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.
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.
Once Again: Write Well, Not Fast
It’s novel-writing month or some such thing again, so I’m going to revisit my post on the matter, as I will likely do for a long time to come. My opinion has not changed.
My Halloween Playlist
As an old(er) guy living in a 55+ community, I no longer have to hand out Halloween candy at the front door. Not that I minded doing it back in the day, except that I usually wound up eating at least half of what I (over)bought. And, as the author of four horror novels, my warped mind had me answering the door in the most grotesque fright mask, which sent many little trick-or-treaters screaming to their moms, who waited on the curb.
Guest Post: The Mark On Eve
How’s this for a storyline? A young woman named Eve so strongly supports a candidate in her bid to become America’s first female president that she takes a bullet for her. But Eve doesn’t mind. She’s actually not a “young” woman; she’s over three hundred years old…
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