When I took the test to see what manner of beast from Tara Tyler’s Beast World series I was most like, the answer was — Merfolk! I think it would be so much fun to be a mermaid and swim the seven seas. So today, Tara is here to tell us all about those mysterious underwater dwellers. Take it away, Tara!
Merfolk!
There are so many legends about mermaids. Wouldn’t it be cool if they were real? My favorite mermaid movie is Splash! Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah, adorable and so much fun! Splash! is followed closely by Disney’s The Little Mermaid, the animated movie that sparked a comeback – and it has an excellent soundtrack!
More recently, I like the revelation and true twist of how mermaids are depicted in Harry Potter and even in Pirates of the Caribbean 4 – beautiful but deadly!
My merfolk are not monsters. They’re a combination of all the stories I’ve read and images I’ve seen from my youth on up, plus my own added special qualities. As with all my beasts, merfolk are the result of human experimentation and mutation. They have human upper bodies and ichthyoid (fishy) lower extremities that shift to legs out of water. Their tears have healing properties and part of their mutation instilled longer lifespans.
Rove, Gabe’s best friend, is a werewolf, but his mother is a mermaid, so he has turquoise eyes instead of brown, plus webbed feet. The sweet story of how Rove’s parents met is in Broken Branch Falls.
Wouldn’t it be cool to live in a world with fantastical beasts? The next best thing is to read about them! In Beast World, each species has shared qualities, but there are those who stand out. Complications in dealing with differences among their own species, plus all the differences between beasts, makes a great story!
What’s your favorite beast?
Thanks for having me, Lori! I love talking about the beasts!
by Tara Tyler
Tara Tyler has had a hand in everything from waitressing to rocket engineering. After moving all over, she now writes and teaches math in Ohio with her three active boys and Coach Husband. Currently she has two series, Pop Travel (techno-thriller detective capers) and Broken Branch Falls (fantasy adventures). To squeeze in writing, she economizes her time aka the Lazy Housewife. Make every day an adventure!
Talk to me!
Author Blog ~~ @taratylertalks ~~ Facebook ~~ Housewives Blog
I’m also giving away signed copies of Broken Branch Falls and Cradle Rock, some Beast World swag, and a $20 GC!
image credits: Splash!, The Little Mermaid, HP Mermaid, POTC Mermaid
© Lori L. MacLaughlin and Writing, Reading, and the Pursuit of Dreams, 2016. All rights reserved.
Congratulations, Tara!
I have to admit, Daryl Hannah was one hot mermaid.
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I took the test! I forget what I was now, but I was short and it fit perfectly.
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Mermaids are lovely creatures to contemplate, but right now I’m heavy into dragons of the Chinese sort. They’re my creatures of the moment. Here’s to a great launch for Tara!
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Congrats Tara. Hi Lori. My daddy always told me I was part mermaid because I swam like fish from about the age of 3 and he did not swim and I scared him. Always had an affinity with than ever since.
Juneta @ Writer’s Gambit
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There is nothing like taking a vacation in a book–animals and all. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
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thanks for the comments and congrats you guys! had fun writing about one of my favorite fantasy creatures =)
and Lori, thanks again for having me over!
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I didn’t know that mermaid’s tears were supposed to have healing properties.Cool!
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Have a Healthy & Happy New Year!
Marilyn @ Onbecomingawriter.com
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I love the depth and interesting characteristics of each of your characters, Tara! Bravo!
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Interesting idea that the fantasy creatures exist due to human experimentation. All the best, Tara!
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Congratulations on your book and a great interview, Tara and Lori. It’s fun to learn more about fantasy creatures.
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I love the idea of living with wild and wonderful creatures. I guess that’s why I read and write. I can do that anytime I open a book or start typing words. Congrats to Tara! Thanks, Lori.
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I’m loving the Mermaids. Reminds me of the Little Mermaid Musical I went to a few years back. If you like Mermaids, you may like my P is for Plays.
http://theglobaldig.blogspot.com/2017/04/p-is-for-plays-atozchallenge-via.html
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