Cursed Ruins Restart

 Les Freres Corses were at it again -- the "it" in question being miniatures, dice, and the Cursed Ruins. One may recall that their first attempt at imposing their will on the denizens of the place ended rather poorly for their characters: Gratell and Charo Lefrevre. "Poorly" being, of course, a euphemism for irretrievably clenched in the jaws of defeat, despair, and certain death. The full account of that parade of horrible decisions can be found here. 

It has been a few months since we had first embarked on the adventure, so we had a quick chat about the lessons learned in that prior attempt: Don't leave your wing man, and do march to the sound of guns (or clash of steel, as the case may be).

Charo II began again by roping the ladder/drawbridge. I had added a pursuing menace to the mix and rolled a d6 at each failed attempt of a task required for getting into the ruin. When the total on the d6s exceeded 20, the menace would catch up to them. Fortunately, we only got to 16 before they were safely across the soul sucking marsh and into the sturdy stone of the ruin.

 

Les Freres demonstrated that they had learned from previous experience. They stayed together instead of running about willy-nilly for the next sparkly object. Again, the wooden treasure chest disappointed them with only dust and dead bugs this time. However, they did manage, along with the slaying of 3 goblinesque baddies, to find a healing potion and a 50 mark gem. (They elected to have the currency of the realm be "marks" as opposed to gold pieces, crowns, kroners, ducats, or dried monkey brains. (I may have added that last one; it probably wasn't actually brought up during the game). 

 Things did get pretty bad for them when they met a man on the way to St. Ives skilled creature wielding nasty twin blades. He had one for each of the heroes and served them-- Oh. I forgot. Before they met him, they met a big fighter with a shield and sharp blade with which he had a hankering to hew; and hew he did. He gave the heroes some wounds. There's no specific limit to the number of wounds a character can receive before he dies or goes hors de combat, but wounds do have consequences for movement, skills, and combat. As a practical matter, a wounded character is more likely to get more wounds or be killed in combat. Gratell II decided to consume his healing potion, but it only cured one of his multiple wounds.

Gratell II then remembered that he was a wizard and hit the big hewer with a sleep spell. The attempt met with complete success, and they delivered the coup de grace to the sleeper. It was then that they met the creature with the twin blades, and that one demonstrated his courtesy by giving each hero a hefty helping of his steel. No sluggards in the courtesy department, Charo and Gratell gave him samples of their own. However, things were looking bad for our protagonists, especially when Gratell II's dice betrayed him like a wily Shetland pony, leaving him with bite marks and hoof prints on his back. If the dice remained as rolled, he would be on his way to assuming room temperature. Fortunately, the master of this little set-to had provided our heroes with points to spend in such dire situations. Gratell II cashed in those chips to avoid cashing in his chips and saved himself from death. He was still badly wounded, but managed to stay on his feet and keep all his appendages attached.

After finally overcoming the double-stabbing dude, they ransacked the room for loot. They found a huge sapphire which glowed with a mysterious light. Gratell II had taken the first two treasures and had promised this third to Charo II--it's always a good idea to keep the guy with the shield and big sword happy and alive; both useful qualities in a meatshield when one is deep in a monster infested ruin. They had some discussion and Charo II picked it up. He found himself not only tickled, but healed of all his wounds. He was gracious enough to allow the wizard to handle the gem, and he too received the total health restoration. It looks like the gem may even have one more such restoration dose left in it if the glow is any indication.

Les Freres  sensed that they were nearing the end of the adventure (in fact, they have 3 areas left to clear) and were keen to finish, but the clock spoke with a voice of warning and we had to put it away. The final push will have to wait until we can get together again to visit the cursed cauldron and see what mysteries it may hold. (The last two areas remain hidden under the dark green cover, and the heroes are facing two enemies in the discovered-but-unentered room. Those enemies were alerted when Charo fumbled his metal mirror when looking around the doorway into the corners, and it went clanking against the stone floor).

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In the war against unwritten stories, I anticipate sending in a victory tomorrow for a publisher's consideration, and I've started a new battle in the campaign. I've also looked at logistics and decided on two or three future clashes. It's a target rich environment.

Wyrd Warfare is getting some great reviews. Pick it up while you can.

 

 

 

Wyrd Warfare

 

 Here's the cover of the latest anthology in which one of my stories is featured. The editor had this to say in the introduction about my story: "[Wheeler] demonstrates the gallantry and the butchery of the Napoleonic Wars amplified to 'eleven.' He also wrote the best exchange of dialogue in a book filled with great exchanges."* The story is "Seventh Hussar and Aide to the Mage." You can get it here. I reread it earlier today, and enjoyed it again. It's smack-dab in the center of the book, which is filled with great stories.

 

*Currently, the ebook (and probably print as well) fails to list my name in the introduction, erroneously giving the name of an author who wrote the WW2 short story preceding mine. My story is the only Napoleonic tale in the anthology, and I've confirmed with the editor it was me and my story/dialogue to which he referred. A correction, although not demanded, has been promised.

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I was in a meeting earlier today in which someone mentioned that a third-party wasn't responding, or didn't seem genuine in her responses. Naturally, I had to say, "She was immune to your consultations." Nobody got the reference. Not only that, I couldn't remember either the song title or artist to which I was alluding. The other folks in the meeting thought I was using legal jargon. Fortunately, the handheld device was right at, well, hand. I did a quick search to reveal the source song and artist. Even then, no one else recognized it.

