Mr. Haldeman’s statement appears rather condemning at first blush. “Write what you know” – what do you know? In the speculative genres, none of us know what space travel or Faerie is like. We can study the biographies of astronauts, but that does not mean we know, firsthand, what it is like to visit space. … Continue reading Writerly Sound Bites, Number 11: Write What You Know, or Who You Know?
J.R.R. Tolkien
Writerly Sound Bites, Number 10: Character Progression – What About Characters Broken Beyond Repair?
Per the sixth installment in this series, we have seen that characters do not simply break due to an “earthshattering event.” The eighth installment, which had to be split into three separate articles, went into detail about how characters broken by other people can heal from this trauma. Some rightly ask, however, about the Character … Continue reading Writerly Sound Bites, Number 10: Character Progression – What About Characters Broken Beyond Repair?
What a Shame
This article got me to tear up a bit, readers. Click the link and see if it will help you, too: Dispelling the Shadows of Shame JUNE 5, 2020 BY FR. DEREK SAKOWSKI I have come to realize that shame is the devil’s tactic of choice in his efforts to ruin our human existence. Certainly he entices … Continue reading What a Shame
Reposted: The taste for magic
A thoughtful and inspiring piece, readers. Check it out: Why do we hanker for magic? That is a question that the large-C Catholic fantasy writer must squarely face, and the small-c catholic reader ought at any rate to find interesting. The practice of magic as such, whether effective or not, is explicitly forbidden by scripture … Continue reading Reposted: The taste for magic
“Good Morning.”
Forgive the reference to Professor Tolkien’s The Hobbit*, readers, but you will soon see why I headlined the quote for this article. It was simply irresistible considering the unusual subject matter! Anyway, without further ado, here is Gandalf’s response to Master Baggins’ comment: “What do you mean? Do you mean to wish me a good … Continue reading “Good Morning.”
Motivation
Found this video full of inspirational speeches. Enjoy, readers! Seven Great Movie Motivational Speeches https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC-syuTraYo
Dates, Fellowship, and Professor Tolkien
Professor Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings* series has been hailed repeatedly for its extensive worldbuilding. But something even devoted fans can occasionally miss is the significance of the dates within the story. A contributor to Voyage Comics and Publishing*’s blog tackles the challenge of reminding us about the meaning behind the dates in the … Continue reading Dates, Fellowship, and Professor Tolkien
“Rover, Red Rover, Let Tolkien Come Over!”
I have actually read this sweet little story, so I can vouch that it’s good. If you are searching for a Christmas gift for your own child, the neighbor’s son, a niece or a nephew, you could do worse than Roverandom*. The article below, which is a ringing endorsement of the same tale, should more … Continue reading “Rover, Red Rover, Let Tolkien Come Over!”
Looking in a Mirror
The Mirror of Galadriel? Not quite. Check out this great piece by Joseph Pearce, readers: Tolkien Shows Us Ourselves In his famous lecture and essay “On Fairy-Stories”, Tolkien claims that fairy-stories hold up a mirror to man, that they show us ourselves. One way of testing the veracity of Tolkien’s claim is to see how … Continue reading Looking in a Mirror
A New Look at a Modern Mythology
Authors and Tolkien fans should find the book discussed in this review highly intriguing. Click the link to learn more, readers – and see if this is something* you would like to purchase! Return to Middle-earth By BRADLEY J. BIRZER September 26, 2021 A new, expertly edited collection of J. R. R. Tolkien’s writing on his … Continue reading A New Look at a Modern Mythology
A Song of Joy by Caroline Furlong 