Given the impact J.R.R. Tolkien’s magnum opus has had on the world of writing, we tend to forget that it has had at least as much influence on the world of music. From heavy metal folk bands such as Blind Guardian* to family enterprises like Clamavi de Profundis (some of their songs are available on … Continue reading “The Road Goes Ever On and On…”
J.R.R. Tolkien
A Unique Conceit (or Three) from Western Television
Gargoyles Retrospective | Disney's Dark Horse https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=hc7yQ4nX_8k Along with others in the Superversive movement, this author tends to highlight various writing techniques which are popularly seen in Japanese anime. Since writers in the Orient frequently make use of practices forgotten here in the West, this is only sensible. If one wishes to learn a craft, … Continue reading A Unique Conceit (or Three) from Western Television
A Word to the Wise on Fellowship
Click the link to learn more, readers! And remember: when selecting friends, choose well and wisely. Good friends are worth more than their weight in gold. Friendship: 4 Things 'The Fellowship of the Ring' Can Teach Us We need fellowships for our own “quests,” too. Saturday, March 3, 2018 James Walpole In The Fellowship of the Ring, the … Continue reading A Word to the Wise on Fellowship
Further Reflections on Evil
The picture above has a very apt Terry Pratchett* quote attached to it, one which ties back to this post here. In that article I stated that there are some villains who simply enjoy being evil. Not only does this author stand by that point, she wishes to emphasize it once again. A great many … Continue reading Further Reflections on Evil
Providence and Miracles
For most of my life, I have heard critics, writers, and audiences complain about the last-minute save which occurs throughout most of fiction. We all know which moments these are; they are the pivot points on which the conflicts turn. It can be a last minute message that reaches the hero in the nick of … Continue reading Providence and Miracles
Review: The Most Expensive Alley Cat in London by Corinna Turner
I stumbled across this little treasure while surfing through Amazon’s Kindle store. Although I say “little,” the term is not meant to be derogatory; The Most Expensive Alley Cat in London is a short story. One can read it in under an hour, making it a small gem, indeed: A Desperate Urchin. A Mysterious Stray. … Continue reading Review: The Most Expensive Alley Cat in London by Corinna Turner
Simple Courtesies
Courtesy seems to have gone the way of the dinosaur these days. Not long ago, a study found most modern young adults say “No problem” when thanked for a service rendered rather than the proper “You’re welcome.” Apparently, this is due to the fact that most of the younger population wishes to avoid making a … Continue reading Simple Courtesies
Amidst the Mallorn Trees….
Or maybe this is Dinotopia’s* Treetown. But whether the scene below puts one in mind of either James Gurney’s magnum opus or Professor Tolkien’s* landmark work, the location is sure to spark the imagination, readers: Tennessee Treetop Skywalk is the Longest Tree-Based Bridge in North America! October 13, 2020 David Barns If you are tired … Continue reading Amidst the Mallorn Trees….
The Difference Between Modern Film and Classic Print
Take a look at this intriguing meditation on The Lord of the Rings: The World of the Rings Donald T. Williams on Why Peter Jackson Was Unable to Film Tolkien's Moral Tale Why do the books and the movies of The Lord of the Rings seem to be two such different worlds, not physically but in terms of … Continue reading The Difference Between Modern Film and Classic Print
Children in Fiction, Part 1: What Happens When There Aren’t Enough?
In her perceptive article “Stop Pretending Children Don’t Exist in Your Story World,” R.J. Sheffler covers several reasons why putting children in fiction is a necessary element for good world-building. As she herself states, youngsters do not have to be in the thick of the fighting or be involved in the action to make the … Continue reading Children in Fiction, Part 1: What Happens When There Aren’t Enough?
