Jeri Smith-Ready On Being an Animal

… ready to rock!

Jeri Smith-Ready writes romantic fantasy for Luna and (romantic) urban fantasy for Pocket. To keep in touch with the real world, she fostersshelter dogs for Tails of Hope Sanctuary. Visit her at www.jerismithready.com.

______________________________

Thanks so much for dragging this long-time lurker out from the shadows, Dionne!

All commenters will go into a drawing for an autographed set of EYES OF CROW [Ed. note: Cue unabashed fan girl gushing here. Fuckin’ brilliant, mates!] and VOICE OF CROW.

PLUS: Everyone who posts a review of VOICE OF CROW by October 31 will get an ARC of my May 2008 urban fantasy WICKED GAME. Just send me the link and I’ll put you on the list!

ANIMAL MAGNETISM

If you were an animal, which would you be? Are you brave as a wolf, strong as a bear, crafty as a fox?

When I was five years old, I made a pact with God to turn me into a cat at the age of ten. I’m not sure why the delay; perhaps I wanted to get my affairs in order.

I backed out of the pact in fourth grade when I discovered boys (though as a cat I probably would have stood a much better chance with Danny Adkins—at least I could’ve snuggled in his lap). But from an early age I was fascinated by the idea of shapeshifters and the thought of fusing animal and human qualities. As a preteen, I must have watched CAT PEOPLE and AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON three dozen times (hey, we’d just gotten cable—it was a novelty. Movies! On the television! Never sleep again!).

Later I was fascinated to learn about the shamanistic concept of totem animals—that each of us has a creature who represents our inner essence and acts as a guide. It’s a bit like having a guardian angel or a patron saint. Except a lot cooler, because, you know, animals…


Eventually I turned that concept into the ASPECT OF CROW trilogy, in which every character has magical powers bestowed by their Guardian Spirit Animal—sort of X-MEN meets CLAN OF THE CAVE BEAR.

For example, Wolves are brave and stealthy hunters, Bears and Wolverines are warriors, Otters are healers… and Crows, like the heroine Rhia, have the power to foresee death. Though they’re not shapeshifters (with one notable exception), they each carry the essence of that Animal in their personality.

(Also, powers increase as people become parents and then grandparents, thus creating an intricate connection between magic and sex and family, but that’s a digression we can take up in the comments if you’d like.)

The Aspects, as the powers are called, don’t just affect the characters’ talents and vocations. They also affect the way they fall in love. In nature, some animals mate for life—or more precisely, have one steady mate at a time. Other animals, not so much.

Luckily, since Book One (EYES OF CROW) is a romance, the hero and heroine of the series have Aspects that tend toward forever-love. Rhia is a Crow and Marek is a Wolf. Wolves make especially good husband material, because they put family and mate before everything. Marek is the kind of guy who’ll make you breakfast, then go out and knock off your enemies, one by one.

Alanka, one of the secondary characters, isn’t so fortunate in the relationship department. Like Marek, she’s a Wolf, which means she wants to settle down, but she has a thing for Cougars and Bobcats. These bad boys are charming and seductive—not to mention supple and acrobatic—but Cats are only good for one thing, and it ain’t breakfast. We all know someone—or have been that someone—who’s always attracted to the wrong kind of guy. Alanka finally finds love in VOICE OF CROW, in a most surprising place.

So back to the original question: which animal would you be? Are you compatible with the mate of your dreams or the person you share a bed with?

Find out by taking an interactive personality quiz at my website. You can see which of twelve Animals from the series you would be, which three Animals are your best companions, and which three you should watch out for. Best of all, if you e-mail me your results, you’ll be automatically entered in a prize drawing during that Animal’s month.

Of course, just like any other personality categorizer, like astrology or the Myers-Briggs test, the Spirit Animal quiz isn’t a hard and fast determiner of happiness. If you’re a Swan married to a Hawk, don’t despair! Opposites attract. In the Myers-Briggs test, I’m an INFP while my husband is an ESTJ, and we’re sickeningly compatible. And our Animals, Owl and Fox, get along great!

