New Year's Eve Fantasy Link 12/31/17

As the old year fades away and we begin a new year, I want to wish a Happy New Year to everyone!

Today's link is an article about the fantasy and science fiction shows and movies that will be coming out in January. Enjoy!  http://www.syfy.com/syfywire/all-the-sci-fi-tv-and-movies-hitting-netflix-hulu-and-amazon-prime-in-january-2018

Daily Fantasy Link 12/30/17

Today's link if for fantasy artist Ciruelo's website. He does wonderful artwork of dragons and other fantasy things.  http://www.dac-editions.com

Daily Fantasy Link 12/29/17

Today's link is an article about five stories that are hurt by unlikable characters:  https://mythcreants.com/blog/five-stories-hurt-by-unlikable-protagonists/

Daily Fantasy Link 12/28/17

Today's link is an article on who would win the fight between a Balrog or Dragon:  https://www.tor.com/2017/12/28/who-would-win-in-the-ultimate-dragonbalrog-showdown/

Daily Fantasy Link 12/27/17

Today's link is for an article about SFF movies and TV shows for 2018:  https://www.tor.com/2017/12/27/sci-fi-fantasy-movies-tv-looking-forward-to-in-2018/

Daily Fantasy Link 12/26/17

Today's link is to a story, but it's a space opera story. Still, enjoy:  https://mythcreants.com/stories/contingency/#more-18071

Merry Christmas!

Here is a classic letter of Christmas hope:

 Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.
You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Hi,
No link today. Just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! May the gifts of fantasy and wonder be yours.

Daily Fantasy Link 12/23/17

Today's link is an article of interest for those who play role playing games and limiting NPCs:  https://mythcreants.com/blog/eight-tips-for-managing-npcs/#more-20513

Daily Fantasy Link 12/22/17

Today's link is a writing article about when "Five Signs Your Story is Transphobic:   https://mythcreants.com/blog/five-signs-your-story-is-transphobic/#more-20542

Daily Fantasy Link 12/21/17

If you love Charles de Lint's books, please consider joining his group on Facebook the Mythic Cafe. There are many interesting posts there daily:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/114379772019551/

Daily Fantasy Link 12/20/17

Today's link is great news for fantasy fans. Guy Gavriel Kay's Fionavar Tapestry books will be made into a tv series:  https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10154832994897003&id=189763622002

Daily Fantasy Link 12/19/17

Today's link is for the website of Faerie Magazine. This is a consistently published magazine about faeries and other fantasy creatures. https://faeriemagazine.com

Daily Fantasy Link 12/18/17

Today's link is an interview with fantasy author Stephen Donaldson:  http://www.unboundworlds.com/2017/12/stephen-r-donaldson-interviewed-seventh-decimate/

Daily Fantasy Link 12/17/17

An article for writers from Mythic Scribes about wagons, carts and trucks:  https://mythicscribes.com/history/wagons-carts-trucks/

Daily Fantasy Link 12/16/17

Here's a writing link for today. "Five Insufficient Reasons for Including Bigotry in Your Story" :  https://mythcreants.com/blog/five-insufficient-reasons-for-including-bigotry-in-your-story/#more-20565

Daily Fantasy Link 12/15/17

This is the beginning of part of my reset. I'm going to try to post a daily link of something of interest for blog readers.  Today's first link is an article from Mythcreants about Six Tips for Sequels:  https://mythcreants.com/blog/six-tips-for-sequels/

Reset

The new year is a little less than a month away, but it’s time for a reset for this blog. Life events have kept me from regular posts and I plan to get back on schedule starting this month. The reset is mainly for me, also for readers of this blog. I’m working on articles and an interview. I hope to stay on schedule in the new year too. Thanks for bearing with me.

