Tag: vampires

Vampire Verisimilitude: “What Are We Called?”

FromTheDeskOfJanissSignatureYes, Timothy suggested the title. Could you tell? It was that or “Immortal Answers to Implausible Questions.”

In the real world (referring to everyone outside the main gates) people ask how one another are just to be polite. No one expects an honest answer, and if they get one, they usually hope it will be over before it gets too uncomfortable. But around here? We’re family, all of us, and we really want to know how our family members are doing.

140 character answers on Direct Messages aren’t cutting it.

Since we’re behind an electronic firewall here at Cedarcrest Sanctum, I can provide longer answers more securely without all the clever wordplay. We can even archive them so you can search them later.

Good? Good.

So, my first official question: “Do you prefer being called a vampire, an immortal, or something else? I wouldn’t imagine your kind enjoy being called bloodsuckers or monsters, right?” Thank you, Vivian! Quick answer: I prefer to be called Janiss, although a few of our staff members and residents seem to like “ma’am” and “Miss Janiss.” Am I really a Miss?

Long answer: “vampire” works best for me; the jury is still out on if we should call ourselves “a kind.” Immortal sounds a little stuck up, you know? It’s right up there with demigod, Zeus, Poseidon, king of the world, the Pope, or worse. That said, both Cedarcrest and myself now have relationships with other vampires, so maybe it’s time to reach out and see what they think.

Keep each other safe.

~ Janiss

@JanissConnelly on Twitter

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Never tell; it’s better this way.

It’s okay. We understand. Please remain calm.

You’ve reached your destination but can’t seem to remember all the turns you took before you arrived. Perhaps you’ve misplaced your car in a familiar parking lot – just after nightfall. Have you ever forgotten why you came into a room?

Finding money in an old coat or purse is always seems like a good thing, even without any recollection of putting it there. Maybe you’ve noticed a mysterious wound healing on your arm or shoulder – or perhaps found a spot of blood on your clothes. Have you?

There is a chance that – even if it’s only the smallest possibility – you have recently crossed paths with a VAMPIRE.

Hilarious, right? You’ve been assured there’s no such thing.

Even if there was, would it really matter to you? A creature that takes only that which is required out of desperation, leaving no unpleasant memory and perhaps granting some small boon in return. An extra twenty in your pocket for a moment’s confusion? Honestly, now – nothing has been stolen that you’ll miss or can’t get back in a day or two; mortals are blessed like that.

You should also keep such ideas to yourself. You never know who you might be talking to.

Perhaps the encounter was by chance, an immortal just passing through your neighborhood. Then again, maybe it’s someone you know, even a person who watches over you. It could even be someone new in your life…or an individual that you feel you’ve known forever.

Don’t try to guess who they are. Don’t watch to see if they slip up. Don’t confront them if you think you know.

If they feel threatened, you still won’t remember anything…or ever again.

Trust us. It’s better this way. Life will continue.

You want that, right?

NEVER TELL.

If this isn’t warning enough, learn more before it’s too late.

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Book III Out Soon, But Second…

Spread the word.

Please copy and share this anywhere you’d like; we here at Cedarcrest Sanctum appreciate your continued support.

The Matriarch: Changeling is slated to drop by the end of June 2015 on Amazon.com in both print and eBook. If you haven’t reviewed it on Amazon and enjoyed it, any kind words are welcome.

The answers are coming…along with a whole batch of new questions.

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Book III Out Soon, But First…

Spread the word.

Please copy and share this anywhere you’d like; we here at Cedarcrest Sanctum appreciate your continued support.

The Matriarch: Changeling is slated to drop by the end of June 2015 on Amazon.com in both print and eBook. If you haven’t reviewed it on Amazon and enjoyed it, any kind words are welcome.

The answers are coming…along with a whole batch of new questions.

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Join Janiss on Twitter

To all residents and staff:

Hi! It’s just Janiss, your friendly facility executive administrator (say that three times fast). I guess I could shorten that to FFEA. Anyway…

JanissAvatarTwitterHandleOn occasion, many of you have cornered me (not an easy thing to do) in the private wing to or from the blood lab, quizzing me about my “lifestyle.” Believe me when I tell you: I have less experience with being an immortal than a lot of college graduates have working fast food. Still, I get that you’re curious, so here’s what were going to do!

At Timothy’s request, I have created a Twitter account @janissconnelly for you to ask questions. Yes, this is also an effort to get all of YOU using social media (all except dear sweet Vivian, our resident social network queen). I talk about stargazing, hard rock music (feel free to ignore those), and paranormal romance books (yes, I freely admit to this).

If you have a specific question about how I get along as a vampire, follow me and I’ll follow back so you can send a DIRECT message. I have ONE request: let’s try to keep the vampire talk related to ME off the internet? Yes, even if no one believes it.

See you all online!

Janiss Connelly
Executive Administrator
Cedarcrest Sanctum

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The Matriarch: Changeling

As the third book enters the final phase before publication, the official title has been revealed:

The Matriarch: Changeling

A Facebook event will be take place on Friday, February 13th, 2015 along with a contest to win one of three signed softcover copies of the new book upon publication.

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Join us there for a bit of fun, a few excerpts and trivia about the series!
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Playing With Imagery

Kevin here, author of The Matriarch series.

You might have noticed the “fang moon” on the cover of the original novel; this effect was hinted at as a dent on the cover of The Matriarch: Guardians (the cover is supposed to resemble a certain metal plate covering a grave).

As we speak, I am working on the final two covers for the series. Each of them will feature another variation of the fang moon, but this necklace turned out particularly well (and has inspired a friend to actually make one). Let’s see how good of a jewelry designer I am!

Here’s a preview; enjoy!

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Crowd Control

To: Janiss Connelly
Re: “Crowd Control”

These are the craftsmen I mentioned to you last month. They have begun discreet work on the items we requested and sent the following images showcasing their progress. I am not an expert, but these look very capable. Once we’ve seen and tested the finished product, we can determine how many we’ll need.

~ Timothy Harker
Operations Administrator
Cedarcrest Sanctum

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The Matriarch: Guardians is now available!

Kevin here, just to let everyone know:

The sequel to The Matriarch has been published! The Matriarch: Guardians now available in Amazon Kindle and paperback!

“… BETTER than the original! The reader can tell that Kevin Ranson really grew as an artist between books…Vampire lovers have found their next favorite vamp series!”

https://cedarcrestsanctum.com/the-matriarch-guardians/

If you like it or enjoyed The Matriarch, please tell a fellow reader or give a copy as a gift.

Enjoy!

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Social Media Links (to all residents and staff)

To all residents and staffers,

It has come to my attention that not everyone has been checking the website on a regular basis. I understand that we ask a lot of you and that you are very busy, but it is imperative that regular communication is maintained and that all updates are received.

In an effort to foster better and more timely contact, the decision has been made to utilize existing social media on both Facebook and Twitter. If you have personal accounts with these networks, please add these to receive vital information. In addition, please share these links with all residents and staffers that you may be in contact with to ensure maximum participation.

Matriarch Facebook PageCedarcrest Sanctum on Facebook
Matriarch Twitter PageCedarcrest Sanctum on Twitter

Oh, and Happy Mother’s Day to whom it applies.

~ Timothy Harker
Operations Administrator
Cedarcrest Sanctum

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