On the other hand, a coworker did get a couple of the three musical references I made within her hearing. All I can say about that is two out of three ain't bad.

Doing some reading in French, as I often do. I was struck by the difference in the French and English words for "now." The English word has but three letters. The word compacts a sense of urgency within the narrow confines of its brevity. Two consonants sandwich a single vowel. The first vowel is quickly formed with the tongue tapping the palate immediately behind the teeth. The second consonant has the advantage of requiring almost no oral action at all--merely a slight constricting of the lips and passage. The word can be a burst of sound enunciated with the leading letter to be squelched at once or drawn out by holding the vowel and final consonant. The W is a doorman who can slam the door or hold it open for emphasis. "Now" is perfectly suited to its purpose.

The French word, "maintenant," au contraire, does not lend itself to the hammer blow imperative of insistent immediacy. It has ten letters. For those of you running low on mathematical wizardry spells, that's more than three times the letters in "now." Notwithstanding the fact that the French have a penchant for ignoring many of the soldiers within the ranks of a given word, it's still at least a two syllable word (technically three, but that "e" in the middle is really just to tip-off the neighboring "t" to the fact that he needs to answer the roll call even though his mate at the end of the word could go awol and not be missed). The word begins with the lips entirely closed for the "m." To add insult to injury (and other cliches), the two syllables are both nasal, making one shouting the word by itself sound like the bearer of a speech impediment or a double-squeezed goose. It's a no-win combo of sound.

English for the win on this duel of rival tongues. Why do I bring this up? No reason. It's just something I noticed and spent more time thinking about than it deserved. I'm sure there are other battles that French might win. (I refrained from making an old joke here. I'm sure you can figure out what it was). For instance, could there be a better language for poetry? When you can make the "O" sound with 14 different combinations of letters, you're going to have big advantage in the rhyming words skirmish. However, I suspect that Shakespeare would be willing to contest the matter.

 

Check out all my books and published short stories here.

 

 

 

The Men Who Lost America

 

I finally finished The Men who Lost America by Andrew Jackson O'Shaughnessy. I've already posted a few fun facts based on some chapters. I plan to post more. 

Rather than a narrative of the war, TMWLA looks at the major players on the British side, from George III, Lord North, the Howe brothers, Burgoyne, Clinton, Cornwallis, Admiral Rodney, and the Earl of Sandwich, and their roles in the war and its outcome. (I may have missed a couple of the players -- I'm going on memory).

O'Shaughnessy says in the introduction that it seemed like a war Great Britain should have won, a holy war against dangerous principles that threatened to subvert every system respected by civilized men. Many in England believed it would be a certain victory and that the retention of America was crucial to England's position as a great power. The author calls the British leadership "able and substantial individuals who nevertheless failed."

Why did they fail? Great Britain underestimated the task. Some of the specifics include: The loyalist support never materialized in the numbers imagined; the administration was not up to the task of efficiently handling the war over 3,000 miles from London; and the Royal Navy lacked the men and ships to blockade the American coast, coordinate with the army for amphibious operations, deal with the multitude of privateers, and protect both the Caribbean and the channel. The vast size of the colonies and England's inability to control territory beyond the port towns also contributed to the loss.

O'Shaughnessy does recognize that the British had opportunities to win, and might have done so had they faced opponents with less skill, ability, and luck - naming Washington and Greene as two of the most significant ones. He also suggests that the Americans had opportunities to end the war earlier that they were not able to seize. Blunders and missteps were plentiful on both sides.

I highly recommend the book. The information about specific battles is limited because it's not that kind of book. It's about the men in charge and is loaded with biographical information as well as details on their strengths, weakness, and the obstacles they faced in their respective capacities. I give it 5 out of 5 broadsides.

Book One in my Tomahawks and Dragon Fire Series features an appearance by both Howe brothers. In fact, General Howe makes appearances throughout the first six books in the series.

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My noir story is almost ready to submit. Another half-hour of editing should do it. I plan to submit it tomorrow night. My wyrd western short story is still in the early stages, but I anticipate a rapid completion over the next week. After that, who knows?

 

 

Lindsey Kinsella

 Interview with Lindsey Kinsella

Author of

The Lazarus Taxa

 

 Please tell me a little about your current work in progress.

My next book is quite the departure from my first—hopping genres from sci-fi to fantasy. The Heart of Pangaea follows a young girl on a quest through a world within her subconscious to find a cure for her sick mother. It’s an emotional story, but it’s also quirky and fun—I’ve really tried to inject a good dose of humour to balance things out.

Where did you get the idea for this book or series?

My primary inspiration for my current book, The Lazarus Taxa, stemmed from my love of natural history and paleontology. I felt there was a lack of diversity in how dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals are portrayed in popular media, and I wanted to bring a different, more up to date perspective to the world. The story of time travel, conspiracy and greed organically grew from that initial premise.

Do you write in more than one genre?

Yes! The only book I have currently available is sci-fi, but my current project is fantasy and I have plans to write some horror. I have an eclectic reading taste, and that filters through into my writing.

Tell me about something that you believe makes your writing unique or worthy of attention.

I think the blend of fiction and non-fiction is probably the most unique aspect of The Lazarus Taxa. I wanted to tell a good story as a priority, but I also wanted the reader to learn a little about natural history. The book is spattered with Segway/inter-chapters which delve into evolution, extinction, and deep time.

 

Is there anything about your personal history or personality that manifests strongly in your writing?

