Many fantasy writers experience our craft as being more than a hobby, or even a career choice. For us, it is a calling. On my tenth birthday I received a precious gift: a hardback edition of The Hobbit, illustrated by Michael Hague. This marked my first foray into fantasy literature, and it irrevocably touched my life. … Read more
When the first Harry Potter books were published I didn’t bother to read them. I saw the films, but they didn’t strike me as especially significant. Yes, they were full of magic and wonder. But I failed to perceive anything of lasting substance. I dismissed Harry Potter as a fad. Yet as the series progressed, … Read more
A few weeks ago I went camping for a night with five of my mates. While there, they called over a trio of girls who were setting up tent in the plot next to ours. The entire time the girls were there I sat on my lonesome prodding the fire and only vaguely listening in … Read more
I’ve been catching up on The Wire, a crime drama which ran on HBO for five seasons. It’s one of those special shows that you must watch from the beginning in order to appreciate. A number of critics have hailed it as “the best show ever.” After watching the first three seasons, I’m inclined to … Read more
A fellow writer shared his dilemma with me. He and his partner were starting a new project, and had invested much time in developing a magic system. He had shared it with me before, and I was intrigued by their original spin on magic and spell-casting. But then something happened. While flipping through the channels, … Read more
In the summer of 1982 I had a life changing experience. Although I was underage, I accompanied my father to see the new epic fantasy Conan the Barbarian, starring Mr. Universe Arnold Schwarzenegger. While the film itself was amazing (especially the score), I was particularly impressed by its charismatic villain, Thulsa Doom. As portrayed by … Read more
