Bone Stars character interview with Grenna

I am pleased to have another Once Upon Academy student with us here today. Meet Grenna.

http://onceuponacademy.com/

TTO:
Hi Grenna! It's so nice to meet you. Tell us have you decided on a major at the Once Upon Academy?

Grenna:
Yeah... Um... I chose psychic communication.

TTO:
You don't sound convinced?

Grenna:
I am now. At first I only chose it because OUA doesn't have vet classes but now I'm commited and actually enjoying it.

TTO:
Wonderful news! Do you have any magical abilities?

Grenna:
Yes. It's been difficult for me to accept this and even more difficult to talk about it, especially in public. I see auras, colors surrounding people that change with their moods.

TTO:
Wow! Can you tell me my mood?

Grenna:
You're mostly green meaning health and harmony. There's also a pink ring in the middle of the green. I'm not sure what that means. I'm only beginning to understand and interpret what I see.

TTO:
I'll take health and harmony! Why did you choose Once Upon Academy?

Grenna:
Well... it wasn't my first choice. I wanted an Ivy League school like Harvard. I think my parents had something to do with my application and acceptance to OUA. They won't admit it but I'm sure they are the guilty party.

TTO:
What is your greatest accomplishment?

Grenna:
Graduating highschool with a 4.5 GPA. I worked hard for that, studied constantly.

TTO:
Describe yourself in three words?

Grenna:
Shy, unathletic, and smart

TTO:
Do you have any handicaps and how do you compensate?

Grenna:
Not really. At first the aura thing was like a handicap but once I figured it out it's really quite helpful.

TTO:
What is your favorite food?

Grenna:
Does coffee count? I live on that right now. My favorite is blond with a double shot and Italian cream.

TTO:
Of course coffee counts!  Do you have a favorite book or movie?

Grenna:
Medical texts, mostly on animal anatomy and physiology. Now that I say that I realize I spent far too much time studying in high school. I need to get out and watch some movies!

TTO:
Do you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert?

Grenna:
An introvert!

TTO:
Is there anything else you'd like to add before we close?

Grenna:
I'd just like to add thank you for inviting me. 

Thank you Grenna!

Find out more about Grenna in the Once Upon Academy Anthology!

Bone Stars by Elle Klass

Grenna isn't too thrilled to attend the Once Upon Academy. She was hoping for something less magical and more Ivy League, until she meets Mandevar, a magic physics major who’s hot under his apparent nerdiness and begins to think otherwise.


Their first date is where the adventure begins. Mandevar is a bit of a mystery and continues to surprise her. Turns out he isn't the only surprise when they get lost together in an enchanted forest.

Get Grenna's Acceptance Letter here!

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Taming Her Might character interview with Celeste Hartmann

It's so exciting to be interviewing students from the prestigious Once Upon Academy. Today we have Celeste Hartmann with us!

http://onceuponacademy.com/

TTO:
Thank you so much for joining us Celeste. Tell us have you chosen a major?

Celeste:
Undecided

TTO:
No problem. Why did you choose the Once Upon Academy?

Celeste:
I wanted to go to the most prestigious magical school ever!

TTO:
Do you have any magical skills?

Celeste:
I'm a dragon shifter, apparently. I didn't know that until later. I was born with elemental magic though.

TTO:
What is your greatest accomplishment?

Celeste:
Learning to control my powers.

TTO:
How would you describe yourself in three words?

Celeste:
Loyal, stubborn, and friendly.

TTO:
Do you have any handicaps and how do you compensate?

Celeste:
I couldn't control my magic at first. Any time I got scared, I would accidentally soak something, electrocute something, or things like that. Then when I became a shifter, I couldn't control that either. It took finding a friend that could connect with my dragon to learn how to control anything.

TTO:
I can see how that could be a huge problem. You're lucky to have the support from a friend who could help you. Would you consider yourself and introvert ot extrovert?

Celeste:
An introvert.

TTO:
Do you have any favorite foods?

Celeste:
Hmmm. I like all kinds of food. I'm a sucker for anything chocolate, though.

TTO:
Me too! Do you have a favorite book or movie you'd like to share with the TTO's readers?

Celeste:
I love to read anything! You can't expect me to choose just one book. Or movie for that matter.

TTO:
Is there anything else you'd like to add before I wrap things up?

Celeste:
Um, not really. Can I go yet? I'm supposed to be meeting Lenna and Kierra before we meet Mirella for Ethics tutoring.

TTO:
Most certainly, we don't want to interrupt your studies any longer than needed. Thank you so much for joining us today Celeste!

Find out more about Celeste in the Once Upon Academy Anthology. 

Taming Her Might by Toni Peden

Will betrayal be her downfall or her saving grace?

     Celeste Hartmann has been accepted to the very prestigious Once Upon Academy and everything seemed to be going great. She's settled into her classes and made a few close friends.


    After being betrayed by someone she thought was her friend, Celeste's world is turned upside down. With the help of her best friends, can she overcome her obstacles and tame her might, or will she be consumed by the beast inside her fighting to be free?

Grab Celeste Acceptance Letter Here!

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Sense & Sensitivty character interview with Princess of Viasens

Today we have a real live Princess with us! Joining us from the Once Upon Academy.

TTO:
Let's start with your name because there's a bit of a story behind it and I think the readers will want to hear.

Princess of Viasens: (Adeline)
My adoptive fathers called me Adeline Augustin-Mignon. Recently, I learned my birth name: Adeline Sophia Margarette Sauveterre, Princess of Viasens.