As an engineer and an avid classic car enthusiast, I’m pretty mechanically minded. I think this filters through most obviously when writing sci-fi as it often involves inventing fictional technologies. I think my background really helps me to make these grounded and believable.

What else would be helpful for readers to know about you?

While I like to build tension, emotion, and provide some insight into the science behind the science fiction, I also like to break it up with some humour. I like to make my readers laugh as much as I like to make them cry or hide behind the sofa!

Excluding your own work, what underrated author or book would you recommend that more people read? Why?

“The Mud Man” by Donna Marie West would be my choice. I discovered Donna as an editor first (she edited The Lazarus Taxa) but soon found she was also a rather talented author herself. The Mud Man is a fairly new release—I had the honour of reading an advanced reader copy before it was published—and it damn near brough me to tears. It tells the tale of a paleolithic mad who is revived after being trapped in permafrost for thousands of years, and how he struggles to adapt to modern life.

Which of your books do you most highly recommend? Why?

Well, for now, I only have the one available, so I will highly recommend The Lazarus Taxa!

Which break, event, decision, or fortuitous circumstance has helped you or your writing career the most?

COVID lockdown, strangely. As a full-time naval architect, parent of two, restorer of cars, and organizer of events—there wasn’t a whole lot of time for much else. However, first lock down meant I could no longer do the latter (most years I organize car shows during the summer months) and freed up some time to sit down and write. I genuinely doubt I’d have even started if not for that time.

What question do you wish you would get asked more often?

I’d love to be asked more questions about the specifics of the book, but I can never answer them without giving away spoilers! I guess that’s the nature of a mystery-format novel.

Do you have a catch-phrase or quote that you like? What is it? And why do you choose it?

One I saw recently has stuck with me.

“Days before Wilbur Wright flew, he was just the latest man to crash.”

It’s a little reminder that failure is part of the process and I think it applies to writing too. I don’t think many authors nail it on their first draft.

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Thanks to Lindsey for participating.

In my own Sisyphean endeavor against the blank screen, I've budged the boulder almost to the summit. I completed another short story yesterday. I'll review it tomorrow and send it off to my Skirmish Team for corrections and critique.

These giveaways and discounts are coming to an end soon:

Looking for non-human characters in fantasy and sci-fi?

Falling into fantasy books on sale here.

This one is brand new: Free Sci-fi and Fantasy for March

Speaking of great stories, don't forget to enjoy these two flash fiction winners by Susan Johnson and Marica Bernstein.

 

80s Double Feature - The Ice Pirates and Krull

 During my workout sessions on the M5, I watched The Ice Pirates and Krull over the last week or so. Both of these movies contain many of the necessary ingredients for great movies, but each fails in its own way.

The Ice Pirates (1984), directed by Steward Rafill, written by Rafill and Stanford Sherman, features a cast that would go on to become bigger stars. If you haven't seen this 40 year old movie, don't worry. I'm not going to give any spoilers.

Robert Ulrich plays the pirate captain Jason.

Mary Crosby plays Princess Karina.

 

Anjelica Huston plays pirate Maida, but doesn't really get to do much.

Ron Perlman plays another pirate, Zeno, and Michael D. Roberts plays Roscoe (in the picture below, left). John Matuszak plays Killjoy. (That is not Matuszak on the right).

 The Ice Pirates manages to take some good actors (and John Matuszak) and run them through a silly story that doesn't make much sense. There are pirates and space ships and robots and lasers and swords. There's even a vehicle with huge wheels and a horned skull running down people. So, one's first thought, naturally, is: What's not to love? Well, a lot. First, it's a parody, so it should be funny. I mean, we've got a busy intersection collision between Star Wars, Space Balls (3 years before Space Balls), Star Crash, and Mad Max. It should be tremendous fun but it's not. 

It is mildly entertaining. Most of the humor is on the lame side, but I did laugh once or twice. It is fun at a jr. high school level--that's probably why I laughed a couple times. I remember watching it back in the 80s on TV connected to a thing called a VCR. My cousin Bob rented it at the video store so he could show it to me as I was out of the country when it came out. That's the main reason I wanted to see it again, so I could remember that time with Bob. Give it a try if you want. It doesn't leave you any stupider than you were to begin with for having watched it. I give it 2.75 chuckles out of five.

Krull (1983), directed by Peter Bates, written by Stanford Sherman, stars Kenneth Marshall as Colwyn and Lysette Anthony as Lyssa.
 

 

 The bit players in the show are better known to me than the stars.

 Francesca Annis (with Freddie Jones behind the glass globe) doesn't get nearly enough screen time as the woman in the web.

Liam Neeson and Alun Armstrong are bandits who join the hero in his quest to save the world and the galaxy with his multi-pronged pocketknife. Liam went on to take some small roles in action adventure flicks where he could put his set of very special skills to work. Alun seems to have been cast as a villain in subsequent roles that I remember. I believe I first saw him in The Duellists, which I have discussed previously, and I also recall him in The Hollow Crown and The Mummy Returns.
 

Robbie Coltrane got bigger roles, including that of a friendly giant in an obscure film series featuring a boy wizard, and he landed a nice spot as both a villain and friend in a couple Bond movies. 

