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.
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.
Throwback Thursday: Plumbing The Depths
BENEATH HEAVEN LIES HELL. BENEATH HELL LIES…THE CAVE. Actually, I probably could’ve designated this claustrophobic 2005 horror flick as a Guilty Pleasure, even though I’ve always enjoyed watching it. Not so others, apparently.
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.
Throwback Thursday: Ghostly Legends Of The Whaley House
“There are some human beings who are dimly aware of their own deaths, yet have chosen to stay on in what used to be their homes, to be close to surroundings they once held dear.” – Hans Holzer
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…)
Throwback Thursday—Guilty Pleasures: Tremors
THE ULTIMATE UNDERGROUND MOVIE. IT WILL LEAVE YOU LEGLESS!
Yep, that was a tagline for the 1990 horror/comedy flick, Tremors. It didn’t bother me one bit, because—heck, they had me at its main protagonist, Kevin Bacon, one of my favorites.
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.
Throwback Thursday: A Real Turkey
This being Thanksgiving, it seems appropriate to write about a turkey of a movie. I’m talking about Mimic 2, the 2001 sequel to one of my favorite horror flicks, Mimic (duh).
“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?
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