Hi, friends. I was thinking about creatures the other day. No big surprise there. My mind often wonders that way. I’m a wuss when it comes to haunted houses, ghosts, and most things supernatural (despite writing about them), but creatures are another story. Leave the demonic slant out and I’m a fan girl.
Looking back, it started with the old soap opera Dark Shadows. Yeah, I’m dating myself. Everyone knows Barnabas Collins, but I was thoroughly smitten with Quentin Collins. I was six years old and captivated by the idea of someone turning into a werewolf. The thought of the moon altering someone’s behavior held me enthralled. Small wonder, the first book I had published was a werewolf tale.

A creature I discovered in Rhode Island, late 1990s
A few years later, I saw Night of the Gargoyles, a movie that introduced me to flying creatures haunting the southwest. Around the same time, I watched a sci-fi movie with my parents. I have no idea what the name was, or what it was about. I just remember a huge insect like creature being emblazoned against the sky (still vivid in my head). Let it be known I detest 95% of insects, but this was a creature. An alien, most likely.
In my tweens and teens I discovered dragons, unicorns, and all manner of beasties from myth. That led to a love of reading and writing epic fantasy. In my thirties, I drifted away from fantasy into magical realism. The creatures became more subtle, sometimes wrapped in human guise. After that I fell in love with the bizarre. Stories of curiosities, creatures from cryptozoology, tales of visitors from other worlds.

With the Mothman statue in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, 2013
Do I believe this stuff? Well, that’s as much a mystery as the cryptids, isn’t it? Let’s just say I’m mostly a skeptic who loves the possibility of “what if.” Despite all the logic and rationality of the world, the detailed facts unearthed by science and technology, I never want to lose the wonder and magic of childhood when everything carried the gloss of “what if.”
Creatures aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. But for all the hairy-winged-scaled-hunched over-misunderstood creatures out there, I’m a fan girl. What about you? Have you got a favorite.
“There are more things in heaven and earth Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”
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Oh, so true! 🙂
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Love this post and the creatures you’ve come across. Your fascination with them shines through in your writing. I don’t have a favourite, but I do beleive more exists than we necessarily come across in our everyday lives. Thanks for sharing 🙂
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I agree that there are all manner of possibilities out there in the world and universe we live in. That’s a bit of the geek in me, LOL.
Glad you enjoyed the post, Harmony!
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I loved Dark Shadows, too! I don’t have a favorite cryptid, though I have published a short story about Big Foot and I do watch a lot of specials about that particular entity. Then again, I watch a lot of specials about weird things. Kindred spirits (like I even needed to say it). Great post, Mae. (And I love the pic of you with Mothman.)
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Definitely kindred spirits, Staci…in so many ways!
And seriously, how many people can share a love of the odd and bizarre, LOL.
So glad we have that in common!
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I’m probably more of a skeptic. For instance, despite the numerous people who have claimed to see a sasquatch, there has never been a single documented case of someone finding a body. But like you, I don’t want to lose the magic of childhood. And I do believe there are thing that happen which can’t be easily explained.
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Of course the people who believe in Bigfoot, also have an explanation for that….and all the blurry images, because not one of them is in focus 🙂
I’m probably a skeptic at heart, but I like to hang onto the magic of possibilities.They make for excellent discussions!
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A favorite? Too many good cryptids from which to choose! I think today I’ll go with a kraken. How scary to think there’s a creature that big out there!
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Krakens are VERY scary….sea creatures in general because they have the territorial advantage. I think I’d rather run into a Bigfoot on land than a Kraken at sea!
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I do enjoy exploring the possibilities of “what if”. Unicorns are a favorite and Gargoyles intrigue me. I love that they are guardians. And I definitely watch more than my fair share of vampire, witch, and werewolf tv shows. Which all started for me with Buffy the Vampire Slayer – the movie, then later the show. 😊
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Gargoyles and unicorns were always personal favorites of mine too, Tessa, along with dragons. At one time I had a large unicorn and dragon collection. I still have several unicorns–in fact, I’m looking at three as I type this.
I missed the whole Buffy era but have watched my share of vampire shows and movies…and werewolves, of course. 😉
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I too have always had a fascination with werewolves!
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Hi, Christian! Nice of you to drop by and comment. I’m a big fan of werewolves too, so I can relate! 🙂
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Can’t say I have a favorite, but I sure love reading about them. Mention creatures, ghosts, werewolves, or anything supernatural and you know I’ll show up for it. I also love that pic of you with Mothman!
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We have that love of odd things in common, Teri. And I can’t believe it’s already been 7 years since I stood beside the Mothman in Point Pleasant, LOL!
