The Simurgh

[Image of decoration outside of Nadir Divan-Beghi madrasah, Bukhara; courtesy Wikipedia]



In "Magical Gains" the Simurgh is mentioned in passing, and recently I discovered that a fellow EP author has actually written a book about one (see link below).

 As anyone who reads my blog can attest, I love random and unusual mythological/magical creatures - and the Simurgh, quite simply is a ripper!

Simurgh (Persian: سیمرغ), also spelled simorgh, simurg, simoorg or simourv, also known as Angha (Persian: عنقا), is the modern Persian name for a benevolent, mythical flying creature. The figure can be found in all periods of Greater Iranian art and literature, and is evident also in the historical places of medieval Azerbaijan,[1] the Byzantine empire,[2] and other regions that were within the sphere of Persian cultural influence. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simurgh]

The Simurgh is generally described as a winged creature, with the head of a dog and the body of a peacock, with the claws of a lion. Like the Griffin (with whom it shares some similarities), it is incredibly strong and able to carry the weight of an elephant or whale.
It also had an intense dislike of snakes, and is very old. Iranian legend suggests that the bird is so old it has seen the world's destruction three times. Being so ancient it is supposedly incredibly wise, having gathered so much knowledge during its lifetime. The Simurgh does not like to see suffering and will aid those in strife. There are several legends regaling the incredible selflessness and benevolence of the Simurgh.

What would a Simurgh think of today's world I wonder? In "Magical Gains" the Simurgh sits in the bustle of the Kuching Free Zone, and shares a glance with the hero Imran, then disappears. Such a good magical creature is unusual to find in the mists of mythology, and I'm certainly glad I came across it! I hope I can find more books with one in them. For now however, I'm going busy myself and order Marva Dasef's "Quest for the Simurgh" and have a read :)  Buy it on Amazon.

Australian Mythology

I am an Australian author of paranormal romance, and I several of my stories are based (at least partially) in Western Australia - and I have been asked why I don't use Australian mythological creatures in my writing. After all, I've delved into Greek and Middle eastern mythological creatures (Genie, Harpy, Siren, Manticore), American mythology (Chupacabra), Malaysian mythology (Bomoh and Pelesit), Indian mythology (Naga), Japanese Mythology (Baku) and Eastern European mythology (Baba Jaga), so why not Australian?

At University I studied Aboriginal Pre-history and Aboriginal Anthropology, so I'm faily well versed in some of the wonderful myths and legends out there. So why don't I apply this knowledge? Well, Australian mythology is fraught with cultural sensitivity. Who can use Aboriginal myths and cultural knowledge, and how they use it is an area filled with controversy. I would love to use an Aboriginal mythological creature in my writing, however, this would require getting permission to use the cultural knowledge - which in itself shouldn't be a problem, but then how that cultural knowledge is applied sensitively and without offence to any party, would be difficult - particularly in something like a paranormal romance!

Anyway, if you're interested in reading about some of the acceptable protocols and policies, there's an interesting link below, which refers to the Noongar Culture (South-West West Australian Aboriginal People).

http://www.noongarculture.org.au/protocols-and-policies.aspx

This next link is shows some of the turmoil an 'inappropriately' used piece of cultural knowledge can have; http://m.smh.com.au/nsw/gallery-loses-fight-to-keep-controversial-spirit-statue-20110623-1ghme.html

"Mimosa Black" - Cover art!

I am so excited! My wonderful cover artist Dawne` Dominique has surpassed expectations again!

Here's the fabulous cover to "Mimosa Black" a novella coming 7th December 2011.

"When Nature rules your head, can you follow your heart?"

"Mimosa Black" - Eternal Press - December 2011

Boo yeah!



What's up...

So a tentative release date for my new novella "Mimosa Black" is

  7th December 2011



I've been over chatting with Kylie Griffin, if you'd like to check out my interview here's the link; 

http://kyliegriffinromance.blogspot.com/2011/06/whos-that-girl-interview-with-nicola.html

Also, as promised, here are the next two Metior issues. In issue two, I'm discuss the "Rise of the E-book", and in issue 3 "Battle axes and Bodice rippers", creating an engaging heroine.

http://www.the-guild.com.au/downloads/metior/283-metior-2011-issue-2

http://www.the-guild.com.au/downloads/metior/284-metior-2011-issue-3

 Additionally, I'd like to thank all you wonderful West Aussie authors have helped me with your comments on the up coming July issue. Which will be "Writing the west"

"Mimosa Black" - come on all ye Harpies!

I am absolutely delighted to announce that my novella "Mimosa Black" has been sold to Eternal Press!
There's no release date set yet.

In a world where magical creatures are as rare as a spotty teen at a supermarket checkout, being one quarter Harpy shouldn’t be a problem.
Unfortunately for Mimosa Black – this is not the case. Combining her failed marriage, inability to fly, and unrequited crush on her childhood friend, Bo Elliot – Mimosa’s existence is less than idyllic.

Things however, are rarely as they seem. Bo has a secret and when Mimosa becomes involved with another man, his secret is revealed.  Yet in their darkest moments, where bad magic lurks, love is never far away and Mimosa and Bo do have a chance at happiness, if they're selfless enough to find it...

"Mimosa Black" - Eternal Press - Coming Soon...