New Release

Krampus

December 5, 2021 By Tina Glasneck

It’s December 5th, and that means… Krampus is coming to town!!!!

Over the years, I’ve seen his popularity grow. But I thought a bit of an introductory post might be helpful in letting you know who this figure from lore and legend is…

Who is Krampus?

Krampus is the half-goat, half-demon, bad Santa, dates back to pagan times. He has sharp teeth, a long tongue, large claws, is tall, hairy like a goat and with cloven hooves, has a long tail, sometimes can be seen with chains, and carries a sack and switches. He is said to appear to take away those who have made the naughty list.

Yep, that sack isn’t for toys but to stuff the bad boys and girls (and adults) into it.

This holiday figure has gained attention over the years, even with some Christmas horror movies, like the movie named after him, called Krampus, A Christmas Horror Story, Krampus: The Reckoning, Krampus: The Christmas Devil, and more (as listed on IMDB)

Yep, he even has a song “Karol of the Bells”.

As Krampus becomes more popular in pop culture, we see more with the Krampuslauf (The Krampus Run).

In Southern Germany, Austria, and even here in the States, many places participate in Krampus Night by dressing up, watching the Bad Santa parade, and even enjoying this anxious-filled yuletide. Yep, it’s sort of like if Halloween and Christmas had a terrifying and shaggy baby with horns that walked around with large cowbells, a sack, and switches.

He has pagan origins. Some mention that Krampus was once a fertility god, and could be associated with Pan—at least physically and that he was part of the winter solstice rituals. Legend even proclaims him to be the son of Lady Hel, from Norse mythology.

Why is Krampus associated with St. Nicholas?

In Germany, December 6th is known as St. Nicholas Day, when St. Nicholas will place sweets into the shoes of good girls and boys. But on the night before, St. Nicholas (St. Nick) goes from house to house with Krampus (who also is wearing chains). You see, St. Nicholas was a known exorcist. This would then make Krampus the one who is doing St. Nicholas’s bidding – totally changes the idea of Santa Clause.

I’m happy to share my love of lore and legend, and since Krampus plays a major part in A Half-Cocked Vampire: A Vampire Urban Fantasy, I invite you to continue to dive into this holiday tale, now knowing about the magic of Krampus, too!

Why Fairy Tales?

August 13, 2020 By Tina Glasneck

Looking back, the one constant narrative in my life started with those magical words, “Once upon a time.” Fairy tales have a special place in my heart, not only because it is through those fascinating tales that I started writing fantasy, but they also have an important place in my life.

It was not the desire to be a princess, but to be a part of something grand, a world filled with possibilities and magic.

Growing up, castles were not a part of my ordinary landscape. My earliest memories are of my riding to head start and passing by what I now know to have been an insane asylum. In my mind, it reminded me of the glorious structures of a long-forgotten era, that of the castle.

Every morning, I’d look over at my mother and delightfully scream, “There’s my castle.”

My memories are usually quite foggy, but not this one. This one is rich and vibrant, whereby even the joy of then seeps into my fingertips as I remember that flicker of a moment.

This love of castles led me to Europe, to the land of castles, and of course, to Germany, and the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale Highway.

But that road of fairy tales took on an unexpected twist.

In 2017, I was invited to participate in a limited-edition time-travel romance box set. The fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast ( my favorite), beckoned me like a beacon. I couldn’t resist, but I also wanted a twist and a way to tie it into my worldbuilding.

The character that came to mind could only then be Lady Hel. It was supposed to be only a blimp in the pan, but Lady Hel had other plans.

Ever since then, I’ve made sure to infuse fairy tale retellings into my world, for to me, they are as much as home as that of the usual legends and mythos, which continue to inspire me. Maybe Snow White is the first vampire, perhaps the Witch from Hansel and Gretel is genuinely the heroine of the story, and maybe Red has other motives for her dealings with the wolf.

Fairy tales allow us to dance with darkness, and bask in the magic of fairies.

And the possibilities for what’s around the corner or who you might encounter is awe-inspiring.

Today, you can dive into a retelling inspired by the Evil Queen with Curse of the Fallen Fairy by Angela Sanders and Tina Glasneck, exclusively available in the Once Upon A Fairy Tale Night box set. ????? ?????????? ????’? ???????? ?? ???? ?? ????… Who doesn’t love a fairytale retelling with a twist? https://books2read.com/OnceUponaFairyTaleNight

PS: Here is a list of stories based on fairy tales, that you can find under Books,

Charming Like A Wolf
Hellish
7 Twisted Fairy Tales
The Prince and the Raven
Curse of the Fallen Fairy

Twice As High #1 New Release

December 5, 2019 By Tina Glasneck

I am so excited to share that currently, Amazon has gifted Twice as High with a highly coveted orange tag. It is a #1 New Release!

Reviews are coming in, and readers seem to agree that they can’t get enough of Leslie and Gran!

“I have to say I love Leslie she is amazing and Gram well she cracks me up. Tina Glasneck writes amazing character’s and all of her stories are highly entertaining.” Elisa, Reviewer

““Twice as High” is a very entertaining and addictive tale; with fated mates, that may or may not be together, a ghost, a mystery to solve while supernatural forces are trying to kill you, it has the best of everything! Tina has created an original tale that is well-written with exciting well-developed and authentic characters. ” – Chef R., Reviewer

Here is the blurb:

A magical thief has stolen Poseidon’s trident. Poseidon has placed a bounty out on Leslie’s head, the vampire seer he holds responsible.

Leslie must join forces with her enemy to fight against the vampire horde after her.

It’s either kill or be killed.

And this time, the dead won’t rise.

The journey continues and I can’t wait to see what happens next! This book is widely available.

When dreams become reality: #1 Bestselling Author

August 19, 2019 By Tina Glasneck

Celebrating a huge Indie Author milestone!

Sometimes it takes having a bit faith to see what others might not see. I almost gave up on Leslie and I am sooo happy that I didn’t!!!

Once Bitten is a #1 New Release!!!!!

Additionally, Once Bitten received its orange tags in Canada and Australia. We’ve been #1 in 3 countries.

I can’t tell you how much all of the support means, and I love that you all are loving Leslie’s story as much as I do.

For this book, I had a different marketing plan, one I’d never tried. I also worked with getting my newsletter excited about the new release. Combining that of get early reviews, stacking ads, newsletter swaps, bookbub and facebook ads, this release has taken off (and been the best solo release I’ve ever had).

Combing all of my ads, I was able reach #1 in the American, Canadian and Australian markets.

As I write this, Once Bitten continues to be a #1 New Release on Amazon in its category, and continues to sell strongly in its markets. With this success, it has also caused me to pivot, to create the preorder for book 2, Twice as High, in the series, as well as to continue to use all of my marketing skills to keep my ads going, my newsletter growing and my readers engaged.

Moreover, I made sure to connect this book to my overall fantasy world, so that readers can continue the fun with these great characters, as well.

You, too, can grab your copy if you haven’t already, and read Once Bitten!