in apocalypse world safety was nice enough to share some helpful strategies with us. Put these into effect immediately!

1) Get in prime physical shape. This is an obvious advantage for finding an adventure romance, but it’s going to be a prerequisite for survival. You’re going to need to be able to stay up for hours on end, travel by foot, run lengthy distances and possibly fight off otherworldly creatures.

2) Find a mate quick. Not only is this critical for Pearls, but it will improve your chances of survival. While it’s always fun to be involved in adventure romance, this will be a whole other level of getting to know one another, so it’s best to already have your relationship established. If you’re currently single, create online profiles on the save the pearls site and get out there and meet others who are trying to find a mate. Make yourself as attractive as possible, go on dates as much as possible, and read books and blog posts on how to have a successful relationship.

3) Get acquainted with weaponry. Stockpile as many guns, knives, hatchets and machetes as possible—and learn how to use them like a pro. Take safety classes as well as combat classes so that you can master the arts and give yourself the best chances possible of surviving in an apocalypse world. You may even want to take up some bad a&$ form of martial arts such as Jiu Jitsu, Karate or Judo to improve your physical health and improve your chances in the case of hand to hand combat.

Source: monstersandcritics.com

by eden

Fantasy romance—is honesty key?

December 29, 2011 in Eden's Posts

Is honesty crucial for having a successful fantasy romance? People have told me that without it, a relationship is destined to fail. In young adult books, there’s always some sort of repercussion or punishment for not telling the truth. Yet aren’t there some things that can be excluded to save another’s feelings? Aren’t there some small details that you can hide from your partner if they don’t ask? Does your perfect mate really need to know everything—I mean, does Jamal really need to see me apply my Midnight Luster or know that I have to wear three coats of it?

Isn’t keeping the fantasy romance alive more important than your mate knowing every single detail about you? There’s something about mystery that makes someone hotter. I’m beginning to think that while it’s important to be honest about some things, being too open can massacre love. While honesty is literally about telling the truth when asked a question, openness falls under the TMI category (too much information!). Constantly spitting out the truth when no one’s asking can ruin some of the relationship’s fantasy and adventure.

The protagonists in young adult books often end up in successful relationships, though in the beginning they may be hiding a secret. While lying about something can possibly ruin even the strongest fantasy romance, so can offering TMI. It may be good to share all your feelings with your perfect mate, yet will intimacy really be lost if you tell them about all of your exes? There may be some truth to that the old adage, “What you don’t know doesn’t hurt you.” Is it worth it more to keep the fantasy and adventure alive in your relationship or should you tell all? Clearly, one choice sounds more fun than the other. Let me know what you guys think!

Source: cmichellestyles.com

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Can dystopian novels help you prepare for an apocalypse world?

December 7, 2011 in Apocalypse World

With thoughts of doom and gloom that loom in the form of an apocalypse world populated with zombies or the like, it seems that there are some things we can do to prepare for such an evil outcome. It’s a given that we need tools, supplies and weapons for our eventual battle with otherworldly types. While detailed plans for defending yourself are a no-brainer, how do we prepare ourselves mentally and emotionally to live in such a catastrophic scenario?

Many have taken to reading dystopian novels and post apocalyptic books like the Save the Pearls series for insight into the mindset on must adopt during such an era. While these are fictional stories, they can still help you to understand how you would think, ways to recover from loss and ideas for getting through the days and nights. Even though most tend to also be categorized as young adult books, the characters are still relatable to all ages—and readers span the gamut, from tweens to middle age.

An added bonus is that dystopian novels tend to have elements of fantasy romance interwoven throughout, to give readers a sense of hope. So while immersing yourself in this not-so-happy mindset, the reader also gets to enjoy an escape from reality, a chance to forget about the impending romantic apocalypse and focus on another character’s life. Some of the content in post apocalyptic books, for example, is so grim that it makes even the worse reality seem better and can put our blessings in perspective.

Sounds like the perfect avenue of mental and emotional preparation— you’ll get your fantasy romance fix in while getting your mind right for an apocalypse world. It’s the perfect mix.

Source: MikeDuran.com

by eden

Wardrobe for a post apocalypse world

November 24, 2011 in Apocalypse World, Eden's Posts

While the rest of the world packs to go away for Thanksgiving, I’m packing for the post apocalypse world. Right now, I’m getting girly-girl for a minute to think about what clothes we would need. I wonder if I’d still have to find a mate, worry about some fantasy romance or still try to save the Pearls. I got ideas for some of the items from science fiction and fantasy books, and others from Uni-Gov propaganda.

Obviously, I think you need a lot of the same stuff you’d need for Burning Man. A large, sturdy hat like a Russian Bomber Hat is a no-brainer in the apocalypse world—and it looks cute. Wool socks, goggles, dust mask, rain coat, long underwear, gloves, and gas mask are other must-haves. These outfits sound just perfect for attracting some fantasy romance—ha!

Source: CaliforniaCloset.com

 

Surviving a romantic apocalypse

November 16, 2011 in Apocalypse World

We’ve all been there—one day, you’re happy and the next, you’re immersed in a full-fledged romantic apocalypse. It seems like your world is ending, and you just know that you’ll never get over it. Relax—there are ways you can heal your heart and start thinking about an adventure romance again, even when you’re living in a post apocalypse world.

Don’t jump back in.
Give yourself some time to heal, without dating or having sex. Read some young adult fantasy books, clean out your closets, do spa nights at home and just take care of yourself.

Work it out.
Hit the gym, go for walks, do yoga and take up a new form of exercise. This gives you time to clear your head and get your endorphins going, while relieving some of the stress that accompanies a broken heart. Plus, regular workouts will get you looking hot for your next and keep you prepared for obstacles in this post apocalypse world.

 

Source: io9.com


Write it out.
Spend some time every morning writing your thoughts down in a journal. Who knows—maybe your stories could become a best-selling series of young adult fantasy books!

Rest up.
Sleep and exercise can help you avoid depression. Make sure to get in a solid eight hours. Taking care of yourself physically will help your emotions heal faster, and you need to be well-rested so you can defend yourself in this apocalypse world.

Evolve
This is the perfect time to assess your role in the breakup and what your patterns may be. A broken heart can inspire change and lead you towards your next young adult fantasy romance.

Eat well.
Don’t fall into emotional eating—avoid comfort food and overeating, and stock your refrigerator with fresh, healthy foods. Keep in mind that cooking can be therapeutic—and it’s an impressive skill to flaunt when you’re trying to find a mate for a young adult fantasy romance.

Don’t be hard on yourself.
Give yourself credit for what you did well in your relationship and learn from its demise. It’s your turn to grow, just like the protagonists in all of our favorite young adult fantasy books.

If you want some tips for keeping your fantasy romance alive, click here.

by eden

Young adult fantasy romance—fact or fiction?

November 15, 2011 in Eden's Posts

I keep wondering if my young adult fantasy romance will really happen. Has the idea of real love gone the way of the fairy tale? I know that lust still exists, but what about true love? Monogamous, loyal, intense… love. I believe more in the idea of romantic apocalypse.

Just when I think it’s going well, we hit a bump. It’s like a rollercoaster—or maybe we’re just extremists. We may have jumped in too fast, and now that the climate and everything around me is so highly charged, our feelings are still electric, but it almost feels like love one moment and hate the next. He has to ignore me in front of his co-workers, because they don’t want to believe it’s true.

When I’m bingeing on young adult fiction, I pretend I’m the protagonist, and that by the end of the story, I’ll be sold on the whole idea. But the truth is, I think this whole young adult fantasy romance thing is a myth. It seems like true love is deadly love.

Source: Psychcentral.com

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