Swords, Specters, & Stuff
Welcome to My World
I started this blog in January 2012 for one simple reason: I love to write. I named it “Swords, Specters, & Stuff” because I especially love to write about writing, about books and movies in my favorite genres, about authors that mean a great deal to me. But there’s more to it than that, which is why I included “Stuff” in the title. It is “Stuff” that gives me carte blanche to write about anything, which is why you’ll see stories about special trips to Cooperstown, Sedona, and other places; about getting older; about baseball; about the otherworldly way in which I met my soul mate; about the loss of good friends, and so much more. Enjoy! And feel free to leave a comment.
The Dark Throne: Quotes From THE RISE OF SKYWALKER
As I’ve noted before with episodes VII and VIII in the Star Wars universe, THE RISE OF SKYWALKER—episode IX—does not nearly approach the plethora of memorable quotes from the original trilogy, aka episodes IV, V, and VI. I mean, some of them have become part of the vernacular, ones that we’ve all used.
Has Halloween Really Ended?
Don’t stress, I’m not talking about the merchandising-fueled holiday on October 31st. This is about the thirteen-film slasher series, now spanning over four decades, and more specifically, last year’s entry, HALLOWEEN ENDS. But does it end?
Murder And Mayhem In Quebec
Award-winning Canadian writer Louise Penny is the author of the popular mystery series featuring Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec police force, which services the sprawling province of Quebec from its headquarters in Montreal. The primary (fictional) setting, located in the rural Eastern Townships, is the seemingly idyllic village of Three Pines…a place where a whole lot of secrets are buried.
The Driveway From Hell
Well, that’s what I call it, and it may seem rather extreme for a driveway, but you’ll understand once I explain. It’s also an ironic appellation, considering that this driveway leads up to the “back forty” parking lot of…a church.
Is It Still The Victorian Era For Women?
My bride and I just finished viewing the three seasons (with a fourth on the way) of the PBS Masterpiece mystery series, MISS SCARLET AND THE DUKE, which we enjoyed. The stories are set in 1882 London, not the era in which you’d expect to find a strong-willed, independent woman like its main character, Eliza Scarlet.
An Icelandic Christmas Tradition
My bride and I visited Iceland during the summer many years ago. At that time of year there are more than twenty hours of sunshine each day. In December, not so much. Hardly any, in fact. Still, they have a Christmas tradition that rocks!
Guilty Pleasures: THE BLOB (1988)
Whether you’re a casual or serious fan of horror/sci-fi films (I’m the latter), you probably associate THE BLOB with the classic B-movie from 1958. After all, it was Steve McQueen’s first starring role. In subsequent years it produced a few sequels, but the first remake came about in 1988.
Milestones
Two days ago (November 26th) marked the 32nd anniversary of the day Jacqueline and I met. Tomorrow (November 29th) marks our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. It has been an awesome ride…
Myths And Legends: Haunted Truck Roads
It surprised me to discover that this country harbored so many haunted roads, from East Coast to West Coast. I did write about one such road, which ran through a portion of Nebraska. But as many truckers can tell you, that is just the proverbial tip of the iceberg. Here’s the skinny on a couple of them.
Going To The Dogs
Erstwhile earthling Bernie Smith was zapped up from an Iowa cornfield to the deadly planet of Persus in my Sword & Planet spoof, THE WIZARD FROM HARRMEL. In book two, THE HORRORS OF HARRMEL, Bernie and his bride, Thanna Dora, set out on a dangerous quest after learning that her long-lost father, Skreen Dor, may still be alive.
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