Fantasy Links 9/15/17

Hello again,

Back after a short time of life events taking precedence. I hope to get back to posting articles soon. While you wait, here are some links to explore:

A writing article on writing long series:  https://www.tor.com/2017/09/15/writing-saga-series-and-just-plain-long-books/

An interview podcast with Charles de Lint:  https://kobowritinglife.com/2017/09/13/kobo-writing-life-podcast-episode-092-charles-de-lint/

A new take on the “Game of Thrones” tv series:  https://theportalist.com/without-george-rr-martin-is-game-of-thrones-still-great

An article on how to create an eclectic magic system:  https://mythcreants.com/blog/how-to-create-an-eclectic-magic-system/

Fantasy Links 8/25/17

Here are some links of interest for this week:

A writing article about writing epic fantasy the historical fiction way:  https://www.tor.com/2017/08/25/writing-epic-fantasy-the-historical-fiction-way-lessons-from-dorothy-dunnetts-the-game-of-kings/

An article on the monster’s place in fantasy:  http://fantasy-faction.com/2017/a-monsters-place

An article on Patricia McKillip’s The Forgotten Beasts of Eld :  https://www.blackgate.com/2017/08/24/an-incomparable-voyage-through-dreamland-the-forgotten-beasts-of-eld-by-patricia-a-mckillip/

An article on the romance of violence:  http://www.dianapfrancis.com/2017/08/10/romance-of-violence-revisted/

An article on “The Storyteller’s Guide to Criticism”  :  https://mythcreants.com/blog/a-storytellers-guide-to-criticism/

Fantasy Links 8/18/17

A list of fantasy books to read from the 90s:  http://www.unboundworlds.com/2017/08/want-read-90s-heres-start/

An article about eclipses in fantasy and science fiction:  http://www.tor.com/2017/08/18/all-the-crazy-stuff-that-goes-down-during-sff-eclipses/#more-287671

An article about reading the right book at the right time:  http://www.tor.com/2017/08/18/the-right-book-at-the-right-time/

A writing article on omniscient narration:  https://mythcreants.com/blog/five-essentials-of-omniscient-narration/#more-18937

An article about wizards in fantasy:  http://fantasy-faction.com/2017/worlds-within-worlds-part-three-old-grey-beards

A list of books to get started in urban fantasy:  https://theportalist.com/urban-fantasy-101-books-to-get-you-started

Fantasy Links 8/5/17

A day late but here you go.

An article about fantasy books inspired by British Isles stories:  http://www.tor.com/2017/08/04/13-fantasies-inspired-by-legends-from-the-british-isles/

A writing article on getting inspiration from history:  https://mythcreants.com/blog/six-tips-for-taking-inspiration-from-history/

An article on genre expectations for romance:  https://madgeniusclub.com/2017/08/02/romance-structure-and-genre-expectations/

An article on Stephen King’s “The Dark Tower” :  http://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/movies/a10392330/stephen-king-primer/?utm_campaign=Contact+Quiboat+For+More+Referrer&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=quiboat

An article on self publishing:  http://fantasy-faction.com/2017/10-tips-for-self-published-authors

Fantasy Links 7/28/17

An article on writing and publishing:  https://mythcreants.com/blog/will-your-subgenre-prevent-you-from-being-published/

An article on the Belgariad by David Eddings at 30:  http://fantasy-faction.com/2017/the-belgariad-by-david-eddings-over-thirty

A list of fantasy books from the 80s:  http://www.unboundworlds.com/2017/07/want-read-80s-heres-start/

An article from an author about how Star Wars helped him with his epic fantasy trilogy:  http://www.tor.com/2017/07/28/what-star-wars-taught-me-about-my-epic-fantasy-trilogy/

An article about Stephen King’s Dark Tower:  http://www.tor.com/2017/07/28/the-dark-tower-internet-fandom-and-true-love/

An article about types of authors we don’t need:  https://yesclash.com/2017/07/26/ten-types-of-authors-who-can-go-fuck-themselves/

World Fantasy Award nominations for this year:  http://www.locusmag.com/News/2017/07/world-fantasy-award-nominees/

Fantasy Links 7/7/17

Welcome to a new post. With "Game of Thrones" premiering soon. Here are some interesting links from around the web.