So what’s your true animal, either from the quiz or your own experience? If you could have the superhuman powers of any creature, what would it be? And why do we love shapeshifters so much—is it the melding of man and beast in one wild yet tamable package?

Thanks again so much for having me!

53 Responses to “Jeri Smith-Ready On Being an Animal”

  1. Ann Aguirre
    1

    You are a Hawk!

    Characters: Galen, Thera, Zilus in Eyes of Crow; Maxine in “The Wild’s Call”

    Powers: Communicate with the divine, discern powers in others, photographic memory

    Hawks are the messengers of the Spirits. Adept with language, you might be a writer or a teacher. Your ability to assess situations impartially means that people often seek your guidance before making decisions. A brilliant visionary, you sometimes forget the mundane details of life like eating, sleeping, or paying bills.

    Best matches: Owls, Foxes, Spiders

    Watch out for: Otters, Bears, Horses

    Sweet! Super powers… healing. I’d love to be able to heal with a touch. How awesome would that be?

  2. Ashley
    2

    I took the quiz and was surprised that my results were an otter. If I had my choice, I most likely have some sort of animal affinity with small birds like sparrows and larks. Though, after reading all the other possible categories of what is offered, I do feel like this one suits me best. :D
    I really enjoyed Eyes of the Crow and I’m looking forward to the next book. Why isn’t it out already?! :p The personalities of the characters in your books were some of my favorite aspects and it was fun learning how their totem meshed with their personality.
    Thanks and I’m looking forward to your next book!

    You are a Otter!

    Powers: Healing

    Otters are nurturing, playful, and easygoing. You often put others’ needs before your own, offering what seems to be a bottomless well of compassion and care. Though your decisions are guided by your feelings, at heart you’re pragmatic and self-possessed, making you the ideal head of a family or small business.

  3. Synecdoche
    3

    My top three were the birds (Owl, then crow and hawk were tied). And the fact that the owl is cynical and has a dark sense of humor fits me to a T. That was fun :D

    I’ve always had an attraction to the shapeshifter as my favorite mythical creature. I remember writing a short story in 6th grade about turning into a Husky, and I always loved this one book (I believe it was by R.L. Stine, but I can’t remember the name) where it turns out the girl and her family are cat shapeshifters. I have to admit, I was jealous.

  4. Jen
    4

    I loved that quiz! I turned out to be a wolf which was really interesting because I’ve been fascinated with them since I was a little girl. Now it’s time to go out and find an otter or a swan for myself :) I think if I could take the superhuman powers of any creature, I’d stick with my wolf’s strength and stamina. Bad day at work? Go for a lengthy lope through the nearest woods :)

    I love the whole idea of shapeshifters. I think people are enamoured of them because of the potential for freedom they represent. You have the best of both worlds really- combining the intelligence and abilities of two creatures into one with the ability to shift to fit any scenario.

  5. Stien and Andi
    5

    Ah, a quiz! I always liked them…

    I turned out to be a… Spider! Ieeeks!
    It says that I am an artistic genius, hahaha. I always knew I was artistic, but a genius? ;-)

    Powers: Artistic genius, ability to see patterns and sense trouble from a distance

    As a Spider, you’re artistic, intuitive, and independent—maybe even a little eccentric. You can become so absorbed in your endeavors that you lose track of the outside world and the people in it. But what you give in return is magic, pure and simple.

    Best matches: Cougars, Hawks, Owls

    Watch out for: Wolves, Otters, Bears

    Oh yeah, I give magic. Great :D

    When I was little, I always wanted to be a horse. Or something with four legs. It just seems so cool to be able to run on 4 legs… Perhaps a centaur can do the trick too. A mix between human and horse. That’s not really the idea of a shapeshifter, but still… I’d like to be one ;-)

    Andi

  6. Matthew
    6

    My top three were very close in scoring, with Swan and Wolf in a tie for top followed closely by Otter. Pretty much matches my personality!
    In true life, I love spiders and dolphins…..so whatever that means, so be it!
    I agree with Jeri about not excluding ‘traditional bad matches’ as potential partners! On the Meyer’s-Briggs scale I am an ENFP and my significant other is the complete opposite…..let’s hear it for opposites working out great! Keeps life interesting! Noisy, but interesting!
    Jeri is the bee’s knees as an author, and I am anxiously awaiting her next releases! Eyes of Crow was a great foray into the cultural mythos genre, and I think she pulled it off well!

