Fables and Fairy Tales

Once Upon a Time…

What is it about this phrase that captivates our collective consciousness? We all love a fairy tale. Yes, guys you can admit it. We are all friends here. Is it the happily ever after ending? Surely it isn’t Prince Charming or the kiss that leads to bliss. Is it the thought of living with seven little men in the woods? No, it’s none of these, is it? We can make our own happy ending; we no longer need anyone to do it for us. As for the Big Bad Wolf, we can be the Big, Bad Cougar if we so choose, so why the enduring charm of the fairy tale? At this most magical time of the year, let’s take a moment to try and understand the mystique of the simple fairy tale. Those parables, myths, fables and legends which stay within our culture and bring meaning to us.

Why do these stories bewitch and enchant us? They are the same tales, retold and revised. From Cinderella to Snow White remixed into Beauty and the Beast and Pretty Woman. We watch cartoons, read books and comic books, watch movies, the children’s books evolve into the grown-up versions, and we still watch the movies, read the books and continue to love them. A sad, ugly little girl gets a chance to spend one night away from their usual humdrum existence. Let’s say she gets to stay out late, leaving a shoe behind, because she wants to get home before she gets caught…before the spell is broken.

Exactly what is it that resonates within us to make a story like this timeless? It is because we are that sad, ugly, scared little child. At one point in our lives, we have all been waiting for someone to notice how very special we are, behind those braces on our teeth and thick glasses. Fairy tales are our broken experiences- that is why they are classics. The stories continue to swirl and develop around us as we grow. As we break and mend, the stories do the same. They give us something to believe in, something bigger than ourselves.

Be strong.

Believe.

Find the beauty within.

Love.

Cinderella isn’t the only tale that charms us. The non-fiction story of Anne Boleyn intrigues to this day because Anne, as a young girl who wasn’t considered beautiful, still captured the heart of a king and changed the destiny of a nation and history itself, all for love. Although the story of Anne Boleyn had a tragic ending during her lifetime, the romantic concept remains with us to this day and has made her story with Henry VIII immortal, a love that time cannot erase.

Consider how many different ways stories like The Wizard of Oz, Snow White, Romeo and Juliet, Batman, Superman lure us…they all teach us lessons of right and wrong. The stories are rewoven, retold over the years. How do fairy tales stay popular for so long? We fill in the gaps with ourselves, and as our culture changes, we bring our stories with us. Each generation brings its insight, concepts and ideas into the paradigm. Thus has it ever been throughout the human experience. On a cultural level, we adapt as our society reinvents itself. Hence, the continuing popularity.

Sleeping Beauty awakens at the right moment.

Superman fights for truth and goodness.

Romeo and Juliet remind us that there is a love so bright, life itself becomes dim in comparison.

Fairy tales break the key rules of character development. With their quirks and strange nuances, the characters of fairy tales are one dimensional, when reading the traditional versions. The same could be said for many of our most retold stories. We project ourselves into the stories as a method of filling in the missing pieces. It is a process of identification…self-identification that brings the stories to life.

Could this be the attraction? When a character and a story gives us spaces, we fill them with our imaginations? With so much to explore, there’s no end to the possibilities, are there? The end results are personal and compelling.

If the ugly duckling can become a swan and the lonely child can grow up to conquer the world, anything can happen. Does the secret lie in the fact that we all want to believe in the magic of possibilities? We believe deep within ourselves that dreams can come true?

We continue to immerse ourselves in fictional, mystical realms filled with magical people and evocative fantasies, even if the story reflects a contemporary setting. Many yarns continue to enchant, no matter how often we spin them anew.

What story captures your imagination every time it is retold?

PHOENIX RISING, the last hour of Anne Boleyn

PHOENIX RISING   

The last hour of Anne Boleyn’s life…

Court intrigue, revenge and all the secrets of the last hour are revealed as one queen falls and another rises to take her place on destiny’s stage.