TTO:
I hope you don't mind I'm going to be less formal and call you Adeline. What is your major at OUA?

Adeline?
I haven't declared a major.

TTO:
Why did you choose Once Upon Academy?

Adeline:
I never applied for Once Upon Academy, but I chose to go when my letter arrived for so many reasons—out of duty to the crown and the people of Viasens, out of respect for my poor birth parents' wishes, but most of all, out of a desire to know what the world outside my doorstep was truly like, since I didn't have much of a chance to explore it.

TTO:
Do you have any special skills?

Adeline:
I am adept at needlecraft, but I know that's not what you mean. My "special skill" is my extreme sensitivity. It applies to everything from my five senses to my intuition. It's been more of a burden to bear throughout my life than a blessing. The reason I can sew, knit, and crochet so well is because I make my own clothing. I've made more pairs of gloves than I can count.

TTO:
That's an incredible talent. I can barely sew a button. Do you have any tattoos, piercings or scars?

Adeline:
I could never get a tattoo or piercing—I would faint from the pain!—but I have countless scars. They're in the usual places—knees, elbows, and wherever small children hurt themselves the most—but there are so many. Luckily, they are all covered by the clothes I wear.

TTO:
What is your greatest accomplishment?

Adeline:
I secretly planned a special evening for Papa and Pappy's twentieth anniversary. I copied the handwriting of some of their business partners and sent them on a wild goose chase all afternoon while I prepared the dinner. So many things went horribly wrong! Ultimately, however, the night was a success

TTO:
How would you describe yourself in three words?

Adeline:
I am empathetic, curious, and cautious.

TTO:
Do you have any handicaps and how do you compensate?

Adeline:
Oh, let me count the ways! I wear gloves and special shoes to prevent the pain of everyday touching and walking, I stay inside almost all of the time to avoid disturbing sounds and smells, and I am always the last to finish a meal because I have to wait so long for my food to cool. These are all small things, of course, and I truly don't mind having to accommodate myself. I do feel a little sorry for my fathers, and for their business partners—most of them are used to my peculiarities by now, but that wasn't always the case.

TTO:
We all have pecularities. I'm sure your fathers understand. Do you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert?

Adeline:
I am an introvert.

TTO:
What is your favorite food?

Adeline:
I love cocoa, but it must be at a lukewarm temperature, or I'll surely burn my tongue!

TTO:
Do you have a favorite book or movie?

Adeline:
We don't have movies where I come from, but I do love a particular book—forgive me, the title and author escape me now—about four sisters growing up together. I don't have any siblings, and friends are hard to come by when your sensitivity prevents you from leaving the house very often, so escaping into their lives was a true joy. 

TTO:
Is there anything else you would like to add?

Adeline:
I just hope Once Upon Academy is as life-changing as it claims to be. I'll need a miracle ???.

Find out more about Adeline in the Once Upon Academy Anthology.

Sense & Sensitivty by Emma Fontaine

After learning she's the secret daughter of the princess who sat on the pea, sensitive shut-in Adeline Augustin-Mignon is swept away to Once Upon Academy, a magical school filled with surprises around every corner.

One of those surprises is Quilo Stenberg, handsome son of a cold-hearted villainess. Adeline knows she shouldn't be getting herself into that kind of trouble, even if his rumored icy exterior seems to melt only for her.

But when they're paired up together for a dangerous project, Adeline and Quilo must use their unique abilities to save each other's grades.

And each other's lives.

Grab Adeline's Acceptance Letter Here!

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Bird's Eye View character interview with Antoinette Chaikova

Today, joining us from the Once Upon Academy is Antoinette Chaikova, but most people call her Nettie.

http://onceuponacademy.com/

TTO:
It's such an honor to have you with us today Nettie. Tell us what is your major?

Nettie:
Undeclared.

TTO:
I understand completely! Why did you choose the Once Upon Academy?

Nettie:
My parents REALLY wanted me to attend.

TTO:
Parents are strange that way. I'm sure you're happy you decided to follow their advice. Do you have any special skills?

Nettie:
Not particularly, but the headmistress assures me all will be revealed and cultivated during my time at OUA.

TTO:
What is your greatest accomplishment?

Nettie:
Hmmm... if you ask my parents, I'm not sure if they'd tell you it was been being named prima ballerina or my acceptance letter...

TTO:
How would you describe yourself in three words?

Nettie:
Compassionate, down-to-earth, and flexible.

TTO:
Do you have any handicaps and how do you compensate?

Nettie:
Not that I know of.

TTO:
What is your favorite food?

Nettie:
Anything sweet.

TTO:
Do you have a favorite movie or book you want to share?

Nettie:
Not really, but i love anything with astronomy and mythology. 

TTO:
Is there anything else you'd like add before we close today?

Nettie:
I'm a bit ashamed to admit it, but I'm afraid of birds. All birds. My mother was cursed by a wizard when she refused to marry him. He'd make the shape of an owl and haunted her. When I was a kid, my parents used to frighten my brother and I that the owl might come and curse us. Never really got past that, so I just avoid birds whenever possible.

We all have fears, no need to feel ashamed. Thank you so much for joining us Nettie. Have a wonderful afternoon!

Find out more about Nettie in the Once Upon Academy Anthology!

Bird's Eye View by Kerry Evelyn
When Nettie’s life is in peril, her true self will take flight.

Nettie’s acceptance to Once Upon Academy is the success she’s waited her whole life for. The prima ballerina has spent her life following rules and obeying her parents, but has no idea who she really is.

