Le Samourai

 For a short period of time, Le Samourai was available for free on Prime. It was a movie I had put on my watch list a long time ago. I came across it last week on some list. As soon as I finished watching, it was no longer available for free. I watched it over a three or four day period during my workout sessions on the M5.

If you really want to understand this film, take a look at the words above Alain Delon's hat. "There is no solitude greater than that of the samurai." Think about that. Now imagine a movie that conveys that sense of solitude of which there is none greater. Is that really the hook that's going to get the public all giddy with anticipation? "Come see this plenitude of solitude. You'll love it."

The shots from the film itself are even more exciting, if that's possible. Our samurai's apartment is a cheery battleship gray with added shadow for character.
 

This is not a shot of the grotto of solitude, but it is a nice angle that conveys the idea of a hideout or meditation resort for our hero or anti-hero. It's actually a garage where he takes the stolen car to get new plates put on it.

So what does our samurai do? Well, it appears he's a hit man. The exciting part of the film takes place over a period of about two seconds near the beginning when Delon confronts his target who asks him who he is and what he wants. Delon responds that his name isn't important, and "to kill you" to the second question. The target pulls a gun, but Delon-san is quicker and makes good on his reason for being there.

 It's possible I'm mistaken, but it seemed to me that he wore the hat and trench coat to commit the murder, was seen up close by one witness, and viewed leaving by several others at a distance. He had gone to the trouble to set up an alibi and ditched the murder weapon, but kept the hat and coat, knowing the cops were going to pick him up, and even wore the ensemble to the lineup. That seems like a bit of a flaw in his clever plan. Perhaps it was required by the code of solitude.

Anyhow, there's some interrogation at the police station. Delon-san doesn't get the payment he expected for doing the job, and the cops bug his place and threaten his girlfriend. There are some more things that use of the time (I won't spoil it for you by revealing them) and his solitude is broken by an intruder. It all leads to another car theft and new plates for an apparent murder at the site of the previous murder.

Let's just say that he reaches the point of maximum solitude, and the movie ends. Naturally, I've left out a lot of things that are important to the story because I didn't want to spoil it for you.

There's not much dialog in this film and it's easy to follow. I probably would've been fine to watch it without the subtitles. If you've got a hankerin' for a taste of samurai solitude, this is the film for you.

 _________________________

I finished reading this gem:

 As you might expect, I highly recommend it.

Yesterday, I finished writing a story for submission to an 80s vice anthology. It's neon, and it's noir, and it's absent of gloire, wearing some tubular clothes.

 

 

M D Boncher

 Interview with M D Boncher

Author of

 Tales From the Dream Nebula, Akiniwazisaga, and more

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

Currently I’m working on several projects. Two short stories for an anthology, two novels I hope to have ready for publication for 1q next year if not 4q this year and a card game I hope to have a prototype ready in time in June to pitch to a game designer.

The novels are both sci fi. One is the 4^th book in my Tales From the Dream Nebula serial, and the other is a stand alone (probably) novel titled “Mech Family Robinson” which is a mashup of “Swiss Family Robinson” meets “Battletech” and “Appleseed”.

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

Tales from the Dream Nebula was inspired by Flash Gordon. I was watching it one day and was really sad that there’d be another movie quite like that. I wanted another Ming the Merciless and so I decided to write my own version. But a funny thing happened on my way to writing it. Several ideas collided together over building my own evil space emperor who I named Xiao the Eternal. And the ideas created a really unique villain and backstory that I can’t wait to share more as time goes on in the series.

Mech Family Robinson was a joke title I said to my wife while we were driving someplace and we both went “Hey! That sounds really cool!” Then it was off to the races to figure out how to do it. It’s evolved a bit but remains true to the original concepts. I wanted to see a wholesome family story like those that used to exist. Not some broken, divorcing, constantly fighting “Simpson-esque” sort of thing. A family to aspire to be. Part of that came from watching how some friends of ours are about their children and how they’re raising them so I had some interesting examples and ideas to consider when writing my characters. It’s very loose, but you know how writers draw from everywhere.

Do you write in more than one genre?