A young Anne Boleyn arrives at the court of King Henry VIII. She is to be presented at the Shrovetide pageant, le Château Vert. The young and ambitious Anne has no idea that a chance encounter before the pageant will lead to her capturing the heart of the king. What begins as a distraction becomes his obsession and leads to her destruction.

Love, hate, loyalty and betrayal come together in a single dramatic moment… the execution of a queen. The history of England will be changed for ever.

“Compelling, captivating and moving”
– Claire Ridgway, author of The Fall of Anne Boleyn

Here is the cover of Hunter S. Jones‘ forthcoming book  PHOENIX RISING. 

We’ll be having a big launch on May 19th.  The book will be available for pre-order before that date and I will add the pre-order link as soon as it’s released..

Released courtesy of MadeGlobal Publishing, April 29, 2015

Sympathy For The Devil - Bloody Valentine Day Blog Hop

Atlanta Georgia, 2013

You wonder - is it ever going to change? You hate to ask - is it ever going to change because change does not always mean for the better. The more things change the more they stay the same. Mon dieu, as he would say. How long can you endure some things and still have the courage to hope, to dream of a better time? Or, is it easier to sink into the cesspool of despair and acceptance?

It’s the moment you fall – head first into the abyss. You never fully understand why - do you merely stumble or does someone or something push you? You only know that you are headed for that area of blackness and despondency where no one can reach you. Your only hope, even if it is a small distant dream, is that one spark - one person, one idea - will pull you back and somehow bring you back from the depths of misery. Once in the abyss - that place - it feels as if even God is wet with rain. There is no salvation for your soul and no one can save you, except yourself, so they say. 

Sadly, I am in that place now. I take my coat from the closet and put it on; making sure it is buttoned before I go out tonight. I pick up the scarf on the table underneath the entry way mirror and glance at my pale face in the mirror.

Oh lord, I look horrible. My hair is too long and it’s been a long time since  since I ate. I placed pale makeup carefully on my face and hands to hide the decomposition of my skin. Of course, hands can always be covered by gloves at this time of year. One thing – at least I’m blonde and blue eyed, so my skin is pale by nature. Once I eat, I will return to my normal look. This is all part of the sorcery that damned, son of a bitch Pierre von Minzle did to me. I was lucky to get away from him after he was in Atlanta a few months ago. Tonight will be the first time I’ve been out since that night.

I place the scarf around my neck and walk out the door, locking it behind me. Why, I wonder? The monster lives in the condo. Why should I worry about someone getting inside?  

That asshole did this to me. I can’t believe I fell for his sweet talk and let him get to me with all that past life talk and all that ultra-terrestrial existentialism. Damn him and that accent, those expensive clothes, that long, black hair and that frigging guitar. Since when do I believe anything a guitar player says?

Maybe it really was voodoo.

Good lord. What was I thinking?

Finally, the elevator arrives and takes me to the lobby of the high rise. It’s been four months since I have been outside. Four months. I’ve been in that condo attempting to adjust to this new reality. Hard to believe that it’s taken this long just to learn how to walk. But, it’s given me time to study and get prepared to enter my new life with this damned disease or affliction or whatever it is. If no one can save me but myself, then so be it. I am prepared.

As I walk onto Peachtree Street, actually I’m so weak I practically stagger into the street in the still of the night. I pull the collar of my black wool coat around my neck to keep the frigid, damp air from my icy skin. Atlanta can be so cold in February.

The Pomba Gira doll Pierre gave me - or whoever he will be this time - is still in the pocket of the coat. He said I could use this doll to call for him if I ever needed him. He doesn’t know it, but I’ve been reading about Pomba Gira and I know just what to do now.

Oh, I am so hungry that I have forgotten my manners. Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Mary Montague. We will see each other again soon, I’m sure.

Actually, you know, I am just like you. Well, we are somewhat similar, except my soul is owned by another person and don’t get me on that tangent again. I will explain more to you the next time we meet. Tonight, I must get something to eat so that I can get my strength back.  