  7. Jeri
    7

    Hey everyone,

    Thanks for stopping by! Glad you’re having fun with the quiz. Now go make your SO’s take it, too, so you can see if you match. :-)

    Ann, you are such a Hawk! I “sought your guidance” while writing this post, did I not?

    Owls rule, Synecdoche! I was surprised when I got Owl as my result–thought I’d be a Crow or Hawk. But the description totally fits.

    Andi, if you dig centaurs, you should check out PC Cast’s Luna books. The new one DIVINE BY BLOOD just came out this month. Manly men with strokeable horse bodies. But don’t worry–they shapeshift before they, you know…

    Hey Matthew! Thanks for the sweet words. I’ll see if I can work any dolphins into the next book. :-)

    Jen, I like what you said about combining the best of both worlds as a shapeshifter. It would be really cool to shift shapes, except for the excruciating pain part. If I could do it like that Wondertwin and just pop! become a hawk or a wolf, then sign me up.

    As to a superpower, hmm, I’m too paranoid for telepathy and I’m already invisible (based on the service I get in clothing stores ;-) . I think I’d have to go for having super-vision, so I could give up my contact lenses. Maybe even see in infrared like the Predator (heat vision is actually a third-phase Snake power).

  8. lisabea
    8

    A wolverine??? WTF??? I’m taking this test again.

  9. lisabea
    9

    Ok…I’m a wolverine

  10. Crystal
    10

    I am a wolf. I can live with that. Wolves are good at protecting their young.

  11. Bonnie Dee
    11

    I’m not taking no stinking quiz. I know what animal I am. A lazy cat on a fluffy pillow arching when someone pets me…or sometimes stalking and killing if I feel in a “busy” mood. Seriously, I can spend hours lying around and never feel guilty about it, but I can also be very focused like a stalking cat when I have something in mind to accomplish.

  12. Maddie
    12

    I took the test and I’m a Swan. Otter and Spider were next. I think Swan fits from the description.

    I’m really into totems as well, thats why I was so thrilled when I picked up your book. Crows have always been a totem of mine since I was young. The one time I was stuck in the hospital, they were the only thing I could see from my window. Also badgers have been a big part of me maturing because I’ve become more aggressive towards what I want. I even have one tattooed on my arm. :)

    I really can’t wait for Voice of Crow!

  13. Samantha
    13

    I’m a crow! I foresee death - yay? Still cool :) .

  14. Larena Wirum
    14

    I am a wolf. Very cool since I have always loved them and been fascinated with them. :-)
    Love the quiz that was fun. :-)

  15. Ann Aguirre
    15

    Yep, you did, Jeri. The weird thing about that quiz is that it was pretty dang accurate (at least for me). Everything it said was spot on.

    I might be a writer? Check. *grins* People often seek me guidance? Check. Hell if I know why, but it’s always been that way. I could be waiting in line at the bank and somehow the guy ahead of me will decide he should confide his marital and financial difficulties. It’s like,Dude, just move forward like everyone else.

    Like Maddie, I’ve always been fascinated with totems. As a little kid, I devoured Native American lore, and I loved the way you incorporated it into your Crow books. I’ll be featuring Voice of Crow on my blog closer to the release date.

  16. Jeri
    16

    Maddie, what a cool tattoo! There’s a Badger dude in VOICE OF CROW. They tend to be cops. If you’re real nice to me, I’ll give him a bigger part in THE REAWAKENED. :-)

  17. Catherine
    17

    I’m an Owl. I’ve always loved the thought of being able to turn into an animal, but I’ve got to admit that I never thought I’d be an Owl…

  18. Heather (errantdreams)
    18

    I like the premise!

    “Marek is the kind of guy who’ll make you breakfast, then go out and knock off your enemies, one by one.”

    Now that’s husband material. ;)

    I got equal scores for spider and wolverine when I took the test. Now there’s a combo!

