Heights terrify Ava. When a stranger saves her from plunging down a mountain, he diverts her fears with tales of Japanese kitsune—shapeshifting foxes—and she begins a journey into the supernatural.
She’s attracted to Chase, both physically and metaphysically, yet primal instincts urge caution when shadows suggest more than meets the eye.
She’s torn between Chase and Rafe, her ex, when a chance reunion reignites their passion, but she struggles to overcome two years of bitter resentment. Did Rafe jilt her, or were they pawns of a larger conspiracy? Are the ancient legends true of kitsunes twisting time and events?
Author of the Trans-Pecos and Sacred Emblem series, Karen is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, wife, and all-around pilgrim of life, who writes multicultural, offbeat love stories. Born to rolling-stone parents w moved often, Bartell found her earliest playmates as fictional friends in books.
Paperbacks became her portable pals. Ghost stories kept her up at night—reading feverishly. The paranormal was her passion. Novels offered an imaginative escape. An only child, she began writing her first novel at the age of nine, learning the joy of creating her own happy endings. Professor emeritus of the University of Texas at Austin, Karen resides in the Texas Piney Woods with her husband Peter and her “mews”—three rescued cats and a rescued *Cat*ahoula Leopard dog.
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What do you want to be when you grow up?
Ah, the operative word is WHEN. Since I didn’t grow
up when I was eighteen, or twenty-one, or thirty, or
forty…what do I want to be when I grow up?
I do want to write, so with any luck, I’ll always be an author,
but I don’t believe I’ll ever be a finished product.
At least, I hope not. I want to continue evolving as a
person, growing, and learning throughout life. But I’m
addicted to travel, and if life leads me in other
directions, I want to be open to the journeys.
Tell us about Fox Tale, your most recent release
(something that's not in the blurb).
To research Fox Tale, I flew to Tokyo and Kyoto,
Japan, and when traveling, one of my favorite
activities is talking with locals. (Luckily, many
Japanese speak English!) I wanted to know what
they thought, what they believed.
Specifically, I wanted to know if they (or their
grandmothers, friends, or neighbors) believed
in the existence of shapeshifters known as kitsunes.
The following excerpt encapsulates their responses:
“The belief in kitsunes began in simpler times
when most people were farmers, who lived close
to nature.”
“And now?” I glanced at his face, his eyes lustrous
in the dim light.
“Most Japanese live in concrete canyons, and
rational university educations replace superstition.
Still, fox stories persist through theater, festivals,
language, and literature…”
“Despite a waning belief?” I leaned closer.
“Even today, some believe in fox possession.”
I pulled back my head. “Is that what it sounds like
demonic possession?”
“Not necessarily. Kitsune possession can take three
forms.” One by one, he raised his fingers,
counting off the ways. “Possession of an individual,
a family, or a medium.” “A medium what?”
I frowned.
“A channeler or psychic, someone who invites the
kitsune to inhabit her body and use her voice to
predict the future.” His sniff passing for a laugh,
he
leaned closer as if taking me into his confidence.
“Of course, the medium expects the kitsune to
vacate
her body afterwards, which is a leap of faith.
Once in
possession, the fox may stay.” His voice became
husky. “The kitsune is formidable.”
“You’d mentioned three forms of Kitsune possession.
What are the other two?”
“The kitsune can possess entire families.” His mouth
twisting, his grin was cynical. “Although some would
say the families possess him since the household’s
members make the fox spirit do their bidding, either
for their success or their enemies’ demise. A fox
spirit
often lives with its family for generations—as long
as
the members care for it.”
“I can understand the medium’s issue with the
kitsune not leaving, but if you believe in such
things,
this hereditary possession sounds like an ideal
arrangement.” Squinting, I hunched my shoulders.
“What’s the drawback?”
“Historically, people feared those families and
wouldn’t
socialize with them or marry into them. Even today,
their descendants have trouble finding spouses.”
“Are you serious?” I glanced up from the uneven path.
“Why?”
“Fox magic. The nogitsune were thought to steal from
neighbors, cause illness, or possess people against
their will.” His unwavering gaze captured my attention.
For several moments, I was spellbound. Then breaking
the connection, I peered at the paper lanterns
illuminating the tunnel. The lamps’ uncanny red glow
generated a shadowy, surreal landscape that
kindled my imagination. “How can you tell when
people are possessed?”
“They all share an addiction…”
“For what?” I swallowed the sudden lump in my
throat.
“Azuki beans, they crave azuki beans. They eat
and
eat but never get their fill.”
Recalling how he had labeled the beans his
favorite
dessert, I drew a ragged breath. “You mean,
people still believe in kitsunes?”
“Some do.”
“Okay…” Uneasy with the conversation’s turn,
I redirected it. “Then what’s the third form of
kitsune possession?”
“Individuals.”
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Ah, the operative word is WHEN. Since I didn’t
grow up when I was eighteen, or twenty-one,
or thirty,
or forty…what do I want to be when I grow up?
I do want to write, so with any luck, I’ll always be
an
author, but I don’t believe I’ll ever be a finished
product. At least, I hope not. I want to continue
evolving as a person, growing, and learning
throughout life. But I’m addicted to travel, and
if life leads me in other directions, I want to be
open to the journeys.
What is your favorite bedtime drink?
A mild wine spritzer can send me off to
dreamland.
Do you ever wish that you had an entirely uncreative
job, like data entry or working in a factory?
I’ve had entirely uncreative jobs, and I’ve learned
that, when mindless, undemanding, or repetitive tasks
allow your imagination to roam, that’s not necessarily
bad.
Sometimes called daydreaming, a creative mind finds
an outlet. Plots can be worked out. Characters can
be limned. Cryptic notes can be scribbled to prompt
your memory later when you can incorporate your thoughts into your story or novel.
The important thing is to exercise your imagination—
no matter what your job.
Thank you for hosting FOX TALE for us today!
ReplyDeleteI like the cover art. Looks great.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marcy!
DeleteThank you for hosting FOX TALE and me today!
ReplyDeleteThanks again for hosting FOX TALE and me today!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a great read.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sherry!
Delete