Once I am stronger, I will look for that mother fucker Pierre. I know I can lure him back. Once I get him, I may slowly torment him or maybe just get it done and over with – a swift painless death. Even if I decide to fuck him to death, maybe I can at least find a way to get my soul back before his demise.

He will at least tell me how to get my soul back before he dies, whichever way I choose. He does talk too much…  

You better wish him luck because he is going to need it. 



(c) Voodoo Lounge Publishing 2013

Follow the Bloody Valentine's Day Blog Hop here:

PRESS RELEASE - FABLES OF THE RECONSTRUCTION

PRESS RELEASE - Fables of the Reconstruction January 18, 2013 — Atlanta, GA Book Club Reading List today announced that Fables of the Reconstruction has been added to its expanding list of titles from which book clubs can schedule the author to attend their meetings. Fables of the Reconstruction offers new insight into the zombie story. It has been called “Original” and “A New Genre” “An Allegory”. To read more about the book or learn how to schedule a discussion time with Ms. Jones, please visit her book’s page on Book Club Reading List – http://bookclubreading.com/fables-of-the-reconstruction/. Fables of the Reconstruction is the story of a Belgian pimp living in Victorian London with a ‘magic’ powder, claiming to be undead. He believes in Pomba Gira mysticism and follows Creole Voodoo. There is a modern; surprise twist to the book’s ending. Enjoy it now - only on Amazon. Meet Pierre von Minzle and Mary Montague. They are the Adam and Lilith of today’s zombie apocalypse. Fables of the Reconstruction is an explicit sexual adventure. It contains Pomba Gira mysticism, Creole voodoo, and the seeds of the zombie apocalypse set in Victorian London’s notorious Whitechapel District. Sex, magick, zombies. Bondage, F/F, M/F/F, and interracial sex scenes. Mature content warning. About Book Club Reading List Book Club Reading List (BCRL) publishes a quarterly book newsletter that introduces book clubs to authors who have agreed to make themselves available to participate in book club meetings. For more information, please visit http://bookclubreading.com/. ### Company: Book Club Reading List Contact: Steven Pojerova Email: press@bookclubreading.com

Fables of the Reconstruction - A Whole New Genre

  

The reviews are coming in and readers are finding Fables of the Reconstruction original and intelligent.

Reviews from Fables of the Reconstruction (Kindle Edition)


5.0 out of 5 stars Unusual, December 30, 2012
By James - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Fables of the Reconstruction (Kindle Edition)
The author has written an unusual story that absorbs the reader and is one of those 'can't put down' books.

Fresh and Unique! December 1, 2012

By Regina Mitchell

I started reading this book as a recommendation from a friend and am so glad I did. Hunter S. Jones takes the erotica genre and mixes it with zombie horror. It's exciting, fresh, and extremely steamy!

I never would have thought of zombies as sexual beings, but in Fables of the Reconstruction all things are possible. I loved how the author combined the idea of voodoo zombies with horror film zombies and created a whole new sexual monster. Back up vampires! Zombies are the new thing!

I highly recommend this book to other lovers of both erotica and horror. The writing is so smooth and the book is filled with non-stop action. You won't want to put this one down for a second! Very well done!

5.0 out of 5 stars A Whole New Genre? October 27, 2012

By Beth H. 

Fables of the Reconstruction is an original and fascinating tale told from several perspectives, taking place during the time of Jack the Ripper. Author Hunter Jones offers an alternate recipe for turning the alive to the undead, in this extremely erotic novella. This is certainly a book intended for adults, but the writing is solid and intelligent, and the story interesting, particularly within the context of Whitechapel and the era represented. I recommend Fables for any fan of zombie fiction, historical romance, erotica, and just plain fun (adult) reading!

Musician Gerg Anidem of UNIR1 Empower Radio says Fables of the Reconstruction is "Erotic, Exotic and Hypnotic!"