As for the movie itself, I'm afraid it makes less sense than The Ice Pirates. This one also came out when I was out of the country, so I missed the hype when it was first released. As I watched it, I had to wonder if the movie was hoping to spawn a popular video game. I know it's a favorite for many, but it seemed poorly written and not well executed. There were some cool ideas, but they never managed to ring the awesome bell. The most interesting character was the unskilled magician. We never got enough information or character development from even the main characters to really care about any of them. The Krull device for which the movie must be named, was quite effective against the minions of evil when the hero finally got to use it, but was mostly a dud against the creature feature villain, who instead was slain by the power of true love. I thought that if the baddie had been only a little more committed to taking out the hero, he could've ended the adventure much sooner with a victory. His casual approach to terminating the hero hardly seemed like the machinations of a galactic tyrant. I give the movie 2.5 out of 5 multi-tools.

I was hoping that I would've enjoyed both of these more than the little I did. Instead, I found two more movies I won't need to watch again.

 

The Brothers Howe

 The Howe brothers, Admiral Richard and General William, raised Britain's prospects in the Revolutionary War following the defeat at Lexington and Concord and the disastrous victory at Bunker Hill with a series of victories in 1776. The brothers, known for their reckless courage, were supportive of one another and worked in cooperation to launch amphibious attacks on the revolutionaries. Their oldest brother George had been killed in action at Ticonderoga during the French and Indian War (I've mentioned in one of my posts about that war). The Howe brothers not only held military commands, they had been appointed as peace commissioners. 

The approach of the British Armada and army to Staten Island in June 1776 was described as London afloat. It was the largest invasion fleet to sail east across the Atlantic. The combine numbers exceeded the total population of Philadelphia, the largest city in the colonies, and the 32,000 troops seriously outnumbered George Washington's army of 19,000. General Howe planned to conquer New York, taking a major port and the mouth of the Hudson through which he could advance north to Lake Champlain and to Canada.

On August 22, 1776, the Howe's launched the invasion of Long Island where Washington had stationed 9,000 troops. (See my novel Crisis in Fire and Snow for my exciting take on the battle). Howe pinned Washington's troops with a feigned frontal assault by his Hessians while sending a flanking force around via Jamaica Pass to route the Americans. Washington made a miraculous retreat and crossing of the East River under cover of darkness and a morning fog to avoid complete capture. 

Howe went on to take Manhattan, winning at Kip's Bay, amphibiously outmaneuvering Washington at Harlem Heights, and a heavy rain at White Plains allowed Washington to escape again. (All these are also related in Crisis in Fire and Snow). Howe went on to take Fort's Washington and Lee, capturing most of the garrisons. 

Washington continued to escape the British pursuit with an army that was down to only 3,500 troops. Going into winter quarters, Howe's arms had taken 4,500 prisoners (including 4 generals), 235 cannon, with thousands of shells, cannonballs, and muskets, and frightened the Continental Congress into fleeing Philadelphia. 

It was a terrible crisis for the Americans, but Howe was still blamed for lethargy in letting Washington to escape and failing to follow up after each victory to crush destroy the rebellion entirely. Some attributed his lack of hot pursuit on the field to his pursuit of Elizabeth Loring, with whom he had a public affair. However, it may be that Howe's caution was strategic. The brothers, as military leaders and peace commissioners, hoped overwhelming force coupled with conciliatory measures might persuade the rebels to reconcile with Britain. The prevalent belief in Britain was that the militant rebels were few and that a show of force would embolden the majority of the colonists to rally to the crown. Admiral Howe even issued a proclamation of his peace commissioner power to grant pardons and declare peace. All of their peace efforts came to naught, being too little too late as the struggle had become a fight for independence rather than a negotiation for terms of reconciliation. 

Howe had driven Washington to desperation, and he pushed his tattered and rag-tag force through a snow storm and across the Delaware to defeat the garrison at Trenton--but I'll save that for another post.

The above is condensed from The Men Who Lost America by Andrew Jackson O'shaughnessy -- Chapter 3.

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Good news on the writing front this week came in two forms. First, the Sultry Murder Jazz Pinup Noir anthology with my story "A Stardust Memory" came out this week--and I'm named on the cover. Second, my story "Seventh Hussar and Aide to the Mage" was accepted for the Wyrd Warfare anthology scheduled to come out next month. I'll link it then.

If you're looking for some free and discounted books, you'll want to see these limited time offers: 

Check out this telepathic alien detective from the 1930s - Lowan's Checkmate. Download it for free.

Looking for non-human characters in fantasy and sci-fi?

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John W. Wells III

 

 Interview with John W. Wells III

Author of

The Kalib Andrews Chronicles

 Please tell me a little about your current work in progress.

I am currently working on The Invisible City, the third book in The Kalib Andrews Chronicles. I am so excited to share this one with the world. In the third book, Kalib and his friends are forced to leave Hainesville after the town is afflicted with a supernatural plague in the third book. And the only way to save the city is to find one of the last remaining Enochian stones. That stone, combined with an ancient spell and the blood of the Angel Warrior, will vanquish the demon, Beelzebub, who is responsible for the city's supernatural disaster. But where does one find an Enochian stone? Legend has it that a fragment of the stone was hidden inside an ancient city. So, what’s the dilemma? This ancient city is hidden by magic and can only be found if one knows where to look. A difficult piece of knowledge to come by considering that the city inhabitants have been forbidden to leave for thousands of years.

Where did you get the idea for this book or series?