Absolutely. Primarily Sci-Fi and Fantasy, but I’m a Blendtec blender for when it comes to genre. I have a few military style stories, post apocalyptic, classic boy’s adventure, some pulp ideas I’ve yet to write and horror. Often these things all seep into one another. Inspiration for me is like loading up your plate at thanksgiving with many different ideas. They tend to touch and mix as you pile it to overflowing. This ain’t no partitioned tray.

I try to remember that genre is a handle on a basket of concepts and promises I’m making to the reader. If it’s a sci fi story, then generally you have X amount of expectations about what that is. But since I mashup genres, it gets difficult. Makes it a little harder come marketing time, but leads to a richer, more unique story.

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

The biggest, probably most arrogant thing I can say is that nobody can tell a story the way I can. Then again, I can’t tell a story like anyone else. It was something I had to realize when confronting the idea of “writing to market”. I’m going to bring my own idea on how to satisfy any open call or writing prompt.

When writing a story, I try to remember that in the opening lines/paragraph/chapter I’m making promises to the reader about a story that by the end of our time, I best answer those to the satisfaction of the reader and myself. That, I think, grants me some authenticity and my reader’s appreciation. No matter what message may be tucked under the covers, the key question is going to be “Are you not entertained?” to steal a line from Maximus Meridius Decimus.

When you pick up a story I wrote, keep that in mind. I want you entertained. If you learned something more or found a theme. That’s a bonus.

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

I can’t say for sure. Every author infuses their stories with their own beliefs, values and experiences. I don’t deliberately write self inserts. It’s often a great way to betray the reader. With my dark epic fantasy, it’s the closest I come to “preaching” anything of my values, because it is rooted so hard into Christianity by it’s very nature. My faith means a lot to me and I want to be truthful about those subjects. On the other side, we’ve had so much message fiction out there where we get smacked over the head with a writer’s agenda we reject it. Spit the hook as I like to say. That’s why whenever I’ve talked with new Christian authors for example, I preach loudly “Story before sermon”! The concept is good for any fervently held belief that is underpinning a work of fiction. Recently I got into watching Yellowstone. Every episode that we slow down to deal with a list of grievances from the natives I darn near fast forward. Even when I agree with them on points. I felt the same way reading “Atlas Shrugged”, which I think is Ayn Rand’s second best book and most hated. The whole “John Galt Speaks” section I’m skimming because it becomes an infomercial for objectivism. Again, I agree with many things said but it’s BORING and it kills the story narrative. I stop skimming when we get back to the story action almost 75 pages later.

So entertainment first and foremost and keep any agenda or sermon you have under the covers. Show don’t tell.

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

I’ve got a lot of irons in the fire. Writing, artwork, music and even game design. It often feels like I’m getting nowhere fast, but then I turn around and see that all these things creep forward at their own pace. Me and the darling bride, are also improving our social media setup so it’s centralizing for all our benefit.

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

S. Kirk Pierzchala. Her writing style is like William Gibson and Tom Clancy had a baby. Her Cascadia series is phenomenal. You get sucked in easily and she’s easy to read. It’s not often that you run into an indie author that has both a distinctive voice but a good grasp of storytelling. She understands the pace and speed of entertainment. Either she works really hard at it, or it’s instinctual, I can’t tell which.

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

Depends on what you’re looking for. If you want some lighter fare, my Tales From the Dream Nebula series is that. It gives off a Guardians of the Galaxy meets Firefly/Serenity vibe. No superheroes, but you are in an ultratech environment, so lots of fantastical things happen.

On the other hand if you want something darker, and more introspective, you’d want to look at my Akiniwazisaga. It deals with much heavier things of personal worth, rejection, resilience, faith, trust, betrayal and righteousness. The original ideas that spawned it’s creation was to address a few thought experiments brought about by a D&D character I created over a decade before I started writing. I wanted to know if:
A- Could you have literal Christianity in a fantasy setting with all the magical fun of D&D?
B- What would a culture look like if they discovered steampower but not gunpowder? (Blame Civilization 1 for this.)
C- What if the vikings had discovered the great lakes and colonized the area?
D- Was there a way to use spiritual warfare, deliverance ministry and exorcism as a foundation for a magic “system”. I should note I hate the phrase “magic system” because I believe any magic that can be quantified, studied, made repeatable and safe is not magic. It’s technology by any other name in lines with the precepts of Clarketech.

