[tweetmeme source=”jjdanz” only_single=false service=ht.ly] Spelling is a tool many fantasy writers use to lend originality to their writing. Sometimes it works and sometimes it distracts the reader from the story. I find myself getting caught up in this device, wondering if I should spell a word as it is commonly spelled or give it a […]
Magic, Magick, Magyck – Striving for Originality in Fantasy Read Post »
I’m sure this has been done to death, but I’m listing my five faves, thus dating myself. I’m old and I’m proud. [tweetmeme source=”jjdanz” only_single=false service=ht.ly] In the Court of the Crimson King – King Crimson Just read the lyrics and tell me you don’t want to write the novel based on this song. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KovJ7WLh2Qc]
Coffee Break No. 13 – Fantasy in Classic Rock Read Post »
I’ve only recently begun exploring the world of Jorge Luis Borges. What I’ve encountered so far has been wonderful. I went in search of Borges interviews on YouTube and found the one posted below. I’ve excerpted a few passages from the video that touched me: The task of art is to transform what is continuously
More than Just Pen and Ink Read Post »
This is what I was watching today instead of getting a new post up: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k29wBfLmNP0]
Coffee Break No. 12 – USA into the knockout round! Read Post »
[tweetmeme source=”jjdanz” only_single=false service=ht.ly] Paolo Bacigalupi reveals the secrets of his success: Voodoo and liquor. Just kidding, but he does provide insights into where he gets his story ideas and what he wants his stories to do. Bacigalupi also reads from two of his short stories. It’s about an hour, but it’s well worth the
Coffee Break No. 10 – Paolo Bacigalupi on AuthorsatGoogle Read Post »
[tweetmeme source=”jjdanz” only_single=false service=ht.ly] A wood roach scurried from the interstitial spaces of my writing shack (God rest his soul). Shortly after I wiped his mortal coil from my desk, a long-legged spider skittered from what appeared to be another dimension across my wall and behind my outlet plate. Fearing additional insect visitations, I did
Coffee Break No. 9 – Soul Makes the Bugs Dance Read Post »
I’ve been making my way through Maps of the Imagination: The Writer as Cartographer at a leisurely pace. The author, Peter Turchi, juxtaposes the idea that maps need be accurate with the idea that a map reveals only that which is germane to its purpose (e.g., you won’t find mineral deposits on a U.S. road
[tweetmeme source=”jjdanz” only_single=false service=ht.ly] Some of M. Ward‘s music conjures sepia toned photographs, scratchy Victrola records and cold beer on ice in a galvanized bucket. At least for me (check out the second song to hear what I mean). Since I have no beer on ice, I’ll settle for a cup of strong, black coffee.
Coffee Break No. 8 – M. Ward Read Post »
We can always stand to hear how successful writers write, no? Well, top off your coffee and hear what Cory Doctorow, author of Little Brother, Makers and For the Win has to offer on the craft. [tweetmeme source=”jjdanz” only_single=false service=ht.ly] [googlevideo=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6906862465345251715#] Sure, Mr. Doctorow reveals nothing earth-shattering in this interview. Still, it’s comforting to be
Coffee Break No. 7 – Cory Doctorow and Writing Read Post »