When I was a kid, I LOVED fantasy. Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Narnia, the Lord of the Rings, and even the Percy Jackson series (though I was a little older when that came out). But the one thing I never saw as a kid was a hero that looked like me. As an African American, I wanted kids to see heroes that looked like them among the myriad of eurocentric protagonists. I wanted BIPOC kids to know that they are more than just the sidekick. So I wrote one. When people tell me they read my books, they tell me that they were inspired by the diversity represented in my books. And this inspires me to keep writing.

Do you write in more than one genre?

I tend to stick to the genre that I like to read, Contemporary fantasy. This is where I feel most comfortable. But who knows, maybe I will venture out into other genres one day.

Tell me about something that you believe makes your writing unique or worthy of attention.

I believe my sense of character and voice make my story unique. When people read my book, I think they will empathize with my main character, Kalib. They get the chance to be in his head and hear what he is thinking, and I think the reader's connection to him is powerful.

Is there anything about your personal history or personality that manifests strongly in your writing?

I relate a lot to my main character. We are not the same, but I believe our core needs are similar. In the first book, Kalib struggles with his identity. Being the mayor's adopted son, he doesn’t know where his place is. He wants to know where he belongs and his purpose. These insecurities are the engine that drives Kalib’s story.

Now, I was not adopted. However, I did grow up in my own smaller version of a LimeLight. I grew up a pastor's kid in a small town. Because of this, I often shared with Kalibs feelings that I was in the way. Or that I didn’t belong. I spent most of my Adolescence searching for my place, for my people, and I never found it. So I think I subconsciously infused Kalib with my own struggle with identity, acceptance, and belonging.

What else would be helpful for readers to know about you?

For a brief moment, during a safari in Kenya, I was in danger of being charged by an elephant. The driver didn’t realize until we left that there was a baby elephant in the bushes, and the mother thought we were a threat and began to position herself between the baby and us. The driver then informed us that it was time to go.

Excluding your own work, what underrated author or book would you recommend that more people read? Why?

Jonathan Yanez is a great author, and he tells funny and compelling stories. I came across his books at a seminar and then had the privilege of meeting the guy; not only are his books excellent, but he is also a pretty cool and down-to-earth guy.

Also, Rick Riordan is my favorite author. My love for him began with his fast-paced and witty, Spider-manesque dialogue in the Percy Jackson series. But my admiration grew to respect during the Magnus Chase Series when I realized how intentional he was about inclusivity in his stories. He truly tries to represent all kinds of people without judgment. And to me, that is both admirable and important.

Which of your books do you most highly recommend? Why?

The Heir of Ambrose is my favorite book that I’ve written so far. It was just such a hard story to write. And even going into it, I wasn’t sure how I would write it. I was afraid it would just be a bridge book, and I hate those. But, once I wrote it, it was most definitely NOT a bridge book. It was more involved than I ever thought possible. There is an intriguing mystery, great world-building, and a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Which break, event, decision, or fortuitous circumstance has helped you or your writing career the most?

Meeting my editor, Mentor, and Coach. What started as just a business relationship has evolved into a relationship that has changed my life. My editor is a wise man who not only gets my stories, but he gets me as well. He has taught me more than I could have ever learned in school, and I attribute much of my success to the time (probably more time than necessary) that he takes to ensure that I understand the notes he is giving me. He is no longer just an editor. He has become my mentor, my teacher, and my friend.

What question do you wish you would get asked more often?

mmmh… maybe “Where would you like to visit?”

Do you have a catchphrase or quote that you like? What is it? And why do you choose it?

 I don’t! But I think I need one.

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Thanks to John for participating.

The Haunted Mesa

This week I finished reading Louis L'Amour's The Haunted Mesa for the first time. It's a tale set in the Navajo Mountain area--San Juan County, Utah. I have some passing familiarity with the region and a bit of the history, particularly regarding Moab, Blanding, and Bluff. None of these places figure prominently in the story as the the canyons and mesas provide the larger-than-life setting. 

Legend, myth, and reality clash in this novel. Louis L'Amour channels Tony Hillerman and Edgar Rice Burroughs in this sci-fi/fantasy mystery thriller. The protagonist, Mike Raglan, is a world traveler who investigates and mostly debunks claims of mysterious and supernatural. He's been summoned to the area by an acquaintance, Erik Hokart. By the time Raglan arrives, Hokart has gone missing from the place he's building on one of the mesas. However, he left a journal of his activities, including the strange experiences he has had involving a kiva on the mesa. It becomes apparent that Hokart went through a portal from this world to the old world from which the Anasazi came. That world is apparently a pretty terrible place.

The journal gets dropped off to Raglan and some bad guys try to get it from him. The story wanders from there. Raglan occupies lots of time doing things other than immediately studying the journal in minute detail. He spends too much time wondering--and I can tell that Raglan's wondering is Louis L'Amour wondering where he's going with the story and not getting immediate or satisfactory answers. L'Amour didn't know the answers, so Raglan can't find the answers. The story stalls. 

We meet some interesting characters like Gallagher, a local law enforcement officer; Kawasi, a girl from the other side; Eden, a mysterious woman who may or may not be from the other side. Most of the other characters lack the depth and texture that would make them memorable. A couple interesting bad guys show up late--too late to make them serious players in the drama. 

L'Amour and Raglan grope their way along. There's a sense of urgency to rescue Hokart from the other side before he's killed or tortured or something that could be worse but nobody knows because the author didn't know either. Raglan engages in so much wondering that it becomes painful to read. I know from experience that getting a character to ask questions, to speculate, or to engage in conversations that raise issues the author hasn't yet explored can be good ways to get to those answers. Unfortunately, each dip of the wonder-scoop only dredged up another heaping helping of questions.