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

Learning that the word “Networking” is adult-speak for “Making friends” and going to writer’s conferences. The first conference I ever went to was Realm Makers in 2018. It had the ironic twist of meeting my (now) wife there. But I looked at how much going was going to cost me and realized that I could not waste that money. I had to ignore my introversion and throw myself out there every chance I get. I learned quickly that the classes are for learning craft, but networking is done after hours in hotel lobbies, hotel room parties, banquet tables and quiet corners. It’s also not all about pitching your stories. It’s about you listening. Waiting to be invited to share by others and most importantly being ready to capitalize on the opportunity. It wasn’t till I went to Fantasci that my writing career started to really grow. The friends and associations you make at these events are invaluable.

The catch is figuring out if the event is going to help advance your career or is just there to take money from you. There are several, and I won’t name names that are more predatory than they are helpful. I will say any event “selling” you a system is a red flag.

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

I’ve read all your books and love what you’re doing. How can I help?”

I say this semi-tongue-in-cheek because being an indie, I have to do everything myself (okay I do have my darling bride to make a bunch of the business stuff happen because no… no I’m not built for business. I’m a creative.) I’ve always needed more help with promotion and social media and even having a person I can trust to give feed back. Indies don’t have editors to provide them with a circle of checks and balances to help hold them accountable, stay on target and then help scream to the world “The next book is out!” and celebrate that fact with them.

The good news for fans of indie authors is that you are living in a time where access to the people who create your entertainment. Your access has never been better. So if any author touches your heart, and they’re a new author, you best reach out and let them know you want to get involved.

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

I like to sign off by saying “vaya con Dios”. Go with God. It’s a nice way to send someone on their way.

___________________________________

Thanks to M.D. for sharing.

I"m pleased to share this anthology cover and link - which includes my Whip and Truth story "Moonlight Fandango." (I believe M.D.'s wife also has a story in this one).

The introduction noted the inclusion of my story like this:

"One of our fan favorites, the wisecracking buddy team with the enchanted bandanas who constantly get into trouble, are back and in a tighter spot than ever."
 

 

Cursed Ruins Finale

We had a weekend back at the manor house to battle the green horde and other adversaries. I took the picture above on the ride home. Note I said "ride" rather than "drive." I had to retrieve the steel steed on wheels and take the long way home while my bride, after having breakfast in American, returned in the carriage via the freeway. My route took longer, but I missed the torrential downpour that attacked the unsuspecting caravans on the road more traveled.

In addition to mowing the green horde--but hold on, let me address the defense of the fortress against the horde. The cooperation of the Craftsman Warmachine is a prerequisite, based on the ancient treaty of 2012, for engaging the with the verdant enemy. The warmachine was in dire need of having its blades sharpened. Therein lies a tale. I'll be brief:

In order to sharpen the blades, I needed to remove them. To remove the blades, I needed to raise the front end of the machine to expose the killing mechanisms. To raise the front, I needed to drive it up two planks. To drive it up two planks, I needed something elevated against which I could place the planks. Although I could've carried the planks and driven the warmachine to the tailgate of the pickup, I elected to bring the mountain to Muhammed. However, the mountain wouldn't start after a year or more of sitting rooted to the landscape. Fortunately, I had the box of persuasion to attach to the mountain's battery. After a few tries, and on what I had determined was to be the very last try before Muhammed would have to do the moving, the mountain roared to life. 

There were more complications, but I realize the account of the Cursed Ruins Finale is what you're here for, so I'm leaving out the minor complications.

The sharpening went smoothly, and pursuant to the agreement of 2012 and the various addendums adopted through the years, Warmachine and I waged holy war against the emerald army. I had previously disabled the pickets of the horde with a preemptive strike with the weed eater. Two weed eaters, actually, but therein lies more complicated details involving gas, string, and the mystery of why one whirly-stringy killer thing became a conscientious objector after only five minutes of not-very-stealthy slaughter of the enemy sentries.