  19. Wendy
    19

    You are a Hawk! (your score: 23)

    Characters: Galen, Thera, Zilus in Eyes of Crow; Maxine in “The Wild’s Call”

    Powers: Communicate with the divine, discern powers in others, photographic memory

    Hawks are the messengers of the Spirits. Adept with language, you might be a writer or a teacher. Your ability to assess situations impartially means that people often seek your guidance before making decisions. A brilliant visionary, you sometimes forget the mundane details of life like eating, sleeping, or paying bills.

    Best matches: Owls, Foxes, Spiders

    Watch out for: Otters, Bears, Horses.

    Spiders as a best match?? no way! lol but overall I like my results! And if I could have the superhuman powers of any creature I would either choose to be able to detect when people lie or to heal. That’d be so cool.

  20. Maddie
    20

    Jeri, I’ll be sure to bake you some nice chocolate chip cookies so you do!

  21. Shar
    21

    You are a Hawk! (your score: 22)

  22. Kimberly
    22

    I’m a fox (does that make me a foxy lady? I hope so). I’m kind of shy, so for that reason it fits. As far as what animals I’ve always related to, I always think of myself as a bird, something really common that people don’t notice, like a sparrow. It would kind of be like having the powers of invisibility and flying. And I really like the notion of shapeshifters because I think if humans really did have the aspect of some animal, maybe we would learn to treat nature with more respect.

  23. Marlene Breakfield
    23

    I scored the same for both crow and bear.

  24. Heather
    24

    The quiz said that I was a spider, which is very true, because I can get so wrapped up in what I am doing, that I forget about everything that is going on in the world around me.
    When I was little I always wanted to be a horse, because I loved and still love horses. I wanted to be running on the plains with not a care in the world. I am a very peaceful and social person, but I love my alone time.
    It would be pretty awesome do be a shape shifter though. Then I could change into whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. Either way it would be awesome. Love the books Jeri! Keep ‘em coming!

  25. Katie Ann
    25

    I’m apparently an otter, which is pretty accurate: nurturing, easygoing, pragmatic. That’s pretty neat.

    Made DH take the quiz, he’s an owl, and told to watch out for us otters.

  26. Shar
    26

    *sigh* Computers are being problematic for me today so I got cut off after the Hawk 22 thing. Let’s try that again.

    I got the crow and the spider. Is that a weird combination or what? It fits though.

    Spider: “Artistic genius, ability to see patterns and sense trouble from a distance also you’re artistic, intuitive, and independent—maybe even a little eccentric. (many say the eccentric is definitely true)

    For Hawk:

    ” Your ability to assess situations impartially means that people often seek your guidance before making decisions. A brilliant visionary, you sometimes forget the mundane details of life like eating, sleeping, or paying bills.”

    I have close to a photographic memory when reading. Comes in handy doing tests. Yep, I forget to eat and sleep a lot. How? Not sure. There is just so more interesting things to do than things that mudane. Also,I get a lot of people asking for advice in my circle of freinds and family. Not sure why on that either as I am of the opinion I know nothing really. As I grow older this becomes more and more true.

    I think the reason why we love shapeshifters so much is that they embody all that we think of as wild and uncontrollable. They symbolize freedom to us from the restrictons we have on us with either society or our bodies. Who wouldn’t want to be able to soar in the open sky or swim in the seas or run all out ready to hunt for prey with no thoughts to the consequences. (depending on the book or legend) Shapeshifters also don’t have any of the illnesses or diseases that are more common as we age so they seem more vibrant and full of life. They symbolize our yearing to be free and as wild and passionate as we want to be. And they are powerful and confidant. Basically, they sum up symbolically what we all want to be in some form or fashion.

  27. MicheleLee
    27

    So tough! I definitely see a cat in me, but I also have a pack mentality. I live to take care of people (like my family) and would be quite unhappy without them.

  28. Kaitlin
    28

    Okay that’s just scary! I was thinking before I read this that I’d probably say a bird of prey. My result? I’m a HAWK! How cool is that?

    I’ve always found changeling/shapeshifter/spirit guide stories fascinating because of the relationship of animal to human. It makes it interesting to see how people handle that.