Reggie, a fifth-year senior and orphan, only knows one thing: he likes to fly. So when one of his flying students reveals to him he has the mark of a royal phoenix shifter, he’s excited to conquer the sky for real and learn more about his heritage.


But will he get his chance? When Nettie and Reggie are locked in a tower by a foe on the eve of Reggie’s first transformation, his life is in mortal danger. Helping him means Nettie must face her own greatest fear. Can they save themselves and each other?

Get a copy of Nettie's Acceptance Letter here!

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Malefic Mixology character interview with Raven Black

Joining us today is Raven Black from the Once Upon Academy!

TTO:
Tell us Raven, what do you have magic or a magical skill?

Raven:
I have magic in general but Transfiguration and Magical Mixology are my specialties.

TTO:
Very intriguing. Why did you choose Once Upon Academy?

Raven:
Well my mom has always wanted me to come here, it's always been her dream and somewhere in life it became mine too. Of course I'm here for academic reasons but I totally hope I find love!

TTO:
Do you have and special skills?

Raven:
I can mix the best cocktails, turn my friends into animals or my enemies and I'm really good with nature.

TTO:
Tell me about your tattoo?

Raven:
I have a little heart tattooed on my stomach, but shhhhh... don't tell my mom, she doesn't know!

TTO:
Mum is word! What is your greatest accomplishment?

Raven:
Hmmm.... this is a tough one. Getting accepted into the most prestigious college for the magically and fairytale inclined.

TTO:
That's a huge accomplishment. Congratulations! How would you describe yourself in three words?

Raven:
Pink! Cheerleader and fierce!

TTO:
Do you have any handicaps and how do you compensate?

Raven:
Some would say my obsession with finding love is a handicap but I don't think so. If I don't look for it how do you find it? I compensate by listening to my bestie Cindy and keep my eyes wide open.

TTO:
Do you consider yourself and introvert or extrovert?

Raven:
Definitely and extrovert, I'm a cheerleader!

TTO:
What is your favorite food?

Raven:
Pizza! No wait icecream... hm... Okay final answer chocolate! 

TTO:
Do you have a favorite book or movie?

Raven:
Dirty Dancing would be my favorite movie and Pride and Prejudice my favorite book. Two of the greatest love stories ever!

TTO:
Anything else you would like to add before we close?

Raven:
I am so excited for this year at Once Upon Academy! Wish me luck, maybe I'll find my dream guy!

TTO:
Luck! Best wishes in finding your dream guy. He's going be very lucky. 
Thank you for joining us today!

Find out more about Raven in the Once Upon Academy Anthology. 

Malefic Mixology by Breezy Jones

   Being the daughter of the dark fairy, Raven Black knows how badly love can end.  When she gets accepted to the most prestigious college for the magical and fairytale world Raven can’t help but long for a fairytale ending. 
    When the hottest guy in school, Stephan Briar sets his sights on Raven, she’s lost in his blue eyes and quarterback muscles. But love is blind.
     When Li Feng- notorious bad boy swoops in to help pick up the pieces of her broken heart, Raven doesn’t know what to do.  

     True love could be a single step away if only things were so simple.

Grab Raven's Acceptance Letter Here!

Preorder Link:
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Who is Whobeda?

"Calm before the Storm Evan's Sins" is by far the creepiest book I've written. It is the prequel to "Eye of the Storm Eilida's Tragedy" and Volume 2 in the Ruthless Storm Trilogy. But what really makes this book creepy and spine tingling is the astrology behind it. Meet the astrologer/ author who helped make this book a masterpiece.

Whobeda two part interview. The real Whobeda and Whobeda in Calm before the Storm.

Elle: For starters, who is Whobeda?

Whobeda: Whobeda is my "mystic name" which I thought I should have when I became a professional astrologer.  It came about in a rather serendipitous manner.  I'd been having a hard time coming up with one but figured inspiration would come sooner or later.  As it turned out, the person who inspired it probably never knew.  LOL.  The story's a bit long so bear with me.  At the time I was dating someone and we used to have lunch together most days.  We worked in different locations so I would usually pick him up since parking where he worked was at a premium and he didn't want to lose his parking space.  For a long time I drove an old 1995 blue Pontiac.  It eventually bit the dust so I bought another car.  A Mercedes Benz.  It was pretty hilarious the attention it got.  Anyway, shortly after I got the Benz I dropped him off to go back to work one day and this black guy he worked with saw him get out of my car.  He asked him, "Who be da Benz bitch?"  We had a good laugh about it and Whobeda was born.

Elle: What is astrology?

Whobeda: I have a room full of books that can answer that question but I'll try to keep it short and to the point.  Astrology has been around for millennia and is in the realm of metaphysics which doesn't have a scientific explanation.  Yet.  It's premise is basically "as above, so below" which implies what is seen in the heavens reflects what occurs on Earth.  The ancients who didn't have Netflicks or internet spent a lot of time watching the night skies and discovered correlations between the seasons, stars, planets and events on earth.  They noticed the planets moved against the background of stars which were considered "fixed."  They made up stories based on what they saw in the sky including the constellations that follow the path of the Sun that is known as the zodiac.  

The saying "nomen est omen" suggests that what something is named influences its characteristics.  Every zodiacal sign and planet has a meaning and interpretation based on its name or myth.  There are also corresponding houses which include different parts of life.  A trained astrologer looks at these placements of the planets in the signs and houses, then interprets them.  