In channeling Hillerman and Burroughs, Louis loses L'Amour. The author never successfully weaves the three influences into the tight narrative of action and drama we've come to expect and love. By the time we get to the other side, the book is almost over. The rescue of Hokart stumbles along, rushed and unfulfilling. The whole course of events on the other side reminds me of Trelane's feast and fire for Kirk and company, having form but devoid of flavor and warmth. 

L'Amour gathers components with promise for a fabulous story, but ultimately the tale as assembled becomes less than the sum of the parts. I give it three out of five flutes.

The bonus material at the end indicates that L'Amour researched and discussed this book for a long time, perhaps too long, and may have lost interest in it, but had become obligated to write it. Apparently, L'Amour's usual method was discovery writing where the tale emerges in the telling; the writer experiences it much like the reader. That's also my preferred method. As discussed above, the discovery experience didn't unfold in the usual manner for him with this book--hence the all too frequent wondering sessions by the protagonist. 

If I were to rewrite the book (or perhaps write a similar story) it could be improved by: 1) Cutting down on the wondering and 2) giving the protagonist some clear obstacles to overcome on this side, and 3) thereby discovering a way or two to get to the other side; 4) by the midpoint in the book, the protagonist should be crossing over; 5) the other side should be more interesting with more people and supernatural elements (the enemies were not difficult to defeat), requiring more than bullets to dispatch. (Burroughs would've had his hero stripped of firearms at some early point so that the fights were up close and fraught with personal danger). As it was, the villains of the other side did have a special weapon that worked only at short range, but the hero was never in serious danger from it that I can recall. Also, 6) the journal should be examined more seriously or not used at all; Kawasi could provide the pertinent information and her coming and going or language difficulties could be used to thus delay or misconstrue some revelations.

Maybe I could develop a short story featuring my Whip and Truth characters in a similar setting. 

I do have another short story coming out soon in Raconteur Press' Sultry Murder Jazz anthology. I've also submitted a story for the Wyrd Warfare anthology and am writing on a third to submit for the Magic Malfunction anthology.

 

 

 

Hamlet - Mel Style

 

 Who knew Mad Max made an appearance in Hamlet?

It's Franco Zeffirelli's 1991 adaptation of Shakespeare's moody prince, starring Mad Mel as the perturbed prince, crazy Glenn as Queen Gertrude, Helen Bonham Carter as the tormented Ophelia, Alan Bates, and Ian Holm. I believe the latter is Polonius, which would make Bates the Step-King.

I was delighted to see this one come up on the suggested viewing list. I've already seen two or three Hamlet adaptations and I've watched Branagh's 4 hour marathon a couple times. How does Zeffirelli's version stack up against that of the actor/director who tackled not only Hamlet, Henry V, Much Ado about Nothing, and who knows which other of William's plays?

Zeffirelli gets off to a great start by having a cooler sounding name and a movie short enough that I don't have to take a break in the middle to renew my passport. So, he's got those things going for him.

On the other hand, Branagh didn't have crazy Glenn, so that's a point for him. What have I got against Glenn? Nothing really. She's a fine actress. My distaste for her is purely subjective and probably irrational. That's just the way it is. I preferred Branagh's Julie Christie in the role.

However, Zeffirelli came back with Helen Bonham Carter in the role of Ophelia. I have to approve of the choice. She looks like she's about fourteen in this movie, but she played the character less over-the-top insane than Kate Winslet's Ophelia. I preferred Carter's more demure and sympathetic interpretation of the drown-bound maid.

As for the poisoned daddy of Hamlet, Zeffirelli's ghost-king, played by Paul Scofield, lacked the impressively frightening and motivating presence of the scenery-chewing Brian Blessed.

Alan Bates just doesn't have much to work with in Zeffirelli's adaptation. He's the villain but lacks opportunities to be villainous, his fratricidal deed having preceded the beginning of the play. In Branagh's marathon, Derek Jacobi gets a little more to work with. I have to give the character to Branagh.

As for Polonius, I think I'll call this role a draw. I like both Bilbo Baggins as well as Tom Good/Hector MacDonald in the role. They both proved adept at catching a sword behind the tapestry, which was their primary purpose, so the young Laertes could return with visions of vengeance dancing in his head.

 "Alas, poor Yorick!" The skull had the same number of lines in both adaptations. As for the graveyard scene, Zeffirelli's was good enough. Branagh's was what? It's difficult to remember what I didn't like about it now. Was Billy Crystal too deep into the role to speak clearly enough to be understood? Can't say. I don't remember. I'll have to decline to give points either way on this one.

Laetes returns to avenge the death of Polonius and gets further motivation when his sister Ophelia decides to dabble in underwater poetry. Nathaniel Parker fills the role without as much venom as exhibited by Michael Maloney in Branagh's version. It's a close call, but the duel has to be the deciding factor. Branagh's brings more excitement and tension. It's the climactic scene of the play, and Branagh nails it.
 

Of course, the big lacuna in my comparison to this point has been the lead actors. Mad Mel versus Henry V, Australia versus Great Britain. They both measure up at 5'10" and were about the same age when they elected to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. I admit that I liked Gibson's portrayal. However, Branagh enjoyed a bigger set and a more comprehensive role. He got a lot more screen time than Gibson and had more impressive sets about which to hurl his intemperate outbursts and indulgent monologues. He created a more complete character because the director elected to perform the entire play. Branagh wins this one by virtue of getting to make the important decisions.

