More Book Recommendations

I am back with another list of recommended books! Foxfier’s list of suggestions still has me thinking, readers. We are told that people do not read anymore, and to some degree, that might be true. But it is difficult to find any interesting novels to read these days. Unless you trust someone else’s recommendation or …

Bulletin: The Best of the Planetary Anthology Series is ALIVE!!!!

Whew! Apologies for the late alert, readers. It has been a bit of a zoo behind the scenes here at A Song of Joy. So many projects, so little time…. The Planetary Anthology Series, as many of you may know, became defunct last year as a print and ebook series. You can still purchase the …

Reposted: Vampirism and Other Afflictions

A thought-provoking reflection from Monalisa Foster, readers: Vampirism and Other Afflictions If you’ve been alive for more than a few decades, you’ve probably noticed that people change as they age. Executive brain function takes place in the pre-frontal cortex, a region of the brain that reaches maturity (stops changing) around the age of 25-26. If …

Review: Fever and Snow by Mary Catelli

I know, I know! Look, I am working on my TBR pile. The fact is that I am also writing my own stories, keeping a wary eye on the world, and generally dealing with Life. So reading and writing kind of get juggled and swapped, meaning there are stories I just do not have the …

In rebus gustum, non potest esse disputandum de ad libros

With thanks to Foxfier’s guest post here for the inspiration for the title, which translates to: “In matters of taste, there can be no debate with regard to books.” Although I am not one to publish “listicles,” as Foxfier mentioned in her own post, certain lists have been making the rounds. These say that X …

Thoughts on How to Train Your Dragon

A very interesting look at the first How to Train Your Dragon film, readers. While the focus is on the music, there is quite a bit which authors will find helpful and intriguing. The video also offers information on music which writers may need for future material, whether it is non-fiction or fiction. Enjoy the …

A Reflection on Theme: Trust

I will admit that I never had much interest in Raya and the Last Dragon. The movie simply did not appeal to me given what I saw of the trailers, none of which particularly inspired confidence in the plot. As others noted, the similarities in design to Avatar: The Last Airbender* were off-putting as well. …

Reposted – Orwell and Lewis: The Supernatural Keeps Breaking In

This piece by Mr. John C. Wright was too good to pass up, readers. Enjoy! Orwell and Lewis: The Supernatural Keeps Breaking In A longtime reader with the Latinate yet indecipherable name of Nostreculsus,  while discussing THAT HIDEOUS STRENGTH by C.S. Lewis, writes: George Orwell reviewed Mr. Lewis’ book, with great appreciation of the concept, …

A Word from John C. Wright

Busy week, readers. I'll be back soon, I hope. Until then, enjoy Mr. Wright's post! Science Fantasy We all know the difference between fantasy and science fiction. Fantasy has witches and wizards with magic powers, whereas in science fiction the exact same character doing the exact same thing is called a psychic or psionicist. Fairy …

Reposted from The Warden’s Walk

Here is a great poem by none other than Lord Dunsany, posted on The Warden’s Walk, readers: “The Memory”: a poem by Lord Dunsany (1878 – 1957) This romantic fairy tale comes from Edward John Moreton Drax Plunkett, 18th Baron of Dunsany, one of the great British fantasists of the turn of the century, the remarkable …