I started out a skeptic myself but when I checked it out I discovered it worked.  There's undoubtedly an explanation which I suspect lies in the realm between quantum physics and the mysteries of consciousness.  The main point is that it works.  It goes far beyond what you see in horoscopes online which are so general they have little meaning.  Astrology is incredibly detailed and the more you get into it the more profound it becomes.  

Astrologers were the original counselors and psychologists.  A person's natal chart, which shows the position of the Sun, Moon and planets for the moment the person was born and their relationship to each other is the key to who they are.  They will reflect the prevailing cosmic energies of that moment.  I see it as a form of quantum entanglement.

Elle: Besides being an astrologer what are other career hats have you worn or wear?

Whobeda: The most recent was as at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas where I worked for over 20 years as everything from a technical writer and engineer to manager. 
Before that I was a stay-at-home-mom to six kids for several years. I've taught spinning and weaving when I had a small retail store that sold such things along with the needed supplies.  I was a full-charge bookkeeper for a credit union, too.  And of course at this time I'm also an independent science fiction author.  I guess you can tell that I'm ADHD and get bored easily.  LOL.

Elle: How can authors use astrology in their writing?

Whobeda: Astrology works well for developing a character, especially when you're first starting out.  Give him or her a birthdate and you can derive a detailed personality.  Fictitious events can also show up via astrology.  This gets into such a weird area that I'm even more mystified by this than when it works for actual people.  All I can figure out is a person, even a fictitious one, has a certain energy based on when they're "born."  If the person were real they would experience certain events at certain times which also play out fictitiously.

Elle: In what ways did you help me (Elle Klass) in Calm before the Storm?

Whobeda: We ran natal charts for your main characters, which lined up nicely with what you'd essentially channeled.  The reports captured the essence of their personalities, which you had already established in the story, and added even greater depth to their motivations.  Then we looked at events and the astrological influence in effect at the time which also fit.  Since astrology can be very detailed, it provided even more information that you hadn't even thought of but could nonetheless use.

Elle: You have read Eye of the Storm but not the prequel Calm before the Storm. What went through your mind when the natal charts (Eilida and Evan) and Evan’s lunar return charts were dead on?  

Whobeda: Astrology amazes me continually and that was just another instance where I marveled at its power.  It boggles my mind on a regular basis with my clients but seeing how it fit with fictitious characters was even more astounding.  There are so many metaphysical angles to this.  For those who believe in multiple universes and/or dimensions, it's like it's occurring in some other realm and you're picking it up from there.  I know as an author myself there are times when it's as if I'm an observer and simply recording what I "see" for my characters.  More often than not I don't know what will happen next.  Some would even go so far as to say you're creating that reality somewhere based on the "thoughts become things" philosophy.  Perhaps writing fiction expresses another probability out there in the cosmic soup and the Universe doesn't differentiate between reality and fantasy.  If it exists in your mind, then its energy develops a life of its own in some other realm.

Elle: In Calm before the Storm Eilida buys one of your books and gets it autographed. Tell us a little about your various astrology books.

Whobeda: "Whobeda's Guide to Basic Astrology" has been available as an ebook for a few years now.  I have a website which has a lot of information on it which other astrologers use to teach classes so I thought compiling the information into an ebook would simplify things versus what I call "hyperlink bingo."  I'm currently formatting it for a print copy.  It includes all of the basics as well as various astrological applications such as compatibility and choosing a career.  Another ebook, "Definitive Guide to Astrological Reports", describes several of the computerized reports available at astrology websites like my own.  It includes full-length samples for a fictitious person so they can see what kind of information they contain.  There are several different reports so it helps to know where to look depending on what kind of information you're looking for.  I have a couple short ebooks out as well, "Asteroid Archetypes: A Primer" and "Lilith: Dark Maid of the Sith."  These two titles are directed at those who know a little about astrology.  "Asteroid Archetypes" addresses the influence of the larger asteroids, some of which have been redefined as minor planets, such as Ceres.  Others include Juno, Vesta, Pallas Athene and Chiron.  All are mythological figures whose archetypes are reflected in the astrological interpretation.  "Lilith" is quite popular since she's associated with so many myths which relate to women's rights.  There are several Lilith astrological entities, some real, some energy points, and each has its own influence.  They can be quite toxic when they come together in a negative manner.  Women that "go psycho" and do something horrific are often under the influence of Lilith.  I have some examples in the book such as Andrea Yates and Casey Anthony.

Elle: What is your website and how can people get in contact with you for astrology jobs?

Whobeda: My website is valkyriastrology.com.  It has a virtual store where all sorts of things are available such as computerized reports, report packages, and personalized readings.  I can be reached via email at whobeda@valkyrieastrology.com.

In Calm before the Storm Evan goes to Whobeda for a natal chart reading. Here is the excerpt:

Evan slipped out of the girls’ room to make his appointment with Whobeda. He never trusted the computer reading he’d done years ago and wanted a true reading from an actual astrologer. He entered the private room and her amber eyes greeted him with warmth. He took a seat across the plastic table from her and fed her the, location, time and date of his birth. Within a few minutes she had his chart. Her eyes narrowed as she glimpsed the information and laid it on the table and explained the meanings of each connecting line.

“You are a passionate, intense person. You’re also idealistic and take a mystical approach to life. That explains your interest in Astrology.” She smiled. “You have strong attachments to your family and are driven by your feelings.” She slipped a shawl over her arms as a sudden chill entered the room. “You have strong attachments to your past, your heritage, family traditions and may be unable to step out of the habits and roles you learned as a child. Your tie to your mother is very strong.” Blackness devoured Evan’s eyes. She shuddered and wrapped the shawl tighter around her shoulders.