A list of new and notable books for July:  http://www.locusmag.com/Magazine/2017/07/new-notable-books-july-2017/

An article on getting ideas for writing:  http://www.locusmag.com/Magazine/2017/07/new-notable-books-july-2017/

Information on a new “Game of Thrones” touring exhibit:  http://www.syfy.com/2017-7-7/game-of-thrones-the-touring-exhibit-hbo

Some “Game of Thrones” quotes:  https://theportalist.com/the-best-game-of-thrones-quotes

An article about other dualities to use other than good and evil:  https://mythcreants.com/blog/five-more-dualities-that-can-replace-good-and-evil/

Another “Game of Thrones” article on is magic Westeros’s problem” :  http://www.tor.com/2017/07/07/is-magic-the-cause-of-westeros-problems/

Fantasy Links 6/16/17

Here's a short post for today.

A list of fantasy and science fiction books coming out in the next few months:  http://www.locusmag.com/Resources/ForthcomingBooks.html

An article about ghost writing for a living:  https://www.blackgate.com/2017/06/14/more-thoughts-on-ghostwriting-for-a-living/

An article about the fantasy drinking places we’d like to visit:  https://theportalist.com/fantasy-bars-we-want-to-patronize

An article about collaboration and dreaming:  https://mythicscribes.com/writing-life/collaborative-dreaming/

An article about the Twelve Dancing Princesses fairy tale:  http://www.tor.com/2017/06/15/enchantment-death-and-footwear-the-twelve-dancing-princesses/
Magical Words has several links to interesting articles on writing and such:  http://magicalwords.net

June Explanation

This is my apology and explanation about what happened to the blog during May. First, please don’t give up on the blog. Keeping a blog needs to be done in a timely and consistent manner, Which I haven’t done especially during May. My only excuse is life events. I’m the sole caretaker for my elderly parents who are in their 90s. Early in May, my father caught the flu. He ended up in the hospital for 3 days and was sent home using a catheter for a few days. Recovery takes a long time for an older person at this age. I spent all of May staying home taking care of things, but had no time for personal or fun stuff. :( My father is much better now. I hope to do a better job with the blog in June barring any more life interruptions. Thank you for hearing me out.

Fantasy Links 4/28/17

A writing article about depicting internal conflicts from Mythcreants:  http://mythcreants.com/blog/depicting-internal-conflicts/#more-18260

An article on worldbuilding about siege and siegecraft:  http://fantasy-faction.com/2017/sieges-and-siegecraft-part-two-defenders

An article about the new “American Gods” tv show and the importance of reading the novel first:  http://io9.gizmodo.com/why-you-should-read-the-american-gods-novel-before-watc-1794638929

For those readers and watchers that love anime, here’s an article about anime coming out in the spring:  http://www.tor.com/2017/04/28/spring-2017-anime-preview-can-we-stop-adding-re-to-anime-titles-now/

Lastly, for fun this week an article about to name your nerdy cats:  https://theportalist.com/cat-names-for-your-nerdy-feline

Fantasy Links 4/21/17

Hello,

Sorry for the lack of posts recently. Life events as usual interfere. Here are some links to keep you going. Thank you.

An article for writers about poisons. http://www.harpervoyagerbooks.com/hvsciencefair-poison/

Here’s an article about worldbuilding and choosing a weapon for your characters. http://mythcreants.com/blog/choosing-a-weapon-for-your-hero/#more-18217

Here’s an article for readers of Brandon Sanderson and his Cosmere books. http://fantasy-faction.com/2017/introducing-cruising-the-cosmere

Mythic Scribes has a writing article about Foreshadowing. https://mythicscribes.com/writing-techniques/foreshadowing/

The Mad Genius blog has several entries of interest this week.  https://madgeniusclub.com/

Finally, Magical Words has several links posted this week of interest for readers and writers:  http://www.magicalwords.net/

Fantasy Links 3/31/17

Happy End of March! And Happy Friday! Here are some links to interesting articles to end the month. Enjoy.