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I never want to lose the “what if” wonder of our universe. I really believe the fascination of it all enriches of lives. Another awesome post, Mae. Happy Weirdness Wednesday! 🙂
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I’m with you on that, Natalie. That sense of wonder is so important. Too often it fades away as we move into adulthood. I never want to let go of the magic! 🙂
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Last night I just read about a thing that smelled bad, was hard to describe by the victim as anything human or animal. The point that got me IT HAD WINGS. Yeeeoooowwwww. Forget its ability to inflict deep cuts IT HAD WINGS. Nothing like a winged creature all up in your face. This book is by a terrific writer, by the way. You may know her. Did I mention IT HAD WINGS?
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John, your comment cracked me up, especially “nothing like a winged creature all up in your face.” LOL!
I think I might know that writer, and the book, In fact, I even know that exact scene, Sounds like she enjoys using creatures, and maybe one with wings! 😀
You made my day. Thanks for the smile and the laugh!
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I’m glad you had a laugh, Mae.
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I might not believe in them, but I love the POSSIBILITY of them existing. It lets your imagination take off. And I loved the story you wove of how the Mothman came into being. I felt so sorry for the poor thing. You did a great job on him!
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Thanks, Judi. When I started my Point Pleasant series, I wasn’t entirely sure where I was headed with the Mothman. Carrying his story over three books allowed me to really focus on the creature’s development and background, touching a side I never expected. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. And also that you’re on board with the possibility of the strange things that inhabit folktales. I’m the same way!
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You have loved these creatures for a long time. I love an enduring passion like that. You remind me of me and my love of early man. I really enjoyed this post.
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Yes, I can see your passion for early man being much the same. I’m glad the post resonated with you, Jacqui!
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I like a good gargoyle every now and then, although I’m not a fantasy/sci-fi person. I tend to think dragons are cool, but that’s probably because my Chinese Zodiac fall under the dragon! 🙂
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Sue, I used to collect dragon figurines. I think I even still have a few tucked away. Dragons and gargoyles are both winged creatures. Could be something there, too, LOL!
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Interesting! I am more of a realist and associate “what if” with people around me. I like nice friendly creatures and scary ones give me nightmares. I’ve never seen werewolf movies, even Avatar seemed illogical to me. 🙂 and Star Wars encourages fights, even my 5 year old grandson loves imaginary fighting with those characters he has accumulated. When I ask him why do they keep fighting, he says because they like to!! I shudder at the influence of such movies and stories.
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Oh, I love a friendly creature….cats, dogs, birds, etc, but I am enamored of folktales and legends and most things of an unusual or curious nature. Maybe in those imaginary battles, your grandson has good triumph over evil.
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I loved Dark Shadows and the saturday night Creature Feature show. I still love all those B movies. I was sympathic to werewolves and still am. The “what-if” is what keeps me going!
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Another Dark Shadows fan. YAY! And I forgot about all those campy Creature feature shows. I was addicted to them, too. I fully see you as embracing the “what if” wonders of the world, Denise!
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Fun post, Mae. I don’t think I have a favorite, but even more than Tolkien, Anne McCaffrey’s dragons nailed down my preference for fantasy books. Hugs on dragon wings!
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Hi, Teagan! I remember the Dragon Riders of Pern from my late teens and early twenties. Magical books! Thanks for visiting and sharing!
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I always enjoy reading your thoughts about myths and monsters. I am more of a ghost fan as I like the idea of ghosts having a history. Creatures are much scarier, aren’t they?
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I don’t know. Robbie. I think ghosts are scarier. Maybe because I know they’ve passed, while a creature would be living. Isn’t weird how we view things? You’ve given me food for thought. I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
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That is interesting to me, Mae. Ghosts are more interesting to me because they have lived and passed. Creatures seem more physically violent, in my mind, while ghosts are a psychological tussle.
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I have to look up Dark Shadows now! I’m skeptical on supernatural looking creatures (like the Mothman) but believe in Sasquatch-weird, hey? lol
Not sure if I mentioned this before, but a scientist even went to court against our province for not recognizing and protecting Bigfoot and his habitat.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45414641
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Jacquie, I saw that report before (about the scientist who went to court for Bigfoot) and was astounded. I mean….I love the possibility of “what ifs” including how they relate to Sasquatch (and other creatures), but taking that belief to court? Erm, no.
Some things…like Mothman and other cryptids, are best left for fiction 😉
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Lol, agreed!
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First – I love the ‘happy snaps’ of you and your creatures… so much something I’d do!!
Second – I love creatures too! This is something people will find out IF I ever publish my own WIP 🙂
I think my soft spot is for vampires….