He sat quiet the anger inside him spilling into his eyes. The mention of his mother and his inability to stop killing her and his family. The role he learned as a youth. The damage his fake father and mother placed upon his soul thieving his childhood. Hearing Whobeda’s eerily accurate words made him realize the stars and planets guided the path of his life since birth. Born when Mars conjuncted with Moon in his 4th - predispositioned for his mother’s violence towards him. Pluto in the tenth house affirmed the secrets related to his father. The one who raised him a bogus replacement for his true father. Does my own father have more secrets? She continued to speak, the words filtering through his mind. He blamed his mother for giving birth to him at such an unpleasant time, cursing his life. His mother flashed in static not fully taking form, she never reappeared. He sensed the astrologer’s uneasiness upsetting him further. A sympathetic moment. The woman’s easy style and soft tone in her voice relaxed and consoled him. She was merely the interpreter of the bad news.

The chill in the room followed Evan outside the door and Whobeda took a deep breath. Never had she received such a frightening vibe from a client.

Fictional interview

Elle: When Evan made the appointment and entered the room you had no idea he was the Hurricane Killer. Did you think of him as any other client or did you sense something about him was off?

Whobeda: It's appropriate that he's the Hurricane Killer because that was the kind of energy he emanated when he walked into the room.  The hair on my arms stood up as soon as I looked up and saw him.  I can often see people's auras but it was like he had none, that it was more like a blackhole around him.  He totally gave me the creeps.  When I looked at his chart I could see it was what astrologers call "afflicted."  He had a lot of negative energy and difficult aspects.

Elle: According to Evan’s chart what type of person is he?

Whobeda: He's emotionally drive with a propensity for violence. He thrives on intense experiences, especially the threshold between life and death.  He's likely to live in a fantasy world and be delusional as well as drawn to anything weird or unusual.

Elle: Are there any “red flags” in his chart that point towards violence?

Whobeda: Absolutely.  He has the Moon and Mars conjunct in Aries.  Mars, the god of war, is the ruler of Aries and thus very strong in that sign.  The Moon rules a person's emotions so this would give him a temper.  He obtains emotional satisfaction from violence.  This pair is in his 4th house which includes a person's home environment, cultural roots and memories and thus implies he grew up in an abusive household, specifically from his mother, since the Moon relates to a person's mother.  Pluto, god of the Underworld, is about power and control.  He rules death and transformation and is also the modern ruler of Scorpio.  Evan has a Scorpio ascendant, the sign on the eastern horizon when he was born, so that makes Pluto his chart ruler and therefore very influential.  Pluto is in his 10th house, which represents what a person will be remembered for, which is pretty creepy in itself.  And all of these, i.e. Mars, Moon and Pluto, all "afflict" his Sun, which represents our core being.  His Sun is in the 8th house of death which brings that energy to him at the personal level.  His 8th house is ruled by the Moon, bringing that influence to bear as well. 

Elle: When mentioning his mother and ties to his past. How did he react and how did that make you feel?

Whobeda: As noted above, it was clear that there were mother issues.  I almost didn't say anything but it was so obvious I felt I would be remiss not to mention it.  When I did it was as if a tsunami of hatred rolled off him.  I think I actually gasped and hoped he didn't notice.  His eyes darkened and for a moment I thought he might hit me or worse.  Quite frankly, it scared the crap out of me!  LOL!

Elle: When you later found out who he was did it freak you out that you sat in the same room alone with him?

Whobeda: Absolutely!  It totally creeped me out but it also confirmed that my instincts were on target.  Sometimes I get impressions that seem to be pretty far out there, yet they have always been confirmed as accurate at some point in time.  Thus, I have learned to pay attention to them.

Elle: Anything else you would like to add?

Whobeda: A client and friend has stated that astrology is like a road map for you life so why would you want to travel without it?  I think that expresses what astrology can do for a person very succinctly.

I suppose that some might wonder if Evan could have expressed the energy in his chart in a less violent manner.  The energy of a person's natal chart represents how they are programmed.  That said, however, everyone also has free will to use it as they choose. These influences are powerful and if a person really has psychological issues, often instituted by an abusive environment growing up, they can seldom control them.  If Evan had been born to a more loving home, he probably would have still had some issues.  He had a tremendous imagination which could have been exercised in a less violent manner.  For example, he could have expressed all that dark energy in writing horror stories as opposed to doing so in the real world.  Another way he could have expressed it in a positive manner would have been as an agent of change in countries torn apart by war.  He could have gotten his thrills helping people as opposed to killing them.  The energy is there but it's basically neutral so the person can decide how to use it.  

Where the planets are at any given time is referred to as transits. These connect with a person's natal chart and dump that energy into it, which is what can drive them to action and toward involvement in certain events.  If the transits are harsh, the person will be more inclined to react in a negative manner from the sudden influx of energy.  If the potential for violence is there natally and Mars, Pluto or Saturn come along in a bad transit then the person will be inclined to express it in some way.  


This is one of the things that I address in my ebook, "Lilith: Dark Maid of the Sith" since that kind of reaction was so evident with some women in the news who had done horrible things, such as Andrea Yates and Casey Anthony.  if someone has that potential in their chart, it's a good thing to be aware of it so that you can make a concerted effort to avoid doing something you'll regret when that influence hits you like a train.  Someone who's driven by emotion will find it even more difficult to resist than someone who is more logical.  For example, Andres Yates' natal Sun is in Cancer, the same sign as Evan's.  Ironically, Cancer can also be one of the most nurturing and caring signs but it's emotionally driven.  Nothing is simple in life or astrology, which reflects it so accurately.



