Monthly Archives: August 2011

Secret Worlds and the Belly of Quetzacoatl

Fantasy has several different classifications: Contemporary Fantasy: Fantasy that takes place in the modern world, sometimes called Urban Fantasy. Second World Fantasy: There’s a whole different earth-like magical world out there. Think Tolkien. Portal Fantasy: This world and some second … Continue reading

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It’s Fun to Stay at the NCSA

This week I visited my old graduate school, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I took my two graduate students on a trip through campus visiting all my old haunts… Papa Del’s, Loomis Lab, the Etc., Dairy Queen, and so … Continue reading

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On Combat

I recently read the book “On Combat” by Dave Grossman and Loren W. Christensen. I read it because, as a writer of fantasy and science fiction, I wanted to understand combat better. I was not prepared for just how much … Continue reading

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Running in Seattle

I’m beginning to think that the sport of running has less to do with strength, endurance, and will than it does with your body’s ability to dissipate heat. When I went running in Seattle I ran twice as far as … Continue reading

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The Lack of Try-Outs

We signed my little boy up to play basketball at the YMCA. We signed him up because he’s a bit ADHD and sports are helpful for that. For his age group, at least, there are no try-outs. Unlike many of … Continue reading

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Lady and the Necromancer is Reborn

A long time ago my wife and I began work on a novel called “Lady and the Necromancer (LATN).” It is an urban fantasy about a girl who falls in love with a monster–but a monster who isn’t a vampire. … Continue reading

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World Famous in Poland

To quote an old movie, “I am world famous in Poland” (“To be or not to be,” Mel Brooks). It is a term that I use for a minor claim to fame. What is this new accolade that I have … Continue reading

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