    I haven’t read your books, but they look very interesting. I’ll have to look them up & splurge. :D

    I’m leaving for the beach on Monday for my first vacation in months. Cannot wait! :D

  29. SweetNSourGirl
    29

    I got a hawk. A little surprising, but not entirely so. :) I’d love to be able to fly.

    But if I could have a spirit totem guide thingy, I’d have a jaguar. I’ve been fascinated by those fiercesome cats since I was little. Imagine all that sleek, jaw crushingness and the ability to be nearly invisible! Plus hanging out in the rainforest! How cool is that?

  30. Ann Aguirre
    30

    Shapeshifters… hm. I’ve been thinking about that question all day, and haven’t come to any conclusions. To be honest, I never liked shapeshifters until I read Nalini Singh books.

    From what I’d seen, the alpha weres had been such dickheads, I’d have shot them and called a taxidermist. So I wasn’t a fan before I read her books. Now I’m finding the idea more tolerable, and I want to read the Lily and Rule books.

  31. Tracey
    31

    I’m an otter and an owl. Pretty accurate, I think.

    Loved Eyes of Crow and can’t wait for Voice next month!

  32. Tracey
    32

    I forgot to add. I took this quiz quite awhile ago, when Eyes of Crow first came out, and also had my husband take it. I don’t remember his animal, but it was one of those that said him and I shouldn’t mix. lol

  33. Jambrea
    33

    I’m an a Otter too!

  34. Cherie J
    34

    I tied between a wolf and a swan at a score of 19 for each. I agreed with that because family is extremely important to me. I think a wolf’s abilities are cool. Shifters are great because they have the human emotions balanced with the powers of the animals. They are capable of doing so much and who does not like the idea of being strong.

  35. Linda Nightingale
    35

    I’m a Crow. May I star in your next book? Kidding. Enjoyed your comments, the quiz and looking around your web site. Nicely done.

  36. Rachelle
    36

    You are a Swan! (your score: 24)
    24

    Characters: Tereus, Kalia in Eyes of Crow

    Powers: Foretelling future through dreams, dream-walking

    Swans are idealistic, open-minded, and passionate. Your good nature often leads people to think they can take advantage of you, but they should be careful—beneath that serenity lies a fighting spirit. Your love is fierce and unconditional, fueled by the certainty that it should last forever.

    Best matches: Wolves, Horses, Otters

    Watch out for: Cougars, Foxes, Hawks

    –> I love it! I feel like flying with my sleek white feathers.. LOL

  37. Shannon
    37

    I was a wolf, then a wolverine. Both of which were pretty accurate, actually.

    I’ve got a question about the series. How much of a time gap is there going to be between the first and second book? Because I know the “state” Rhia was in at the end of the first (trying not to spoil anything), but the synopsis of the second book made it pretty clear that Rhia will no longer be in that state.

    If that awkwardly worded question made any sense at all.

  38. Jeri
    38

    LOL, Shannon, it made perfect sense!

    The time gap between the end of Eyes of Crow and the beginning of Voice of Crow is just a few days. But VOC covers about a year’s time, so yeah, Rhia, er, gets out of that state.

    Then the third book, THE REAWAKENED, starts 18 years after the end of VOICE OF CROW. I pretty much have to rebuild the world from scratch, since so much has changed in the interim. But on the bright side, it makes it able to stand on its own for new readers.

    From what I’ve heard from reviewers so far, VOICE stands alone well, too, so everyone feel free to jump into the series with book 2! I tried to make sure it stood alone–even told two of my beta readers not to read EYES so that they could read and critique VOICE as its own novel. Their feedback was gold. There were so many things that I and my editor thought were obvious that weren’t. I *highly* recommend anyone who writes a series to find a brand new reader for each book.

  39. Jeri
    39

    In case anyone’s wondering, the “state” Rhia was in at the end of EYES OF CROW is commonly known as Wisconsin. ;-p

  40. Ann Aguirre
    40

    Heh. The State Formerly Known as Wisconsin is now just a symbol? I didn’t know that the third book was eighteen years later. That’s pretty bold.

  41. Shannon
    41

    lol

    Since the third book is 18 years later, would Rhia still be the main character? Or would it be like the second generation is taking the reigns?