                                                            

Chapter from "Calm before the Storm Evan's Sins" written by Elle Klass and Whobeda. This is the only chapter we wrote together. Look for the paperback version on "Whobeda's Guide to Basic Astrology" coming soon. And the release of "Calm before the Storm" Nov. 13, 2015.

Fate’s Destiny

Eilida yelped at the chance to make the OPA conference and her chance to meet nationally renowned Patrice Renard. The 9th annual professional astrology retreat in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  She flew down the stairs and flopped her body on the couch next to Sage. Leaning her head against her friend’s shoulder she blurted her news. “I did it. We’re in!” She lifted her head to gauge Sage’s response.

“OMG!” The two women leapt off the couch and jumped up and down like two school girls going to see their favorite band. Both women believed there was more to life, something brewing beneath the surface, or in this case above the surface - dictated by the stars and planets of the vast universe.

Sage and Eilida arrived at the convention center and took the nearest escalator to where the conference was being held.  They stepped inside the vendor room, eyes soaking in the activity around them. The huge room was divided into several aisles with more vendors lining both sides as well as the perimeter. Astrology related materials, from jewelry to crystals, were everywhere. As they strolled the aisles, Eilida tried not to be too obvious ogling the name badges of those around them, looking for someone whose name she’d recognize. Some astrologers looked appropriately weird in long, flowing skirts matched only by their hair, with more rings than fingers while others were in jeans and others still in business dress. The men were mostly in casual dress, though one in particular was wearing a kilt. Her eyes took in his strong, muscular legs and sent a quiver bounding through her as she imagined the kilt tossed on the arm of a chair and… She shook the image from her mind.

The pair perused the plethora of goodies, Eilida dragging her friend by the hand when she saw a crystal table, spending a good bit of time examining the many offerings. She felt drawn to certain ones, slips of cardstock the size of a business card accompanying each one describing the stone’s influence.

She stood there a while, admiring one in particular for its odd shape. The card said it was a desert rose, good for transmuting hatred into love and healing past conflicts. She took it in her hand to see how it felt. It felt good but she could see the vendor guy was occupied with other customers so set it back carefully, deciding to come back later.

Another table caught her eye, this one apparently occupied by an astrologer. The lady behind it had shoulder length salt and pepper hair, maybe a bit more salt than pepper. Her genuine smile and attentiveness to those talking to her attracted Eilida. While other patrons talked to the astrologer Eilida browsed her books, one of which was entitled Whobeda’s Guide to Basic Astrology. She picked it up and flipped through the pages, reading sporadically.
As much of an astrology buff as she was, most of it really confused her. Written in terms that made sense, Eilida decided to buy one and waited in line to get it autographed.

At last it was her turn and she handed over the book, grateful no one was behind her so she could chat a bit.

“Hi,” the woman said with a smile. “Would you like me to inscribe it to you personally or leave it plain so you can sell it on eBay when you’re done?”

Eilida laughed. “I wouldn't do that!” she responded.

“Yes, you would,” Sage muttered, giving her a friendly nudge.

“Not this one,” Eilida insisted. “So make it out to me. Eilida.” She spelled it out, knowing most people gave her a blank look if she didn't.

“So are you Whobeda?” Sage asked. “That’s a pretty unusual name, too.”

The woman chuckled, laugh lines crinkling the corners of her amber-colored eyes. “Yes and no,’ she responded. “It’s my mystic name.  Some of us prefer to operate behind some degree of anonymity.  Some of the people I work for in my day job wouldn’t be amused if they knew I was an astrologer.”

“Really?”Eilida responded. “What’s your day job?”

“I work in the aerospace industry,” she answered, but before Eilida could prod her for more, Sage pointed at her watch.

“We better get going over to the auditorium if we want a good seat,” she prodded.

“Oh! You’re right! Nice talking to you, Whobeda,” she said with a smile.  “Thanks for the autograph! And I promise I won’t sell it on eBay!”

The pair left the vendor area and strode down the broad, carpeted corridor to the auditorium where they slipped through the chunky double doors held open by metal door stops and found two open side by side seats. Both women beamed with excitement as they waited for Patrice Renard, slated as the next speaker, to take the stage.
A few seats behind them a shaven headed Evan took his seat. In the thickness of the crowd, neither was aware of the other. Throughout Patrice’s speech the women soaked in her every word. Anticipation building as Eilida determined she would meet her face to face.

Her speech and Q and A session over, everyone filed out of the auditorium. Evan, a few rows behind, conveniently left the room before the two women. Light reflected off the baldness of his head catching Eilida’s attention. A cold breeze swept over her and tremors of fear coursed through her body.

“What’s wrong?” urged Sage as Eilida stood frozen and ghostly white. She took her hands and guided her to the closest seat.
“I… I… I’m not sure. A feeling, like doom is waiting for me outside those doors.” 

“Take a deep breath and we’ll wait for the crowd to leave. We haven’t eaten yet, let’s grab a bite.”  The pair headed for the door behind the diminishing crowd and turned down the concourse toward the escalator and restaurant below.

Eilida knew food wasn’t the problem. The fear that swept over her was the same as her fright filled dreams where the bald man with eyes black as a moonless, starless night chased her. In his hand a knife, drops of blood trickling from its blade. “This feeling is like in my night terrors.”

“You’re awake and we’re safe.”

