"How Do I Decide?" ...I'm in it!

It was a whole lot of fun to be included in this book!

Rachelle Gardner, literary agent extraordinaire, has released a small book that is of great help in doing away with all the myths surrounding self-publishing versus traditional-publishing.

Many of my readers have asked me what is the difference, and I have often received the same question at schools and other speaking events.

As I always say: "Research, research, research!" Nothing speaks amateur more than a writer who fails to research their publishing options before they approach an agent/editor.

I wrote an opinion piece that was included in this book, so if you buy it check out the section titled Author Perspective.

The power of a sad ending

I don't know about you, but a tragic story can sometimes pull me in like no other story can. Such a story is one of my favorite films Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. The story follows a slight re-imagining of the Batman character known in the original animated series. He is heroic and steadfast, never seeming to waver in the purity of his heart.

In this particular film, the criminal masterminds were once part of a common brotherhood, but now someone is taking them out, one-by-one.

During the course of the film, Bruce Wayne's passionate love for Andrea Beaumont is revealed when she returns unexpectedly to Gotham. The movie shifts seamlessly between the present troubles and Batman's flashbacks.

The script for this is amazing. It grabs from the get go and there is no happy ending to the tale. And yet, it has become a cult classic, and I understand why.

This has made me sit back and re-evaluate the contemporary stories playing out on screen and in books. Most stories, especially the superhero type, have happy endings and there are few permanent losses that the heroes and heroines must endure. As storytellers, are we forgetting the power of a sad ending? Are we afraid to let a beloved character die, and are we afraid to make our heroes stalwart and true?

So here is a tip of my hat to the stories of yesteryears, and the tragedies that hooked me and stayed in my memory.

What movies and books had this effect on you?

The Strong Do Not Run

There seems to be a growing trend in Christian society; a move toward becoming hermits in the wake of all the liberal advances being made in this country. I have heard it from people online (as they withdraw from certain applications) and I have heard it from people "on the street" as they throw up their hands and tell me they have accepted the fact that the USA has changed forever and we are moving to a socialist state.

But we are followers of Christ, and I say that this is the time for us to stand and be tested. In some ways I welcome it, although I recognize the hardships we will face as this culture grows in its opposition to God and tradition. Here in the good old USA we have been knights in our castles, individually enjoying a wide array of pleasures while the armor of God rusts in our closets.

The strong do not run; the strong draw their resiliency and their hope from the Lord Christ himself. We must prepare ourselves for battle, to take courage and strive to live in the fruits of the spirit. It is time for true religion to shine and for those who have embraced the world to be ashamed and repent. It is time to pull out our armor and polish it, to hone our swords for the spiritual battle for the hearts and minds of those who live around us.

Ephesians 6:10

The Hobbit... So the journey begins!

It was with great curiosity and high hopes that I went with my wife today and watched The Hobbit. Yes, I know, this movie has been in theatres for some time now. But with life being as crazy busy as it has been for me this was my first opportunity to view this major production.

First, in answer to those who might wonder, yes, I have read the book and enjoyed it greatly. In fact, it was one of the first if not the first fantasy title I ever read. Jackson's film did not disappoint me. Yes, he added in a few elements and drew greatly from The Scilmarillion (I thought). The Hobbit is more uplifting than the Lord Of The Rings. Delightfully so. The acting was great, the special effects were amazing, and the choreography very satisfying.The violence in this movie is a bit more than in LOTR but I did not feel it was gratuitously so.

Did anyone else pick up on the moment that Galadriel gave Gandalf the ring of power?

Anyway, there is my simple review. This is a great film (but don't bring your little ones to see it).

The importance of visualization

You have heard the adage "Don't judge a book by its cover" but how often have you found that to be true?

When I look for a new book to read, especially if it is fiction, my eye turns first to the intriguing, unique, and beautiful covers. With fantasy novels I think this is especially important. Without good art the reader will have  a poor understanding of the type of story that is hidden between the covers.

Introducing the latest artist to do a book cover for me, Petra Rudolph. I discovered Petra on Elfwood and proceeded to explore his website. He is highly talented. You can learn more about him and his work at Dracoliche.com

The sketch you see here marks the beginning of the upcoming cover for Neverqueen book 1. I hope it intrigues you! This book will released Fall 2013 along with book 2 in this new series. Neverqueen is an expansion of The Sword of the Dragon series.