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 Chindi
In the Navajo culture, the Chindi is a prominent—and feared—figure. “Chindi” is the Navajo word for “ghost,” and this one is no Casper, not by a longshot.
Guilty Pleasures: Nightwing
I should feel quite guilty about enjoying Nightwing, the 1979 horror film based on the Martin Cruz Smith novel of the same name—a movie reviled by both critics and viewers alike. But, as usual, I don’t give a rat’s (bat’s?) butthole about what anyone thinks. For sure, Nightwing is not Citizen Kane, but it does have its moments—most of those moments having to do with the story taking place on a fictional Native American reservation in the desert Southwest.
Blowing Shit Up: Twister And Into The Storm
Yes, in case you didn’t know, tornadoes are responsible for blowing lots of shit up. Mother Nature does get pissed upon occasion. And nowhere is this better illustrated than in the two disaster movies, Twister (1996) and Into the Storm (2014).
Verevolf? Vot’s A Verevolf?
Last week’s post about memorable movie lines included one from the 1941 horror classic, The Wolf Man, specifically from the old gypsy woman named Maleva. The renowned Russian actress, Madame Maria Ouspenskaya, played the oft-imitated role with dead seriousness. It reminded me of an outrageous scene I’d written years ago in the second book of my satirical Bicycling trilogy, The Ultimate Bike Path, so I thought that I’d share it with you.
“Take The Cannoli”…More Great Movie Lines
“I was the East Coast distributor of ‘involved.’ I ate it, drank it, and breathed it… Then they killed Martin, Bobby, and they elected Tricky Dick twice, and people like you must think I’m miserable because I’m not involved anymore. Well, I’ve got news for you. I spent all my misery years ago. I have no more pain for anything. I gave at the office.”
A Deadly Underground World
One accomplishment last week: the second sword & planet novel in my “World After Death” series, Caves of Maldrinium, went live on Amazon Kindle. Originally released in the late ’70s as The Caves of Reglathium, my third published book, the totally rewritten story continues the saga of Dannus Erekwane, once known as Eric Wayne of Earth before his untimely death in the opening chapter of the first book, Warlord of Maldrinium.
Films About Books: The Book Thief
“Books are life” may well be the theme for young protagonist Liesel Meminger in the 2013 drama, The Book Thief. There is only one problem: at the start of the story, Liesel cannot read or write.
“I Can’t Wait Till”…Oh Yes I Can
File this post under the heading of “Old-Guy-Wisdom-Formulated-By-Being-Around-So-Damn-Long” and take it for what it’s worth, or leave it. There are two phrases that you—and I—have doubtless used every day of our lives from the time we were little kids. They are: “I’m looking forward to ____” and “I can’t wait till____.” (Fill in the blanks.) Am I right? We may even use one or both multiple times a day.
Why Remake A Scary Classic?
I really wanted to dislike the 2015 version of Poltergeist, a reboot of the 1982 Steven Spielberg classic ghost story. (Although not credited as director, his vision was all over this film.) I’m a huge fan of the original. Okay, so the new one had its moments—good special effects and all that. But in the end my feelings were simply, meh.
Renowned Artists’ Colony Has Hosted Many Writing Luminaries
For well over a century the artists’ community called Yaddo, located in Saratoga Springs, NY, has nurtured creativity by giving talented people the chance to pursue their work uninterrupted within a supportive environment. The “Who’s Who” of its residents is staggering.
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