It's called "Original"-"Psychedelic"-"Racy"

Buy it now - only on Amazon.com!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009SCXVMK/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_w0tHqb0PVYPFZ

Some Girls -Authors- Livia Ellis Joins Hunter S. Jones

Good morning! Today I’m joined in exile - Exile on Peachtree Street - by the lovely and fascinating Livia Ellis, author of Memoirs of a Gigolo. Livia, thanks so much for stopping by today. You must be so busy with the release of Memiors of a Gigolo Volume 3 as well as the upcoming Merry Christmas Oliver! I just can't wait! Nobody does it better than Oliver! It is always a pleasure to see you. Would you care for a cup of tea, a coffee, or how about a glass of champagne? You are my first blog guest, so why don’t we celebrate with a glass of Dom? Dom Perignon.  It only seems appropriate.

Livia: Thanks so much Hunter. A glass of champagne would be lovely!

I am delighted to have Livia Ellis drop by my blog. While I’m pouring the champagne, I will give you a bit of background on Memoirs of a Gigolo. I have personally rated her works 5 star because Livia’s stories are erotica, and true to the art form. Memoirs of a Gigolo is a twelve part serialized book written by Livia Ellis. The twelve volumes will be distributed over a year. The plan is to release one a month, every month, for a year. Volume One was released on October 1, 2012. In addition to the twelve volumes in the main story arc, there will be a minimum of six stand-alone volumes. Each will have a holiday theme and be told from a different POV.

The story is written in the first person POV from the perspective of the main protagonist, Oliver Adair. Memoirs of a Gigolo is written as a heroic journey - from the call to the adventure, to the trials, and finally the reward.

Livia, why don’t you give our guests more insight on the world you created for Oliver Adair?

Livia: Of course Hunter, I’ll be happy to share more about Oliver. Oliver Adair enjoys a life of women (sometimes men), travel, and sex. Unfortunately these things cost money – something he doesn’t have a lot of. After a personal scandal lands him on the cover of just about every newsstand tabloid and celebrity magazine the proverbial party of his life comes to an end. He’s lost most of his money, his family has pretty well disowned him, and the woman he loves has returned to her husband. He’s come to the conclusion that the most expeditious way to get his life back is to find a wealthy wife. To this end, he engages the service of a matchmaker. While she’s searching for a wife for him, he’s working for her as an escort. When he’s offered an opportunity to get paid for doing what he loves, he happily signs on to become a male escort. Oliver quickly discovers that in this world of high priced sex, not only is being a man’s man still desirable, but expected. By embracing his masculine sexuality, he makes a name for himself in the world of escorts.

What sparked the idea for your novel?

I was on a flight and ended up stuck on the tarmac. As one does, I got to talking to the man sitting next

to me. He was impossibly beautiful. Blond, but spoke with a Spanish accent. I guessed correctly that he was Argentinian, which kicked off a conversation. After a ten hour flight followed by two hours of sitting motionless, I learned that he was an escort. I thought about him for a long time. Then one day I was stuck in an airport (these ideas always come to me in airports or airplanes for some reason) and as I trolled through the magazines and read about scandals and downfalls, Oliver appeared to me. I had my story.

What was the hardest part to write in the book?

Writing from the first person POV of a man. I’m not a man. I had to put myself into the mind of a man. Not easy to do.

What is your favorite part of the book?

Any part that has to do with subtly revealing Oliver’s character. I like the challenge of slowly showing rather than telling. I’m hoping this comes across in the scene with Elon and Oliver. I want the readers to see that they have a very deep connection, that they love each other, but that Elon is in love with

Oliver in a way that Oliver can never reciprocate. Although Oliver engages in M/M sex as an escort, he is heterosexual.

How did you come up with the title?