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So cool to learn your “soft spot” for creatures, Jess. I look forward to meeting your vampires, and your other love of creatures in your fiction 🙂
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Oh, they’ll be there ☺️
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You caused me to fall in love with the Mothman in your Point Pleasant series. I felt so sorry for him because he seemed trapped and sad. Not that I’d ever want to come face-to-face with him, but he touched me. 🙂 As for believing strange creatures exist. Yes, I do! The world is full of strangeness that can’t be explained.
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I’m so glad I brought the Mothman to life for you. I’m not sure I would ever want to meet him face to face either, but I really liked developing his story and backstory. I’m so glad you enjoyed the PP series, Jan.
And I love all the strangeness in the word that brings a sense of wonder and fun discussions. Thanks so much for visiting!
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Mae, how wonderful to have such a passion since childhood! 😀 I’m always open to ‘what-ifs’ in life, makes it more exciting! You look like you’ve arrived standing by the Mothman statue!😀
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The Mothman statute was really something to see. it’s huge, and smack in the center of Point Pleasant. Off to the left of that statue is the “world’s only Mothman Museum.” Naturally, I’ve been through it–more than once.
Yes, I’ve been fascinated with creatures since childhood, and I love the possibilities of “what if.” Thanks for visiting!
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Like you, I am a skeptic who loves the what if. Cryptozology? Yes, please. I love a good “monster” sighting!
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Hi, Sarah! It’s wonderful to have you drop by and visit my corner of the blogosphere. From what I’ve seen, you and I share some of the same interests. And I am all about that skeptic/what-if approach. Happy monster sightings! 😉
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While I love reading about all of these creatures, I’ve never seen or experienced anything in my (long) life that couldn’t be explained. I’m willing. Mostly. But so far, no Bigfoot down here in our local swamps. Big gators, yes. Big birds, yes. Big-A$$ed creepy looking spiders, YES! *shudder* But nothing unnatural. Still, I’m always open to possibilities, and I do love cryptids in books. In the meantime, I’ll keep an eye out, and you’ll be the very first to know if I see something that “just don’t look right to me,” as they say. 😀 Great post, Mae! 🙂
Sorry I’m late, but Life has been pushing and pulling me in too many directions at once these days. Always running behind, it seems. 🙂
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Marcia, I know you’ve had your share of obstacles lately, and I’m delighted you took the time to visit my blog with all you’ve had going on. Thank you!
I’m glad you love crypto’s in fiction, because I will probably trot out a few more of them in stories in the years ahead. Plus they make for great discussions and speculations.
And the thought of those spiders you mentioned? Eeesh….definitely shudder-worthy,
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Yeah, give me reptiles any day, but keep the spiders away. Urk. And thanks for understanding why I’m running late all over the place! 🙂 ❤
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I’m not a creature girl. I am a people person and am fascinated by people like you who have preferences for the obscure. It makes life so interesting to think about why, dive deeper and learn.
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Hi, Andrea! So nice of you to drop by and comment. I and definitely one of those people who holds an appreciation for the odd and obscure, LOL. Very nice to meet you!
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Well, we don’t really know everything that’s out there, especially in the oceans, so who know? The mystery of it all is the fun part!
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I agree, Mark. That’s what I love best–the mystery of possibility! 🙂
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Quentin Collins is my favorite! Recently I started watching Dark Shadows again, although Hulu begins the series at the time when Barnabas appears rather than all the Victoria Winters mystery episodes. I had forgotten just how terrifying Barnabas was– keeping Maggie locked away in that room, trying to brainwash her to believe she’s Josette, enforcing his will on her. It seems scarier and more sinister to me now than it did as a young teen.
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I haven’t seen it in ages, FLossie. I do remember when I caught a few reruns years ago I was surprised by Barnabas’s character. I’m thinking perhaps they changed him as the series went on to make him more sympathetic to viewers. He certainly wasn’t that way at the start. Another blogger recently told me there are conventions for DS in LA and NY. Pretty big happenings from the way he described them.
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Dark Shadows. Yes! You and I are obvious baby boomers. I remember it well. Had a huge crush on one of the co-stars. Yes, I started young. I
have never really had a favorite. The moment I think I do something else comes along. Whatever triggers my imagination is good enough for me.
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Yep, I’m a baby boomer, showing my age with my love of Dark Shadows, LOL!
Creatures are so cool before there are so many of them, and they’re all so appealing. I’m partial to the Mothman because of the amount of research I’ve done, but there are so many good ones out there, all great for sparking imagination.
Thanks for visiting, Bryan!
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i think I’m a skeptic who would like to believe a Nessie exists or Sasquatch, just to prove we don’t know everything. I don’t really have a favorite, but I love to read about the less-common monsters. And gargoyles? Kim Harrison does a great job using gargoyles (and pixies and fairies) in her Hollows series.
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So glad you enjoy reading about those “what-if-maybe” creatures, Julie. I love that they inspire mystery. And gargoyles are cool!
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