In my new shapeshifter series, every member of the Macleod family has the ability to become a wolf at will. Insulted by the term werewolf, they call themselves Changelings.

But what makes them different? Why would they be offended to be called werewolves? To answer this question I put together a handy guide with some of the key distinctions between the two.

Turf War - by Patrick McEvoy

APPEARANCE – From the wolfman and the lycan of Hollywood lore to the oft-sighted Beast of Bray Road, Wisconsin and the Michigan Dogman, a werewolf often stands on its hind legs. Its features tend to be distorted, an unhappy cross between human and wolf. Often the tail is short or missing altogether.

Changelings in their wolfen form are identical to natural wolves, standing on all fours. Graceful and swift, the difference is in their size: they’re a lot bigger! And a good look at their eyes often reveals the identity of the person within. While fur color seldom corresponds to their human appearance, their eyes are identical in either form. This is especially noticeable when James Macleod shapeshifts: His wolfen form is snowy white, but his eyes are still Viking-blue.

TEMPERAMENT – Werewolves are not known for their gentle nature. Maddened by their transformation, their bloodlust is insatiable. The Beast of Gevaudan, a French werewolf from the 18^th century, killed 113 people and wounded more than 50 in its 3-year reign of terror.

The number one rule in the Changeling world is this: Never harm a human. This doesn’t mean that these wolves are tame, however. Plus, there is the occasional rogue that breaks this all-important law, but his life will be instantly forfeit. The entire Pack will take it upon themselves to stop the rogue – if they can – as in the first book of my new paranormal series, Changeling Moon.

TRANSFORMATION – Werewolves have no control over their change. Although the influence of a full moon is a modern-day invention, werewolves are completely subject to the beast within and helpless to stop it from emerging. Plus, the werewolf transformation is often slow and painful. Some werewolves will never be able to return to their human form.

A Changeling’s transformation appears instantaneous to human eyes. The full moon triggers their first change, but they can shapeshift at will after that. They may even choose to change more than once in a single day. Only the first shift is painful, but it is agonizing as the body must learn new pathways.  All subsequent changes are painless.

Changelings are almost always in control of themselves and their inner wolf. Under certain circumstances, however, the wolf within them will rise – to ensure their own survival or that of a mate.

BECOMING A WEREWOLF – Werewolves regard their condition as a curse, one that is usually transmitted by an infectious bite or scratch, or perhaps by a malicious spell. There is no way to stop the transformation once a human has been bitten by a werewolf.

Changelings regard their ability to transform as a gift. They are usually born with it, and in the case of my series, everyone in the Macleod family is a Changeling. The gift can be passed on to a human, but this is seldom done except when the human has married a Changeling and truly wants to join their world. The second cardinal rule in the Changeling world comes into play here: Never turn a human against their will.

MATING – Werewolves are usually too busy chasing down people and eating them to be concerned with dating.

Although Changelings can pair with anyone they choose, shapeshifter or human, their inner wolf recognizes a true mate immediately. Which brings us to the third and best rule of this world: Changelings always mate for life.  Always.

QUESTION FOR READERS:  Do you have a favorite shapeshifter character from a story, series, movie or TV show?

GIVEAWAY:  On Friday, November 11^th, I’ll draw a winner at random from the comments section. The prize is a signed copy of Changeling Dream!