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.
Myths And Legends: The Mad Gasser Of Mattoon
This is one weird story…and I do mean weird. It occurred a long time ago, and to this day the “explanations” are no more than guesswork and speculation. Some even say that the incidents didn’t happen, that they were the result of mass hysteria. In any case, curl up around the campfire, kiddies, and I’ll tell you about the Mad Gasser of Mattoon.
Bestselling Authors Make Great Film Directors—Not!
The bestselling author in question here is none other than Stephen King. His directorial effort, singular, is the 1986 “science fiction action horror comedy” film, Maximum Overdrive, based (loosely) on his short story, Trucks. The movie was a disaster both critically and at the box office, and King, who in an interview many years later swore that he was “coked out of his mind” during the entire production, vowed never to direct another film. He has kept that promise.
Films About Books: In The Mouth Of Madness
It is pretty well accepted that reading books can influence people in many ways, both positively and negatively. But can they drive readers to madness and murder?
Guilty Pleasures: Wild Wild West
I may be the only person on the planet who found the 1999 “steampunk western action comedy” film, Wild Wild West, a “pleasure” to watch. Heck, even its star, Will Smith, hated this movie. But, as I’ve said a thousand times, I’m easily entertained…
The Body Snatchers: The Novel That Spawned Four Film Versions
During my many decades—or is that centuries?—living on this planet I have encountered a number of people who’ve shared the same childhood nightmare. In it, they awaken one morning to discover that their mother is not their mother, or their favorite uncle is no longer their uncle…or sister, or father, or whomever. More than likely these folks, as kids, saw the same movie—the 1956 version of the classic sci-fi thriller, Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
“My Blue Blanket!”—Gene Wilder Movie Lines
A comedic genius has left us. Gene Wilder passed away last week. But he left us a great legacy of humor in his many films. Here is a small sampling of his best lines.
Quotes From Writers—About Writing
Writers have never shied away from sharing thoughts about their craft, among other topics. In this occasional series we will have a look at some of their insights. I’ll begin with one of my favorite quotes EVER.
Righting Old Wrongs: Almost Done
With the recent publication of my Sword & Planet novel, Slaves of Maldrinium, I am close to fulfilling a promise that I made to myself a few years ago. The catalyst for this occurred during the start of my writing career, when I was fortunate—or maybe unfortunate—enough to publish thirteen novels in only four years.
Is “Outstanding Remake” An Oxymoron?
With so many folks pissed off about the remake of Ghostbusters, I got to thinking: has anyone ever referred to the remake of any much-loved movie as outstanding? More than likely the response is “meh” or “why bother?” or “what the heck were they thinking?” Did we really need remakes of Psycho, or Clash of the Titans, or Poltergeist, or Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, or…well, I’m sure you can come up with your own list.
Myths And Legends: The Angry Ghosts Of Japan’s Suicide Forest
Who knew? Until I saw a film titled The Forest earlier this year, I had not heard of Aokigahara. Research revealed something shocking: this vast forest, located near the base of Japan’s sacred Mt. Fuji, is a place where thousands of people have come to take their own lives. Even more shocking: their spirits, the yūrei, continue to haunt the Sea of Trees.
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