For the U.S. Naval Academy, it's first day of classes and my last fall semester teaching (I depart next summer). Thought I'd share one of my favorite quotes, found on my student survey: “Men Wanted: For hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition … Continue reading Start of the School Year
Pilgrimage
I'm a fan of B movies. Just because Rotten Tomatoes doesn't feel great about something doesn't mean I won't try it. I especially like period pieces like Macbeth. Pilgrimage showed up in my Netflix suggestions and I gave it a try. Very well done! I can accept why it wouldn't do well in theaters and … Continue reading Pilgrimage
Lukewarm
A little late on my weekend post. Shoo.... Now that we have snow covering the driveway, I've got a smile on, a mug of hot chocolate, and time to process some thoughts. I had the idea to give a 2018 books-I-read post that would evolve into reviews of the series I consumed last year. I … Continue reading Lukewarm
Two Crowns: Book 1 of The Tale of Princess Penelope
I've always considered Princess Penelope to be a working title, but I liked the title "Two Crowns" when doing my brainstorming over the summer. I just finished compiling a bunch of my research material into Scrivener, my preferred writing software. For me, that's a great thing. It means forward momentum! I took a few minutes … Continue reading Two Crowns: Book 1 of The Tale of Princess Penelope
Goodbye 2018, Hello 2019
Just a quick note to the world that I'm alive and kicking (maybe not kicking, but definitely getting ready to kick myself for living on a hill as the snow comes...) Brigette and I at the beach in Cape May, NJ I've got grand intentions for a newsletter update, but the short version is: 2018 … Continue reading Goodbye 2018, Hello 2019
Coming Home: Dialogue and Poetry
This past week I had the privilege of participating in a dialogue called the Coming Home Dialogues. This organization works to provide venues where veterans can use the humanities as a means of exploring their experiences. The content includes "DIALOGUES ON THE MORAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, AND SPIRITUAL IMPACTS OF WAR." The group is supported graciously by … Continue reading Coming Home: Dialogue and Poetry
Let’s Save Princess Penelope: A Call for Help
Team Thorium, If you're here, you're one of my fans, friend, or family. I'm in crisis. Kind of. I mean, it's just a story, right? [said Bastion as he paged through The Neverending Story in a dark attic....] Princess Penelope is a story idea I've had for a while, inspired by my friend Eddie whilst … Continue reading Let’s Save Princess Penelope: A Call for Help
Tick Tock… Time as a Writer’s Ally
Tempus fugit. I've been enjoying a few of my favorite films recently and noticed a common pattern. The use of time as a controlling element. When we build worlds and stories as author we are conscious of the passage of time, yet I wonder how often we are intentional about using time to keep our … Continue reading Tick Tock… Time as a Writer’s Ally
Once Upon A Time….
Once... Once upon a time, there was an orphan princess. She was a prisoner in a dark tower. After much cunning and bravery, she escaped and was rescued. Once upon a time, there was a broken knight who defended the helpless at great cost. He stood when many fled and was changed. Once there was … Continue reading Once Upon A Time….
Why Are There So Many Big Walls in Fantasy Novels?
Thank you. This concept has been unsettling to me, and I needed some outside thoughts to clarify my opinion and thinking. And naturally, as a writer, I want to write about a BAW (big @$$ wall) in every one of my stories. Maybe it's a virus that needs inoculation?