For some fun and women in fiction here’s an article about favorite all women super teams:  http://www.tor.com/2017/03/31/your-favorite-all-female-super-teams/#more-261622

Here’s an article about writing series by author Gail Martin:  https://civilianreader.com/2016/07/07/guest-post-beginning-ending-and-extending-book-series-by-gail-z-martin/

An article by author Myke Cole on diversity in history and writing:  https://geekdad.com/2017/03/myke-cole-on-historical-diversity-and-writing-fiction/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=GeekDads&utm_content=Myke%20Cole:%20On%20Historical%20Diversity%20and%20Writing%20Fiction

For those who like books with strong women warriors here’s an article about twelve books with such warriors:  https://theportalist.com/12-fantasy-books-with-powerful-female-warriors

Here’s an article by Ed McDonald on writing and publishing grimdark fantasy when you’re not George R.R. Martin :  https://edmcdonaldwriting.com/2017/01/25/you-are-not-george-rr-martin-how-to-get-published-in-the-grimdark-era-of-fantasy/

Fionavar Tapestry Revisited

Recently I decided to reread the Fionavar Tapestry books by Guy Gavriel Kay. It has been at least twenty years since I read them, but they have remained strong in my memory all that time. Rereading them has not altered my perception. Kay’s blending of memorable characters, mythic themes and a sense of hope still resonates with me. Some people might argue that the books are a poor imitation of Tolkien, however I think they are a powerful statement of hope in time of war in a story with some grimly, dark scenes like some modern fantasy books taking prominent positions now.

The trilogy takes place on the world of Fionavar, the first of all worlds created by the Weaver, the main god who weaves all creation at the loom. On Fionavar are many lesser gods such as Ceinwen the huntress, Dana the moon goddess and Mornir the sky god. The are not supposed to intervene in human affairs, but sometimes do. Many are responsible for the Andain-half human, half god children who can work either for or against humans. The dark, evil lord who needs to be defeated is called Rakoth Maugrim. He has been imprisoned for a thousand years, chained under a volcano. When he breaks free, the struggle for Fionavar and the universe begins.

The Summer Tree begins the trilogy with five Canadian college students transported by a wizard to the world of Fionavar. Once there, they find themselves caught up in the growing troubles of the world. There is an unending drought in Brennin, the main nation that takes the lead in the story. The kingdom has an elderly king whose two sons are questionable heirs. One is in exile and the younger son Diarmuid tends to be wild and unpredictable. Jennifer, Paul, Kevin, Kim and David begin to find different roles in the story. Kim finds herself being trained as a seer by Ysanne. Jennifer cements her friendship with the mage Loren Silver Cloak and his source Matt. Paul and Kevin are adopted into prince Diarmuid’s band. David is separated from his friends, lost among the nomadic Dalrei. Kay weaves various mythologies together to create vivid images and uneasy resolutions for the characters in the book.

In the second book, The Wandering Fire, things change for everyone. Mr. Kay introduces new elements into the story adding Arthurian characters to the epic fantasy and enhancing the story with a new theme. The students return to Fionavar facing an endless winter created by Rakoth Maugrim. They return with the Warrior who is King Arthur. He has been condemned to relive his life over and over until a final battle as punishment for killing the children to try to circumvent his fate. It is discovered that Jennifer is Guenevere and their tragic story begins to play out again on Fionavar. Two groups break off to go on separate quests. One group goes to an island to stop a traitor mage. The other group travels to the temple of the goddess to seek an end of the winter. Some events are resolved while new ones emerge making this a strong middle book.

The final book, The Darkest Road, finds all the characters must come together for the final battle to save Fionavar. Mr. Kay emphasizes the importance of the theme of the choice given by free will over fate or destiny. This theme is demonstrated through different characters. Jennifer’s son Darien must decide whether to serve Evil or Good on his own without any advice from anyone. The author uses the Wild Hunt as the random thread of the tapestry. Finn is the character who leaves his loving family to lead the Hunt, which kills indiscriminately. A young Dalrei boy, Tabor, rides a winged unicorn. Every time he rides her, he becomes more distant from his family and world, seeing to fade away. The Arthurian characters strive to break their endless cycle while the remaining students from Canada play their roles to the bittersweet end with their own decisions. The trilogy comes to a satisfying, poignant conclusion.