  42. Jeri
    42

    Ann, I stand corrected. The Artist Formerly Known as the Artist Formerly Known as Prince’s home state is Minnesota, so that would be the end state.

    Shannon, Rhia’s still the main character in each book, but in VOC and TR, there are secondary POV characters who get a lot of “screen time.” Partly it’s so that I get to write a new romance in each book. :-) In VOC it’s Alanka, and in TR it’s Rhia’s niece Sura (Lycas and Mali’s daughter). Plus some dudes get POV’s, too, which I enjoy greatly.

  43. L
    43

    Crow>Fox>Hawk.

    Whoa. Actually, I’ve always been told I’m kinda turtle-ish, but that was not an option here.

    Crow kinda matches. I do ask why a lot. I remember asking why to my dad once enough times to the point he explained how simple arithmetic could be the basis of nuclear physics, and how it’s a building block for making bombs, which was why I had to study for my math test in the sixth grade.

  44. Dani
    44

    I am a swan, which is weird because of all of the animals that I could be I never really considered that one. Though the description does fit me quite well.

    Though since I am still young and haven’t quite ventured out into the world yet I think that I might have to wait to see if that is what I really am.

  45. Leslie
    45

    Well, the test says Cougar and I definitely can’t deny it. I’ve always been obsessed with big cats, small cats, cats, cats, cats. Cougar is definitely my favorite so it was a pleasant surprise. Others have come and gone depending on the seasons: Wolf, Bear, Horse, even Butterfly.

    I cannot wait for Voice of Crow to pop out on the market. I’m practically salivating for that book!!

  46. Erin
    46

    I’m a Wolverine. Huh. I have always associated with owls, even have a tat of Athena’s from a 5th c. drachma.

    I also have to say that from the website, I read the excerpt, and then I bought and read “Requiem” and I thought it was wonderful. Really, really good, and I’m a picky reader. I’m going to hustle over to B&N and see if I can find “Eyes of Crow.”

    Thanks, Bam, for introducing me to a fabulous new-to-me author.

  47. Randi
    47

    You are a Hawk!

    Characters: Galen, Thera, Zilus in Eyes of Crow; Maxine in “The Wild’s Call”

    Powers: Communicate with the divine, discern powers in others, photographic memory

    Hawks are the messengers of the Spirits. Adept with language, you might be a writer or a teacher. Your ability to assess situations impartially means that people often seek your guidance before making decisions. A brilliant visionary, you sometimes forget the mundane details of life like eating, sleeping, or paying bills.

    Best matches: Owls, Foxes, Spiders

    Watch out for: Otters, Bears, Horses

    I think that this does describe me. All of my friends come to me for advice. But, I think I have a selective photographic memory! I don’t remember everything, but what I do remember is very vivid. For those of you that have not read the book, you should! It is the greatest book ever and I can’t wait for VOC to come out!

  48. Jeri
    48

    (OK, trying to post this for the third time. For some reason my comments aren’t showing up.)

    Lisabea - WTF is exactly something a Wolverine would say!

    Crystal - Yep, family is everything to a Wolf.

    Bonnie - you sound like my cat. Well, all except the focus.

    Samantha - the powers are what you would have if you were in the book. In real life, Crows have the power to find food and shiny things in seconds flat.

    Larena - another Wolf! Glad you liked the quiz.

    Catherine - *waving to a fellow Owl*

    Heather - “now that’s husband material” — did I leave out the fact that he can turn invisible at night? Makes for interesting, uh, encounters.

    Wendy - give a Spider a chance–you might like them. Maybe not the cuddliest, though.

    Maddie - I’ll take you up on those cookies!

    Shar - You and Ann can start the Hawk softball team.

    Kimberly - I like the way you think.

    Marlene - lucky you! You get two Animals, thus two chances at a prize.

    Heather - thanks! And if you like horses, you’ll like VOICE. One of the heroes is a Horse. Animals talk to him, much to his chagrin.