Looking back over the score, I count a 4-4 tie, but the calculation is premature. We're not done yet. There's much more to consider. Branagh did the whole play. He had all the characters, and more importantly, he had Charlton Heston--that alone gives him the victory for the better adaptation.

I recommend Zeffirelli's version as a great way to familiarize oneself with the basic plot and the main characters without distractions. It's a streamlined abridgment that carries the audience through from start to finish with an unobstructed view of all the major landmarks. Branagh's Hamlet, like Shakespeare's play, wends its way through the landscape, leaving the main road to explore every copse and goat trail along the way. It's a complete experience--if you've got the time and your passport is new.

_______________________

Enough about The Bard. Let's talk about me. I signed a contract for publication of a short story yesterday and finished writing another new story too. I've sent the new one to my Skirmish Team for a quick review. The story contracted for publication is "A Stardust Memory" and comes out next month in a sultry murder jazz themed anthology in ebook and paperback. I'll post the cover when it's available.

Tea, Coercion, and Conciliatory Acts

 Fun Fact:

Frederick Lord North was 38 when he became prime minister in 1770. Corpulent with large features and a bulbous head, he was famous for his wit, literary anecdotes, and historical references. Prior to becoming PM, he had supported the policies that led to the revolution in America. Although he took a more conciliatory policy when he took office, his policies regarding the East India Company tea precipitated the rebellion. 

The East India Tea Act of 1773 was designed to make tea cheaper in America and increase revenues from the tea tax, thus upholding the right of Parliament to tax America. It seemed like a win-win. While England viewed the right to tax as fundamental to parliamentary supremacy, the Americans regarded any direct tax as a tool for tyranny.

The Americans responded by dumping the East India tea into Boston Harbor. North escalated the tension by imposing the Coercive acts, intending to make an example of Massachusetts; instead, it made North despised in the colonies. The sanctions failed to isolate Massachusetts, uniting the colonies in opposition. 

In February 1775, North introduced his Conciliatory Proposal to Parliament to avoid escalating the conflict. The idea was to allow the colonies to tax themselves--provided they made a sufficient contribution. Parliament would not give up the right to tax the colonies but would suspend the exercise of the right. As you might expect, it was a hit neither with Parliament nor the colonies. Franklin said it was akin to a highway man bringing his hat to the window for you to fill sufficiently to spare him the trouble of rifling your pockets himself.

Although North showed tremendous political courage in submitting the proposal in direct contradiction to the King's wishes, it was too little too late as parliament and the people were set on demonstrating supremacy, and it didn't address other issues that concerned the colonists. 

The heavy losses at Bunker Hill in June 1775 made North believe that a successful military conquest of the colonies was not a likely possibility. 

The above is condensed from The Men Who Lost America by Andrew Jackson O'shaughnessy -- Chapter 2 or 3, I think.

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I spent most of yesterday researching and writing a short story. Don't leap to the conclusion that I finished; it's not even half done. The weather was too cold to do anything outside, and will be worse tomorrow with temperatures coming in at -20.

A fellow author's having a difficult time, being hospitalized at the moment. Give her books a look and choose one or six to start with. Here's a link to Rex Regis, a series starter.

Writing Buddies

 

The characters and items pictured above have been my writing companions for a few years now. On the left is what may be an Aztec death whistle. It makes a sound like rumbling wind or growling jaguar. There are two stone dice from Texas, some poker chips from a production I was in, one white plastic die, an Eiffel Tower replica (not actual size), and a dragon I found at Walmart. The two flanking denizens not only assure that I focus on my work, like the other items, they also have special functions.

The stone dice are a reminder  that the protagonist can't always succeed--even sure things are subject to chance. Even when he does succeed, there must be high probability that he won't. The plastic die suggests that after a failure or a success, there may be more unanticipated possibilities that can change the earlier result. A little luck never hurts. The chips represent the idea that a good story requires rising stakes. Eventually, the protagonist has to go all in.

The Eiffel Tower replica is a reminder to write stories that stand out from the rest of the landscape. The real tower was assembled in two years, two months, and five days. Although that was record time for the age, it's a reminder that a quality project takes time. The Eiffel Tower is made of wrought iron from the Pompey forges in France. The metal was refined through a process known as puddling, which creates almost pure iron. Eiffel claimed it was the best and most robust of materials--another thing it has in common with my stories. It was the first building to reach 1,000 feet in height and remained unchallenged for 40 years. (These facts and more about the tower can be found here). Don't forget, the tower symbolizes Paris, a city of mystery with countless faces. Stories there may rise to the tower's lofty pinnacle or descend to the dark catacombs. Whether in Roman, Viking, medieval, or modern times, Paris makes a fabulous setting. Anything can happen in Paris. A great story has no limits, and the boundaries of every setting and genre can be expanded.
 

What about the monsters? The Aztec death whistle conjures images of human sacrifice with bloodstained altars, stone knives, and naked hearts offered to the sun. Sometimes a story should tear your heart out--or at least nick it. On the one hand, it's death at the hands of evil or deceived fanatics. With the dragon on the other hand, it's have death by fang, flame, and claw. A good story should have some fire to it, with multiple ways to land the protagonist in jeopardy. The antagonist or difficulties must be formidable; it helps if they seem insurmountable and are complicated by a serious case of awesome. 