Eilida remembered the flash of light reflecting from the man’s scalp - the same flash that identified him in her dreams as the moonlight danced across his barren head. Feeling dizzy again, she dropped down in a chair across from the vendor room and concentrated on where she was, looking intently at the different booths beyond to ground herself back in the present.  Her gaze fell upon the crystal table and it was as if a bolt of lightning struck. She got up and headed for it with purpose, Sage right behind her.
“Where are you going?” her friend asked.

“The crystal table. I have a feeling he might have something to help me.”

They waited for what seemed forever before the man behind the table made his way over to her.

He greeted them with a kind smile. “Good afternoon, ladies. I’m Mike.  Can I help you find something specific today?” He was older, probably fiftyish, medium build with a full head of hair that was probably blond at one time but now mostly grey.

“Oh, yes, I hope you can!” Eilida spilled out. “Which ones are good for protection?”

His expression went from friendly to concern, as if perceiving her desperation. “Are you in some sort of danger?” he asked.
“I don’t know. I feel as if I am. I keep having these awful nightmares and feel as if they’re some sort of message.”
The man frowned, his gaze drawn to the zircon ring she’d bought at the last conference. “Do you realize that your ring may be drawing whatever you fear to you?”

“What?  How could that be?” she asked, taken aback.

“A tetragonal structure is considered an Attractor. If you want to keep something or someone away, you need something that has an entirely different crystalline structure.  One that’s monoclinic and serves as a Guardian or a Barrier that’s triclinic.  That zircon is tetragonal, entirely different.”

Horrified, she slipped it off her finger and handed it to Sage. “Here, you always liked it. You can have it!”

Sage stepped back, shaking her head. “Not if it’s bad luck!”

“Not necessarily,” Mike explained. “It’s great for bringing something you want into your life such as a new relationship but not so good if you’re looking for protection.”

Sage smiled. “Cool! Then I’ll take it!”

“So what do I need?” Eilida prodded.

“It depends on what you want protection from. Guardian talismans help protect something of value while Barrier talismans keep away undesirable situations. Perhaps you could use a Guardian to keep you safe and a Barrier to keep you away from danger, or perhaps it away from you.”

“Yes! That sounds like exactly what I need. What do you have?”

“I should have just the thing,” he said and turned toward a cabinet at the back of the booth where he searched through a couple drawers before returning with a pendant set in silver which featured a round, dark green, iridescent stone about an inch in diameter, accented by four smaller stones of a similar color but lacking the rainbow effects.

“The center stone is moonstone, an excellent Guardian, and the smaller stones are kyanite, a traditional Barrier,” he explained, handing it to her.

She intuitively closed her fingers around it and held it to her heart, eyes closed, sensing its energy. Her heart rate slowed as a sense of peace settled around her. She expelled her breath in a sigh and opened her eyes.

“Oh, yes, this is wonderful. I must have it. How much?”
The price was a bit outside her budget but she pulled out her credit card, knowing she would have paid a lot more.

Behind her, a man cleared his throat indicating her turn was up. She twisted sideways to give him the evil eye. He glared back under eyebrows resembling squirrels’ tails.

The following day, Eilida and Sage waited in line nearly forty-five minutes so Eilida could get her natal chart and reading from Patrice Renard. A mass of dragonflies flew through her stomach as her turn approached.

A short lady with a bob strolled out of Ms. Renard’s room. Eilida looked at Sage, smiles plastered across their faces. “Our turn!” voiced a giddy Sage.

Eilida took Sage’s hand and they marched into the room like two schoolgirls. No crystal balls or tarot cards, instead a full figured Patrice, her fiery hair curled just above her shoulders. But they weren’t there to see a gypsy and have their palms read.

“Ms. Renard. It’s so wonderful to meet you. I follow your stuff.” As the words dropped from her mouth she felt stupid. Follow, she’s going to think I’m a stalker.

Eilida and Sage talked with Patrice a few minutes. Her round figure reminded Eilida of her mother, warm red hair and confidence further eased Eilida’s nervous stomach. Once she had their dates, times and places of birth, she typed everything in and the computer generated their charts. Eilida’s flew off the printer first. Ms. Renard looked from it to Eilida then slid it to the side as she studied Sage’s. She laid it in front of them and explained the position of the planets and their meanings. Sage’s horoscope was filled with happiness, longevity, and success.

When it came time for Eilida’s, she laid the natal chart on the table facing Eilida and sucked in her breath. Eilida’s eyes went directly to the blue triangle in the center.

“We call this blue triangle a yod or the finger of god.”

“What does it mean?”

“A fated life, but let’s get through all of it before you decide what that means. This blue line ties Pluto in the 3rd house to the Sun in the eighth house. This implies that you crave powerful experiences and are attracted to the unfathomable. You commonly hide your interests, except from your closest friends and family. Uranus and Neptune in the fourth house indicate your home life, growing up may have been unstable in some way. You may be searching for an ideal home. The darkness in your eyes reveals the truth in these words.”

“I love my family but I’ve always felt like an outsider except with my grandmother, umm… until she passed. Sage feels more like family than my parents sometimes.”

Patrice’s bubbling personality spilled over. “At your age, most of us feel that way.”

Eilida’s anxiety eased again as Patrice continued.

“Mercury in Taurus and in the 8th house show you tend to be very methodical and have an interest in investigating the supernatural.” 
Eilida’s lips curled into a smile. Her interest in Astrology centered on her interest in the “otherworldly.”
“Pluto in Scorpio, the twelve year group you’re both part of, loves mystery and the macabre."

