Category Archives: fantasy

Consciousness, the Grail, and the Writing Process

Posted on April 18, 2014 by

On Monday evening, I had the chance to attend a presentation entitled “Grail Mania,” by Diana Durham, which included a scene from her play about  Perceval’s meeting with the Fisher King and his vision of the grail.  Maybe you’re a … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized, writing, fiction, history, medieval, writing process, fantasy, magic, essays | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Brief History of “Romance”

Posted on April 3, 2014 by

I am putting the finishing touches on a novella set in the Dark Apostle world, around the time of the accession of King Hugh. I’m happy with the work, but also a little concerned that it might have too much … Continue reading →

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Aliens Among Us

Posted on March 13, 2014 by

On my recent vacation, I had the opportunity to encounter some delightful earthbound aliens. We entered a long barn-like structure to view hundreds of plastic tubs in rows, full of water. The babies, so small and numerous, were simply called … Continue reading →

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Bilbo Baggins’ Bathrobe, revisited, with special guest, Lisa Evans

Posted on February 28, 2014 by

Back at Arisia in January, I had the pleasure of sharing a panel on historical research with Lisa Evans. When I found out her specialty is European patchwork, I asked if she would write me a guest blog with her … Continue reading →

Posted in essays, fantasy, history, movies, worldbuilding | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

A Hobbit Fan’s Ire, More Fierce than Fire

Posted on February 1, 2014 by

Let me begin by saying that I think films and books are two quite different media, and they are good at different things, so it makes sense that a film of a book will be different from that book. I … Continue reading →

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Dear Writers, Welcome the New Year with Change

Posted on January 1, 2014 by

Hey, it’s 2014! I have a lot to look forward to, like a royalty statement that will definitively answer the question, “How’s Elisha Barber doing?” And the release of Elisha Magus in July, which I’ll be sure to talk lots … Continue reading →

Posted in character development, essays, fantasy, writing, writing advice | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Brain-biter and Bansh: On the Naming of Things

Posted on September 18, 2013 by

I’m currently listening to Hereward the Wake, a historical novel twice over (one set in a historical period, and written, from our perspective, in a different one). Our hero has just won his sword, in grand Viking tradition, by slaying … Continue reading →

Posted in essays, fantasy, history, Uncategorized, worldbuilding | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Review: Sword of the Ronin

Posted on August 9, 2013 by

Sword of the Ronin by Travis Heermann My rating: 4 of 5 stars A rich, engaging, morally complex historical fantasy, deeply embedded in Japanese culture. This is the second novel in a series, but I must tell you up front … Continue reading →

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Studying Magic in the Middle Ages

Posted on July 10, 2013 by

One of the frustrations of being a fantasy writer is confronting the accusation that one can simply make it all up. The best authors, IMHO, use a combination of reality and imagination to bring a new world to life. To … Continue reading →

Posted in Elisha Barber, fantasy, history, magic, medieval, religion, The Dark Apostle, witchcraft | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 23 Comments

Elisha Barber Book Launch–today!

Posted on July 2, 2013 by

Today’s the day I’ve been waiting for for almost twelve years: Elisha Barber hits the bookshelves! Thanks to all of you who have pre-ordered the book already, and to those who plan to pick it up today. If you’d like … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Elisha Barber, fantasy, fiction, historical medicine, magic, The Dark Apostle | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments