Inspiration from the Land of the Rising Sun

“In a flash I had a change of heart. Even one precious life was worth saving. Japan was defeated; but the wounded were still alive. The war was over; but the work of our relief team remained. Our country was destroyed; but medical science still existed. Wasn’t our work only beginning? Irrespective of the rise …

America – My Beautiful, Inspirational Home

I posted this article last year for Independence Day and, seeing no reason to elaborate on what was stated then, I have reposted it below. Enjoy, readers, and have fun celebrating our nation’s birthday! “Words fail to convey how deeply I love my country. From childhood I have loved the Stars and Stripes that snap …

Myth and Fairy Tales: Escape through Mist and Magic

“It is a matter of grave importance that fairy tales should be respected. A nation without fancy, without some romance, never did, never can, never will, hold a great place under the sun.” – Charles Dickens Following the previous article about never giving up, we come to the importance of myth and fairy tales. The …

Nil Desperandum – Never Despair, Never Give Up

One of the greatest things an author can do for his or her readers is to provide them release from their circumstances for a time. Entertainment of all varieties and venues ought to serve this particular end, since even a “normal,” pleasant life free from obvious care or worry becomes dull without a touch of …

Worlds in Miniature – Reflections to Inspire

In his book, The Romance of Religion, Fr. Dwight Longenecker recounts an insight he had during one of his bus rides at the beginning of first grade. Apparently he had a Mickey Mouse lunch box which, naturally, had been painted to show Mickey and his friends going to school. On closer inspection, however, Father realized …

Natural Beauty – God’s Way of Feeding an Author’s Imagination

While scanning through several WordPress articles on…something, I came across a review of another sci-fi novel. It was a post-apocalyptic book, I believe, that doubled as an alien invasion story. Something said either in the post or in the comments was that readers could tell the writer had been inspired by his native Arizona, both …

“Sufferin’ Succotash!” Is THAT a Viable Form of Inspiration for Adults?

I think it was a writer over at Superversivesf.com who may have been the one to note that, in the U.S., animated television shows and feature films tend to be considered the province of children. Many look askance at an adult who openly proclaims interest in shows such as My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, …

History: One of the Greatest Sources of Inspiration

In the article “Cultured Characters” we saw how a broad knowledge of history gives the protagonists in fiction a proper perspective on the world they live in, an understanding of the people and circumstances they have to deal with, and at least a general appreciation of the past. An acquaintance with historical fact also leads …

“Why do the good guys always win?” – A Word from R. A. Salvatore

While I have not yet read a book written by Mr. Salvatore, this quote suggests to me that his work is particularly enjoyable: “I was at a convention in Seattle, giving a seminar about publishing, when a young man accused my writing of being cliché. “Why do the good guys always win?” he wanted to …

Playing with Father – Inspiration in a Nutshell

I spoke before on how my father is a source of great inspiration for me. He is the one who helped to foster my love of good fiction, having shown me Star Wars, Star Trek, Stargate, Dragonheart, a number of Disney animated films, and many other enjoyable stories all my life. My mother didn’t fail …