Both girls chuckled, they lived off zombie and suspense flicks.
Patrice smiled, then her face grew stoic. “There is something in your past, maybe a natural disaster that changed the course of your life. It might be related in some way to the death of your grandmother.”

Zombie-like, Eilida lifted her chart from the table and stood to leave. The dragonflies morphed into dragons breathing fire into her innards, aching to get free. As Eilida exited the door the chatter and noise in the convention center quieted as her mind focused on something in your past. What could possibly be in her past? Her parents were the most “normal” people she’d ever met and she had a picture perfect childhood, no siblings, everything she needed and most of what she wanted. Her parents and grandmother spoiled her. Yet a feeling she didn’t quite belong always lingered in the back of her mind, followed by a sinking feeling of dread in her belly.
She turned and took a step back into the room, asking another question. “Is all the bad stuff in my past? Does my future look better?”

“Here’s my card, feel free to call.” Eilida noted her solemn expression. 


Eilida lay in bed tossing and turning all night. Her mind a flutter of curiosity and fear, replaying Patrice’s words over and over, ‘a fated life… there is something in your past’. Her fascination of mystery drove her imagination. The man in her nightmares flashed in static against her fleshy brain. Light glittered from her pile of clothes on the floor. Her pendant! She reached down and clutched the pendant, cradling it in her hand. Peace bathed her body and she fell into a restful sleep.

No More Black Magic By A.L. Kessler

About the Author:

A.L. Kessler is a paranormal romance, urban fantasy and steampunk author residing in Colorado Springs. Since she was a teenager she's loved weaving stories and spinning tales. When she's not at the beck-and-call of the Lord and Lady of the House, two black cats by the names of Jynx and Sophie, training a playful

puppy named Zelda, playing with her daughter, or killing creepers and mining all the things with her husband, she's either reading, participating in NaNoWriMo, or writing in her Blog Writing Rambles.

Blurb:
Explosions, body parts, and black magic are all part of Abby Collins’ typical day. As the top Paranormal Investigation Bureau agent, she only gets the best cases, but when the Cult of Ra comes to play she might in be over her head. Finding a murderer while up against a hex, an overprotective coven, and a stubborn werewolf reminds her that nothing in the paranormal world is easy. As the death toll rises and a decades old crime, linked to Abby, is uncovered, disturbing information is brought to light. Abby must unlock an ancient language steeped in black magic to uncover the truth before the murderer comes for her.

Character Interview (thank you to my Beta team who helped with questions):

Q. Do you have a nickname?

Abby. Depends on who I’m talking to. Sometimes it’s Abby other times it’s Agent A.

Q. Do you have any siblings?

Abby. Nope, only child here. I don’t know what Levi would have done if he had to adopt two children. I’m pretty sure one was enough for him.

Q. What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?

Abby. I brought a date home with all intentions of sex, I was a grown adult, and I was living in the guest house. Apparently, Levi did not appreciate it and decided then was going to be the best time to tell me about my new assignment. Needless to say my long term relationship ended then. That was also about the time I decided I needed to move.

Q. Did you date in high school?

Abby. A little bit, but a lot of people were scared of me. They knew I was a witch and that my guardian was one of the most powerful vampires in the area. That tends to make dating rough.

Q. Why won’t you date Simon?

Abby. People I love and get attached to die way too often for me to consider dating him. Even if that’s what Levi wants I can’t date Simon, not right now.

Q. What’s the one place you always feel at home?

Abby. My chamber, Levi had it constructed especially for me. I can let my magic go and practice there. Most of the time people leave me alone while I’m in there and the whole room just brings peace to me.

Q. What are you most afraid of?

Abby. Becoming a psychopath. You laugh, but there are rumors that people in my family have gone insane with the amount of power they hold. I’ve also seen it happen, I’ve track down serial killers who have lost control of their magic and their mind. I’m not okay with becoming that and it scares the living shit out of me.

Q. What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?

Abby. I’ve killed someone…okay a few people, always in self-defense and always as a last resort, but the guilt still eats at me.

Q. Would you ever consider getting a familiar?

Abby. Normally a familiar chooses you, they offer you companionship and you accept. The closest I’ve gotten is considering getting a cat, but mostly so I have something to come home to. If the right creature comes a long and chooses me, then I’d be okay with adopting a familiar.

Q. How do you think your life would be different if your parents hadn’t died?

Abby. I think I would have grown up with more control over my magic than I have now. So many things in the past wouldn’t have been hidden from me. I might have been a linguist like my father or maybe a healer like my mother, not a Paranormal Investigation agent. It’s hard to say what else would have changed and who would or would not be in my life at this point.

Q. Did you ever have a crush on Levi growing up?

Abby. No, not really. Since he took me in when I was for I’ve only seen him as a parent figure and he’s always made sure he stayed as such. Nothing weird going on here, despite what the supernatural tabloids say!

My Review:

No More Black Magic is a thrill ride. Abby is a witch who works for the Paranormal Investigative Bureau. They find an arm at a crime scene and then the barn blows up eliminating all other evidence. Other crime scenes and body parts start popping up.Whilst investigating other small twists in the plot put Abby in danger.

The action, suspense, and rich characters kept me hinged on each word. The story starts with a mystery that grows thicker each page, littered with plot twists and red herrings in a fictional yet believable setting. I fell in love with Kessler’s work since I first read In the Light of the Moon. She has a magic (pun intended) touch with action, descriptions and character building. She has an ability to build a riveting tenseness between characters and scenes.  Her books have a paranormal edge that makes them more intense.

A book both paranormal and mystery fans will love!

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