It has been said that by reading an author you can discover the types of books sitting on his or her shelf. The books we read, especially those from teenage and young adulthood, shape our definition of what a great story is and what qualities make those stories. Choosing just five books for my list... Continue Reading →
Ask any ten people if they know Frankenstein and you will undoubtedly get a YES. Such is the power of the mythos created by Marry Shelley, an early female novelist who, in 1818 (200+ years ago!) at the remarkable age of 18, hid the fact of her sex to get her book published. It is... Continue Reading →
Only when coming across a true masterpiece can one appreciate the power of the written word. Great books not only entertain but inform and enlighten. The very best books have the power to change your perspective forever. Unfortunately, it is just as hard to come upon a great read as finding something worthwhile on TV.... Continue Reading →
Being a writer, it seems in bad taste to critique other writers. On message boards that critique books, I sometimes give the impression of arrogance, as if I'm suggesting my writing compares more favorably. This is one of those oddities unique to the literary world---you don't see the same reasoning applied to chefs, who often... Continue Reading →
You know, I've been thinking about this one a long time. I've enjoyed both video games and tabletops for decades, and I think I can say, with little hesitation, which one I could live without. Now I know I am going against the grain here, but here's my argument: 1. In tabletop games, ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN.... Continue Reading →
I long for a world without Internet, without GPS enabled cell phones, without Google Earth, without connectedness. I long for a world where a man can become lost in places no one has ever been. I long for a world where the map isn't quite filled in, where there are still places where "Here Be Dragons." For many years,... Continue Reading →
It seems today that fantasy has been hijacked by "world builders"---writers so enamored by Tolkien, that their No. #1 priority is to build a convincing world. While I am all for convincing worlds, I am not all for it if it hinders the telling of a story, or takes the place of one. I won't mention names,... Continue Reading →
Dropped off my daughter at school today. It was an interesting experience, seeing all those eager faces with their SpongBob and Star Wars and Hello Kitty lunch boxes. It got me to thinking of my school days and how different things are now. At the risk of sounding like an old coot, let me quote... Continue Reading →
It seems today that fantasy has been hijacked by "world builders"---writers so enamored by Tolkien, that their No. #1 priority is to build convincing worlds. While I am all for the establishment of a good setting, I am not all for it if it hinders the telling of a story or takes the place of one. I... Continue Reading →
To D&D or Not to D&D? That is the question. Whether it is nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous hate mail, and take arms against a sea of critics, or quit - - - to D&D and write no more; and by thus to say we end the heartache... Continue Reading →
The Art of Storytelling 
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