Rereading the Fionavar Tapestry brought back my emotions and memories from the first time I read these books. The author’s blending of Arthurian characters, mythic themes and epic fantasy tropes make the books a powerful, memorable reading experience. I gained a new perspective from the rereading and the twenty years of life experience that helped change my perspective. Readers will experience sad moments that bring tears and happy ones that give hope. The books are worth seeking out and reading.

Fantasy Links 3/13/17

Sorry I’m late with this week’s blog post. Here are some links to interesting articles.
 

A video of a panel of five authors discussing the evolution of modern day fantasy:  http://www.unboundworlds.com/2017/03/5-amazing-authors-discuss-evolution-modern-fantasy/

A writing article about five tips to writing a layered character:  http://mythcreants.com/blog/five-tips-for-creating-a-layered-character/

An article about the fairy tale archetype of the sexy witch:  http://www.fantasyliterature.com/expanded/the-expanded-universe-the-fairy-tale-archetype-of-the-sexy-witch/

Why Fantasy Matters Link

Hello,

Welcome to March. I didn't quite get the article I planned for today quite finished, but I wanted to share this wonderful video about Why Fantasy Matters from Unbound Worlds. http://www.unboundworlds.com/2017/02/tedx-speaker-elizabeth-chapin-fantasy-matters/  Enjoy.

Fantasy Links 2/10/17

Sorry for the delay of blog posts. Life events intervened the last couple of weeks. Today you some links to interesting articles:

For those interested in author Patricia Briggs, here’s an interview with her editor and how they work together. http://www.unboundworlds.com/2017/02/editor-anne-sowards-working-patricia-briggs/

An article about books that have dystopias. http://www.unboundworlds.com/2017/01/want-read-dystopian-fiction-heres-start/

Here’s an article on writing memorable endings. https://mythicscribes.com/writing-techniques/how-to-write-an-unforgettable-ending/

Some authors get writer’s block. Here’s an article to help break that block. https://madgeniusclub.com/2017/02/10/breaking-through-the-blockage/

Writers can always learn from others mistakes. Here’s an article that does that. http://mythcreants.com/blog/lessons-from-the-sloppy-writing-of-the-tommyknockers/#more-17546

If you’re looking for some good books to read. https://theportalist.com/28-must-read-fantasy-book-series

For those who are interested in UFOs and such an article about interesting alien encounters. https://theportalist.com/7-mysterious-alien-encounters-before-roswell

Fantasy Links 1/13/17

I'm busy working on a story, so this week's post are some links of interest for you.

An article on writing advice at:  http://www.tor.com/2017/01/13/jumbled-writing-isnt-necessarily-bad-writing/

World of publishing for today at:  http://www.tor.com/2017/01/13/this-morning-in-publishing-january-13-2017/#more-254213

An article of grimdark fantasy books to read at:  http://www.unboundworlds.com/2017/01/want-read-grimdark-heres-start/

A writing article on crafting a character driven story at:  http://mythcreants.com/blog/how-to-craft-a-character-driven-story/#more-16855

A helpful writing article from Mythic Scribes at:  https://mythicscribes.com/writing-techniques/novels-sucked/

Fantasy Links 1/6/2017

Here are some links to articles and sites of interest.

An article about fantasy and science fiction books with titles inspired by poetry:  http://www.tor.com/2017/01/06/sff-book-titles-inspired-by-poetry/

A list of books coming out in January that are genre benders:  http://www.tor.com/2017/01/06/fiction-affliction-genre-benders-for-january-2017/

A list of epic fantasy books of where to start:  http://www.unboundworlds.com/2016/12/want-read-epic-fantasy-heres-start/

A writing article on first person narration by James Van Pelt:  http://www.jamesvanpelt.com/

The blog of fantasy author Helen Lowe with many interesting entries:  http://helenlowe.info/blog/