Category Archives: Uncategorized

“Shaolin,” an Interesting Approach to Violence

Posted on January 22, 2014 by

As you may know, I’m currently researching Chinese history for a new project (don’t worry–there’s plenty more Dark Apostle to come as well!). I made a list of topics to research and one of them was the Shaolin Monastery school … Continue reading →

Posted in history, movies, research, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Review: The Inner City

Posted on January 8, 2014 by

The Inner City by Karen Heuler My rating: 4 of 5 stars I had the pleasure of meeting Karen at my reading in New York in July. As on many such occasions, we swapped postcards with our respective book covers … Continue reading →

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Clarity of Writing, Thanks to Charlemagne

Posted on November 14, 2013 by

When I’m writing for the web, one of the things I keep in mind is to note the length of my paragraphs. Too long, and readers’ eyes will simply glaze over. We seem willing to focus a little longer on … Continue reading →

Posted in medieval, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Review: Hereward the Wake, ‘Last of the English’

Posted on September 26, 2013 by

Hereward the Wake, ‘Last of the English’ by Charles Kingsley My rating: 5 of 5 stars A marvelous adventure story with a medieval setting about the legendary hero of England. I picked up the new Audible edition, read by the … Continue reading →

Posted in book reviews, Great Characters of the Middle Ages, history, medieval, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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

The Tangle of Medieval Medical Thought

Posted on August 28, 2013 by

Now that Elisha Barber is out in the open, available in a bookstore near you, one of the questions I’m frequently asked is whether I have a medical background. The short answer is, alas, no–though I am fortunate to have … Continue reading →

Posted in Elisha Barber, historical medicine, history, medieval, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Meanwhile, Back in 14th Century Egypt

Posted on August 22, 2013 by

Like many American and European historical enthusiasts, especially those brought into the Medieval fold by way of fantasy literature, my immediate focus tends to be on the history of Europe. We love the castles, the kings, the knights, the tales … Continue reading →

Posted in history, medieval, religion, Uncategorized | 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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What’s it Worth to You? How Comic-con Reaffirmed my Priorities

Posted on July 31, 2013 by

Comic-Con was a blast–full of all the wonder, insanity and delight of fandom everywhere–and it gave me an unexpected chance to consider my time. Before I went to San Diego last week for Comic-con (my first ever), I had been … Continue reading →

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Review: Songs for a Machine Age

Posted on April 24, 2013 by

Songs for a Machine Age by Heather McDougal My rating: 4 of 5 stars This book is a delightful journey through an unusual fantasy world where machines and magic co-exist. While I didn’t find the heroine initially engaging, her talent … Continue reading →

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