Anyway, we smote the green horde hip and thigh and came away with victory

Now, to the Cursed Ruins Finale:

 Behold the guardian of the Cursed Cauldron--also called the Cauldron of Mystery. Hold on, we're not there yet. When we last left our heroes, they faced two doughty foes in the Cursed Ruins and had but begun the battle when bedtime beckoned. We resumed the adventure at that point. After some missteps, Gratell II found himself wounded and attacked by one adversary with the other nearby and ready to join the assault upon his person. The wizard took a serious wound but ignored the hurt to grab his antagonist and hurl him into the other approaching meany. Both of the foes were armed with sharp steel, and in the impact of one with the other, regrettably there was an incident of friendly piercing. That pair of foes never recovered the upper hand in the fray, and Gratell and Charo dispatched these minions within the ruins. They also located a pair of treasures which healed their hurts, restored some of their heroic points, and proved crucial to their endeavor. The lantern lit the right path, revealed traps, and discerned the purpose and use of magic objects, including the ring of fire.

With an abundance of caution, our heroes entered the courtyard before the cauldron chamber. One of the guards at the chamber door spied Charo and ran at him, calling to his foul companion. Charo and Gratell made a tactical retreat, outdistancing they guards who may have been uncertain about leaving their posts at the door. Our adventurers for hire grabbed their rope and positioned themselves at opposite sides of the first doorway. They let the first creature with the spiked club pass through on the run. He bolted through, continuing through the next room. When the second guard burst through the doorway, they snagged his foot by raising the rope with perfect timing. They quickly dispatched the fallen enemy and tried to run the same trick on the other minion when he realized his error and raced back too late to help his comrade. Their timing was off, so he didn't trip, but they succeeded in quickly acquainting him with the hereafter.

Gratell used a spell to bust open the magic lock and reveal the giant smoking cauldron with its armored guardian within.

The guardian met their attack by casting a scoop of mysterious mist from the cauldron in their direction. The resulting horrible scream had Gratell backing out of the room but otherwise unharmed. When they renewed the assault, the guardian repeated the throw, dousing the heroes in darkness, but it dissipated before the guardian could get within striking distance. After a little skirmish and maneuver, Charo remembered that he had this cool new piece of jewelry emblazoned with flames. The fearless adventurers backed away to make sure the magic flames wouldn't rebound to barbecue them as well. The guardian had a chance to close the distance and expound on the wounds they had received, but he was not quick enough, and Charo (an apt name at this point) dispatched a blazing message that entirely bathed the guardian in flame. His armor was no help and the baptism by fire proved fatal.

But wait, there's more. Not only did they fill the flask with some contents of the cauldron as they were hired to do, despite the warnings, Gratell quaffed the contents. Luck was with him, and he received a benefit that I can't recall at the moment, along with a 24 hour curse on his social interactions. Charo decided to follow with a gulp of his own, receiving 3 abilities that included breathing underwater; I forget the other two. The accompanying curse causes him to go berserk for a turn whenever he takes a wound. He was less thrilled about his snootful than was Gratell. 

Next time: Getting the flask to the patron.

 

 

 

Alice Ivinya

 Interview with Alice Ivinya

Author of

The Kingdom of Birds and Beasts Trilogy

 

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

My current work in progress is The Widow and The Beast, which I'm hoping to get back from my copy editor next week.

The book is bursting with folklore, especially Scottish and Norse. Some of the creatures I've included are seriously freaking me out!

Did you know in the north of Scotland, there is still so much fear around the Nuckelavee that they only have started speaking its name out loud in recent years?

As a result of these insane creatures, this book is on the darker side, but still focusing on hope and redemption!

The story is a retelling of The Water Horse of Barra, with echos of Beauty and the Beast, and is the prequel to four more planned books in the same world in the series, Kingdoms of the Faery Path.

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

I heard the fairytale The Water Horse of Barra when I was on holiday in Scotland and I loved that it was the flip of most stories in the fact it is the innocent girl who captures the beast and not the other way around.

 Do you write in more than one genre?

I try to stick to young adult fantasy, but some are more romances, some are more adventures, some are more new adult! So I'm not that strict within the broad category! I feel my readers are pushing me toward more romances though!

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

I often have under represented heroines, including a lot of characters with perceived disabilities. For example, Violet in The Flawed Princess has a club foot. Adelaide in Silent Melody is deaf and her friend, Claricia is blind. Charity in Enchanted Melody is missing a leg, whilst Peter has depression. Brianna in Feathers of Snow has severe PTSD.

I often have these characters showing how these characteristics make them stronger rather than wishing they were the same as everyone else.

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

I am a die hard optimist and always believe good will triumph over evil. I think this definitely comes across!

I am also dyslexic and really struggled at school until I was about ten when I finally had enough strategies to help me keep up. I couldn't tell the time and my spelling was awful, not to mention how bad I was at maths!

I felt like I had to work three times as hard as everyone else for the same result, and actually, being used to that disadvantage from a young age, and working harder, helped me overcome harder studies later on at university and pass all my exams with top grades.

I think this is reflected in a lot of my stories where things that put my characters at disadvantages compared to their peers turn around to become their strengths.

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

I write fun, beautiful but with dark edges books with clean romance.

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

So many good underrated books out there! Why not check out The Fair Queen by Lyndsey Hall, which is so imaginative and so much fun! Or A Soul as Cold as Frost by Jennifer Kropft which has such beautiful prose and fast paced adventure. Or The Apprentice Storyteller, whose philosophical deeper meanings are like nothing else I've quite read. Or if you're after something fun and a bit silly but with profound moments, try Sky Sommers book Cinders: Necessary Evil.

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

My most popular is the Kingdom of Birds and Beasts trilogy starting with Feathers of Snow, or available as an omnibus. But my debute, The Flawed Princess, will always hold a special place in my heart with it's gentle, slow burn enemies to lovers!

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

I couldn't point to any one event, but the thing that has helped my career the most is the amazing support I get from other indie authors who have now become close friends. I write with some of them in anthologies together and we have such fun!

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

Would you like another cup of tea and biscuit?

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

'Imperil the world.' Is a quote from Brandon Sanderson about writing. He says to always raise your stakes as high as they go to make the story feel urgent and fast paced.

 ____________________________

Thanks to Alice for participating.

 Out of curiosity, I asked one of the AI sorcerers to tell me about Threading the Rude Eye. This was the response:

Threading the Rude Eye is the first installment in the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire series by Stanley Wheeler, blending elements of alternate history and flintlock fantasy. Set against the backdrop of the American Revolutionary War, the novel introduces a world where magic and mythical creatures coexist with historical events.

Plot Overview

The narrative follows Lucette, a determined young woman from a nation under siege, tasked with delivering a secret map to a powerful cache of magic in America. Her journey intertwines with Alex, a young man whose aspirations are disrupted by the unfolding conflict. Together, they navigate a landscape fraught with danger, including a formidable dark commander wielding mysterious powers. Their quest is further complicated by encounters with dragon hunters and smugglers, all while the fate of two continents hangs in the balance.

Themes and Style

Wheeler's writing is characterized by its fast-paced action and rich historical detail, seamlessly integrating fantastical elements like dragons and magic into the 18th-century setting. The story explores themes of courage, destiny, and the complexities of war, offering readers a fresh perspective on a pivotal era in history.

Reception

Readers have praised Threading the Rude Eye for its engaging plot and imaginative world-building. The book has received positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.89 out of 5 on Goodreads.

Series Continuation

The Tomahawks and Dragon Fire series continues with the following titles:

Power to Hurt

• Clamorous Harbingers
• Promise of Carnage and Flame
• Truth in Flames
• Crisis in Fire and Snow

Each installment builds upon the rich tapestry of characters and settings introduced in the first book, delving deeper into the alternate history crafted by Wheeler.

If you're interested in exploring a unique fusion of historical fiction and fantasy, Threading the Rude Eye offers an adventurous and thought-provoking read.