How to be a Dungeon Master

It's probably no secret by now that I love Dungeons & Dragons. I've been playing for about thirty years, since 1985~86, and it's been like kerosene for the flame of my imagination. Before D&D exploded in popularity, I was embarrassed to tell people I played, as if no serious author could harbor so much love... Continue Reading →

Kirkus, Desperation, and Amazon’s Dino Porn

My thirty-year journey toward literary greatness has been fraught with enough obstacles to wear down the hardiest of adventurers. I've struggled with apathetic friends, a disapproving family, a host of ban-hammering moderators, gangs of internet trolls, and my own demons of doubt and despair, all while clambering over mountains of indie writers competing for attention.... Continue Reading →

Aenya Newsletter 4/29/20

VALIDATION!!! That's how I am feeling today. VALIDATION! SUCCESS!! HUZZAH!!! OK, what the heck am I talking about? Well, for the past decade, I've been struggling with demons of doubt and uncertainty. Based on my understanding of what makes for great storytelling and the number of fans who rave over my work, I was fairly... Continue Reading →

Aenya Newsletter 3/17/20

It's the end of the world as we know it ... and I feel fine.  R.E.M I have a lot of experience writing about apocalyptic events. You could almost say it's my forte. In Ages of Aenya, when the sun expands from a yellow star to a red supergiant, 90% of all Aenya species perish. Millenniums... Continue Reading →

People of Aenya: Athalia, Niah, Liana

Athalia, Niah, and Liana are the daughters of Davos and Kiki, and the younger cousins of Ecthros. Oblivious to the turmoil surrounding the lands to the north (Tyrnael and Northendell) and south (Ilmarinen, Hedonia), the three girls live an idyllic life in the small trading town of Yefira, which is known for its rolling hills, windmill houses, and proximity to the Tectonic Chasm, a gorge that encircles the planet. Hazel, Niah's rabbit, is being cradled by four-year old Liana, the youngest of the three girls. 

Slaughterhouse Five

I can't help but think about the publishing industry when I am reading. It is a bias that colors my view of every book I read. Then again, art is subjective for just this reason, because everyone is biased in some way, whether they care to admit it or not. So while reading Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse... Continue Reading →

People of Aenya: Xandr

Cast off from civilization, Xandr is without home or country or possessions of any kind, but for an ancient sword with a will of its own. Utterly naked in battle, he stands intrepid and shameless, as his people, the Ilmar, have stood for millions of years. But he is never defenseless, for his shield is... Continue Reading →

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