I was playing around with a few ideas that had to do with autobiographies, biographies, journals, diaries, etc., etc… Then there it was… Memoirs of a Gigolo.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

Worst: You suck. Best: Style-wise it’s really excellent. Makes me smile. It’s well-written, good pace, good dialogue (which a lot of people cannot do), and I am very interested in it. (I just received that bit of feedback on my Irish Harry Potter – fingers crossed it gets picked up.)

What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?

Writing is a hard job that requires an extraordinary amount of time, mental energy, effort, and dedication. There is a part of me that feels so deeply sorry for these people that just started writing and think they are somehow due success because their mother/aunt/sister/boyfriend think their writing is fantastic. I’ve been at this for years and I’ve devoted hours and hours to dedicated practice. Writing is a craft that has to be learned. That’s not to say there aren’t people that get lucky and fall into success, but for the rest of us it’s a lot of heartbreaking work. My advice: If you think you might rather do

something else, then do it. If you know you can only be a writer, then that’s what you are.

What project are you working on now?

Memoirs of a Gigolo is going to take up the better part of the next year. I am also about to start releasing another serial: The Secret World of Juniper Grace. I started writing about Juniper when I was in college. My friends that have been reading Juniper all along have been prodding me to publish. Now that I've taken the plunge into self-publishing and found the water both warm and pleasant, I'm going to start putting more work that is lingering on my laptop out there. I am also working on a YA dystopian, a few other erotic stories, and a story I like to call my Irish Harry Potter (Can I call something an Irish Harry Potter? Will J.K. Rowling’s cabal of lawyers come after me? I guess we’ll find out!).

Thank you for being my first guest in Exile, Livia. It has been great fun. For those of you reading this, today and tomorrow, November 16 and November 17, you can download Memoirs of a Gigolo: Volume Two for free on Amazon.com. 

While you’re there, don’t forget to download my novella, Fables of the Reconstruction.

Did you really think I could do an interview and not mention Fables?

 Following are more links and information on the fab Livia Ellis. Oh, watch this space because Livia and I have a super-secret that will be revealed soon, very soon. Thank you for stopping by today.

Trailer

Available on youtube  http://youtu.be/bJkf7as6ueI About Livia Ellis

Were I to write a personal ad about myself it would read as follows:

Blond. Blue. 5’6”. A lady never discloses her weight, but I’ve never had any complaints. I only run if I’m being chased by a gun wielding maniac, but I do love yoga. Bit of a shoe hound. Have had issues passing up handbags. Trying to learn to play the Irish harp. Enjoy both theater and concerts. Love to read fantasy and science fiction. Am not ashamed to admit I adore Star Trek. Have a picture of myself (dressed as a nun) and the late Patrick Swayze (dressed as a medieval warrior) in a frame (Yes – I did cry when he died). Perpetual student with advanced degrees that are mostly useless when seeking job opportunities outside academia. Vivid imagination. Sexually adventurous only on paper. I never know what to say when people end a conversation with ‘god bless’. Occasionally play the lottery – but generally only when I’m feeling really poor. Love to travel. Fluent French speaker. Seeks readers whom enjoy what I write.

Author Links

Livia Ellis Facebook Author page  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Livia-Ellis-

Author/182016235142989

Livia Ellis Amazon Author page http://www.amazon.com/Livia-Ellis/e/B0093XV43M

Livia Ellis on Wordpress http://www.liviaellis.com/

Other Links

Memoirs of a Gigolo Volume One on Amazon  http://www.amazon.com/Memoirs-Gigolo-Volume-One-

ebook/dp/B0093TFAWC

Memoirs of a Gigolo Volume Two on Amazon  http://www.amazon.com/Memoirs-Gigolo-Volume-Two-

ebook/dp/B009ZOZKO8

Memoirs of a Gigolo Happy Halloween Oliver on Amazon  http://www.amazon.com/Memoirs-Gigolo-

Halloween-Oliver-ebook/dp/B009RSFU9M

Memoirs of a Gigolo Facebook Fan page  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Memoirs-of-a-Gigolo/443425355704707

Cover for Volume Two