    OK, I’m posting this, then I’ll start a new one for the rest of the responses when I get back from the vet this afternoon. Thanks, everyone, for so many great comments! :-)

  49. Shar
    49

    my husband decided to take that quiz and he managed to score evenly for 4 animals. Wolf, Hawk, Owl and Swan. I asked him how managed that and he said he is very well-rounded on his personality obviously :::rolls eyes:::: What I like is he has some animals that he is supposed to watch out for that he is as well. Talk about a contradiction in terms.

  50. April
    50

    I scored 22 for Crow and Swan, 20 for Wolf and Owl, but I’m with Bonnie; I see myself more as a lazy kitty cat who could sleep the day away if given a chance. :)

  51. Jeri
    51

    Katie Ann - “watch out for” can mean good things. ;-)

    Shar - that was interesting what you said about shapeshifters and freedom. I guess that depends on how mandatory the shifting is. If you have to shift during the full moon or every five days or whatever, I would think that would actually limit your freedom. But it might be worth it.

    MicheleLee - if you feel like a cat with a pack mentality, you could be a lion, I suppose. Have you read Rachel Vincent’s STRAY?

    Kaitlin - that’s so cool that the quiz gave you what you thought. Have a great time at the beach (*jealous!*) and hope you enjoy the books.

    SweetNSour Girl - ooh, a jaguar! You’d be queen of the jungle, no less.

    Tracey - an otter and an owl–interesting combo. When I take it, I get owl as my first and otter as my last. Glad you liked EYES!

    Jambrea - another otter! We have a lot of nurturing healers here. (My mom’s an otter, BTW. I’m so not surprised. And so lucky. :-)

    Cherie - wolf and swan definitely go together. I agree about having an animal’s super strength combined with human emotion. With my luck, though, I’d be a wereshrew or something like that.

    Linda - sure, you can star in the next book–it’s about a Crow! LOL. Thanks for your comments on the website. My husband made it–he’s a professional web developer, both in his day job and on the side. Again, I’m so lucky.

    Rachelle - I’m sure the sleek white feathers would look stunning on you. :-)

    L - There are turtles in the series. They are the midwives, though they can do other healing, too. So did you ask your teacher the next day if you could make a bomb in math class?

    Dani - sometimes we change as we get older. I think I’d still be an INFP in the Myers-Briggs, but not so extremely P. I’ve had to learn to become more organized…sigh…

    Leslie - do you know, cougar is the least common result I’ve gotten out of all the people who’ve told me? So that makes you pretty special.

    Erin - Wow, that was fast! So glad you liked REQUIEM. That one will always hold a special place in my heart as my first published novel.

    Randi - you are too sweet! VOICE is coming out a week from tomorrow–I can’t wait!

    Shar - wow, I guess your husband should watch out for himself. That’s so funny that he scored across the board like that.

    April - isn’t “lazy kitty cat” redundant? Kidding–I tease my cats all the time about how they have to go get jobs to keep themselves in kibble. At least the dog keeps the rabbits out of the garden and food off the floor, so she’s of some use.

    Thanks to everyone who commented! Good luck in the drawing. And BAM, I hope your eye feels better soon. Thanks a mil for having me!

  52. Shar
    52

    Jeri- “that was interesting what you said about shapeshifters and freedom. I guess that depends on how mandatory the shifting is. If you have to shift during the full moon or every five days or whatever, I would think that would actually limit your freedom. But it might be worth it.”

    Thanks. I do a lot of thinking on why I am attracted to reading certain types of books or watching certain type of books lately. It makes it easier to recommend when I know what I am looking for myself to make it attractive to others. Umm…I think. ;)

    I always thought of the full moon shift or the five days you have no choice to shift is like “rebooting” your “prime” self. The freedom from societies restrictions is still there unless your part of a pack. Even then you have people who understand your needs/wants better than human society. At least in my mind anyway. :P

    Some legends have the full moon as a way of celebration for life with shapeshifters. They feel more alive, free and aware during that time so when I think about the full moon regulated shifters, I always feel like it opens them up to how they really feel.. Unless it is bloody killers that is the opposite of what they want. Then that would be a problem. Oh yes.

    Um…I hope all that made sense. I have a bad cold and my brain is fuzzy.

  53. L
    53

    I won’t lie-

    The thought did cross my mind.



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