Finally, note that the death whistle and the dragon bookend the tableau. They remind me to get the protagonist into some peril or adventure early--it helps the reader get interested--and to have a powerful finale. Those monsters on the flanks also symbolize the terrible choices the characters must face. Awful consequences and uncertainty torment the protagonist. The big decisions turn on the small hinges of character and necessity. All the alternatives have their risks and drawbacks. The monsters are Scylla and Charybdis. The true hero sometimes must place his hope in something beyond himself and his own abilities, and trust that he has made the right call--just like the writer does.

Remember, time is running out to get the first three books in the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire Series for only 99 cents each. The first two books lead to the thrilling finale in the third.

Jeff Chapman

 Interview with Jeff Chapman

Author of

The Great Contagion, The Sniggard's Revenge, Last Request: Victorian Gothic, and more

Please tell me a little about your current work in progress.

I’m working on a novel in my Merliss Tales fantasy series. Merliss is the spirit of a young woman who has been trapped inside the body of a gray cat. She had been training to become a healer/shaman, so she retains some magical abilities, but she lives as a cat. The magic which transferred her spirit to the cat gives her physical body an unusually long life. We’re talking thousands of years. Merliss aids her human companions in their battles with disease and supernatural threats. I’ve written two novels in the series (The Great Contagion and Cat Sidhe) and a short story “The Water Wight.” My work in progress is The Breath of the Sea, which is set several centuries in the future from the first two novels. The story concerns an injured mermaid and a dying girl who befriends the mermaid. Merliss is drawn into events to protect the mermaid.

Where did you get the idea for this book or series?

The Merliss Tales were inspired by a cat that my family adopted off the street. Smokey arrived at our house one day begging for food. She was sick and starving. After a trip to the vet, we had a new cat. Smokey possessed several old battle scars. One of her ears was notched and two of her four canines were missing. This gave me the idea for a character based on an old soul in a cat’s body. Merliss was born.

Do you write in more than one genre?

Yes, in addition to fantasy, I’ve written weird westerns, steampunk, horror, historical, and stories that are just weird.

 Tell me about something that you believe makes your writing unique or worthy of attention.

The Merliss Tales feature a cat as the primary protagonist. I call it fantasy from a cat’s eye view. Much of fantasy is written from the perspective of people at the top of the social order. Many of my fantasy stories focus on characters in less exalted positions. I’m aiming to tell the story of events from the perspective of the man in the trench as opposed to the general directing the army.

Is there anything about your personal history or personality that manifests strongly in your writing?

I’ve always found stories of premature burial especially terrifying. This fear was the premise for my historical novella Last Request: A Victorian Gothic. I also love cats. So, it’s not surprising that I’ve created a fantasy series centered around a cat and cats make frequent appearances in my other stories.

 What else would be helpful for readers to know about you?

I have a couple degrees in history, and I enjoy reading and watching documentaries about historical events. My interest in history has guided me toward the fantasy genre. I love looking at the past. Fantasy gives us an opportunity to make up a new past.

Excluding your own work, what underrated author or book would you recommend that more people read? Why?

They should check out Simon Kewin’s The Genehunter. It’s a dark story about a time in the future when human cloning and human-machine integration become commonplace. Kewin gives a compelling glimpse of where humanity’s darkest desires might take us when paired with the technology to get us there.

Which of your books do you most highly recommend? Why?

The Great Contagion. The story is dark and gritty at times and told completely from Merliss’s perspective. More than a few reviewers have said it’s unlike any fantasy they’ve read before.

Which break, event, decision, or fortuitous circumstance has helped you or your writing career the most?

I wouldn’t describe the events as fortuitous, but I faced some serious health issues a few years ago which reminded me of my mortality and refocused my efforts on pursuing my writing dreams.

What question do you wish you would get asked more often?

Have you written any vampire stories?

Yes, I published a short story titled “The Princess and the Vampire.” It’s about a spoiled princess who wants to take a vampire as a lover, but first she wants him to be de-fanged, literally, as in his fangs removed. The love affair doesn’t go according to plan.

 Do you have a catch-phrase or quote that you like? What is it? And why do you choose it?

I've all my wisdom teeth
Two up top, two beneath
And yet I'll recognise
My mouth says things that aren't so wise

That’s a few lines from “The Bereft Man’s Song” by the Crash Test Dummies. It’s part of my email signature. I do have my wisdom teeth, but they don’t always impart wisdom. Seems appropriate to place at the end of an interview.

Links:

http://www.jeffchapmanbooks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/JeffChapmanWriter

https://www.goodreads.com/JeffChapman

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jeff-chapman

https://www.amazon.com/Jeff-Chapman/e/B004YQ2ZWW

https://books2read.com/ap/n0Qjkw/Jeff-Chapman

 ________________________

Thanks to Jeff for participating.

My news for the new year is from a list about last year. My story "Tokens of Moonlight and Mist" made the Tangent Online Recommended Reading List of 2024. The story is in Cirsova Magazine Issue 21/Winter 2024.

I'm between short stories at the moment, having submitted one yesterday and not having commenced another. I've also got Antonio and Rip nagging me for attention for the stand alone novella of their adventure in the islands and perhaps Mexico in search of Johnny Coyne and Catalina with the matter of the stolen ship and munitions to increase their ardor for the chase. Rip wants the ship. Antonio wants Catalina.  It will be book 7 in the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire Series. If you haven't read the prequel to the series, In Death Bedrenched, you can find it on the first of the links below. Check out the other deals too.

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