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.
When Dragons Rule The Earth
Three of Hollywood’s leading men in one movie? Yes, the 2002 post-apocalyptic fantasy, Reign of Fire, gave us Christian Bale, Matthew McConaughey, and Gerard Butler, all with a common goal: kill the dragons, before humankind on Earth is no more.
My One—And Only—Self-Indulgent Post For The Year
As the new—and uncertain—year of 2017 begins, I’ve had a chance to look back at what I’ve accomplished in recent years. The last seven years, to be more specific, ever since the eye-opening experience of a brush with my own mortality.
Can A Butterfly Alter The Course Of Time?
It is hard to imagine a story written by the great Ray Bradbury NOT translating well to the big screen. But such was the case with the 2005 sci-fi thriller, A SOUND OF THUNDER. Bradbury published the story in COLLIER’S magazine (1952) and he later included it in his short story collection, GOLDEN APPLES OF THE SUN. But to me, all of the bad reviews for this box-office bomb may not have been totally justified.
We Could All Use Some Laughs About Now, Ya Think?
This past year has been a challenging one, to say the least. And the upcoming year looms with uncertainty. I think you know why. We need our sense of humor now more than ever, and to that end I offer my latest book, THE WIZARD FROM HARRMEL. Writing this Sword & Planet spoof helped me through some trying months. I hope it will give you a chuckle or two.
Native American Film Gems: Powwow Highway
If this 1989 comedy-drama had nothing else going for it (it had plenty, I kid you not), the presence of co-star Gary Farmer would have been enough. POWWOW HIGHWAY, produced by—among others—George Harrison (yes, that George Harrison!), explores the frustrations—and sometimes great joys—of being a Native American on an isolated reservation in the High Plains of America.
A Journey Into The Sea Of Trees
If you’re a movie buff, you would probably jump at the chance to see a film starring Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey and Oscar nominees Naomi Watts and Ken Watanabe, three outstanding actors. Well, they all performed in the 2015 drama, The Sea of Trees, and I’ll bet that most of you didn’t see it. For that matter, hardly anyone else in the world did either. And I think that’s a shame.
A Film That Only A Writer Could Love?
With regard to the 2016 biographical drama, GENIUS, I could have added “Films About Editors” to my blog as a new series. But really, how many films have book editors, such as the legendary Maxwell Perkins, as the lead character? (Marvel presents, “Red Pencil Man”? Naaah…)
The Year Of The Wolf
Who knows, maybe there were a few extra full moons in 1981. Whatever the case, Hollywood appeared to wax lycanthropic with three wolf-themed films, including today’s subject, The Howling.
“I Had Once Heard Of Iowa”— More Fun Movie Quotes
If you’re reading this on its posting date, Monday the 21st, then I’m on my way back from Iowa after a visit with my bride’s family. So what better film to choose for my first quote?
Films About Writers—Papa: Hemingway In Cuba
I first saw this 2016 film six months ago, during a limited release in the U.S. I’m talking REAL limited—hardly in any theaters, and in most cases for no longer than a week. But no way was I going to miss a film about one of our greatest—and most messed up—writers.
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