The Forest Calls

The Forest Calls

Gaming books don't get enough exposure on this blog, which is a huge oversight given the overlap between my audience and TTRPG players. By way of a course correction, here's a little something for you to check out: The Forest Calls! The Wilderkind is a supplement for Castles & Crusades,…
May 23, 20234 Comments
Genre Fiction

The Power of Genre

If you’re a new author reading this post, and you’re not out to become a self-help guru, odds are you’re interested in writing genre fiction. Let’s talk about how to approach writing fantasy, horror, mystery, and sci fi. First, it’s important to understand that genres aren’t just labels. They are…
May 22, 20231 Comment
ƵXSeed-revised

Combat Frame Ƶ XSeed Is Live

Summer's almost here. And we're kicking off the sizzling season with the red-hot finale of my epic mech saga. Combat Frame Ƶ XSeed is now live in digital and print! The Epic Mech Saga’s World-Rending Conclusion Betrayed by their makers … … their sole hope is vengeance. Humanity reels from the disastrous Battle of Earth. Blamed for…
May 19, 20232 Comments
sewer gator

It Was in the Sewer

As we're fond of pointing out here, the neologism "urban myth" is is misleading on two counts: Not only is it used to handwave away reports of the extraordinary, it contains a stealth denial that myths can transmit truth. Today I'm pleased to chalk up another win for so-called urban…
May 18, 20232 Comments
Based_Church

From a Based Church, Lord Deliver Us

With the rise of dissident politics have come renewed assaults on Jesus from the right. The intersection of LARPy neopaganism and crude race worship has produced a small yet stridently single-minded contingent of screwballs bent on taking out their racial animus on the Church. Wiser heads have pointed out that…
May 17, 202315 Comments
Hellboy II The Golden Army

Hellboy II: The Golden Army

I've been a fan of Guillermo del Toro's work since his first feature film, Cronos. He's a director with a singular vision, an unmatched mastery of the macabre, and a true artistic flair. So when I heard he was making a sequel to his 2004 hit Hellboy, I was thrilled.…
May 16, 20239 Comments
Placement

Purpose and Placement

We’ve covered the importance of dramatic tension in scenes. Now let’s talk about how to structure them in a way that maximizes their impact. Scene structure is crucial to a novel’s success. A well-ordered scene can keep readers engaged and invested in the story, while a poorly structured scene can…
May 14, 2023
Xorn

Combat Frame Data: χ/0RN

χ/0RN Technical Data Code name: χ/0RN Nickname: Xorn, Hellmouth, Tripod Classification: subterranean combat frame Manufacturer: Ynzu >Operator: Ynzu First deployment: Unknown Crew: 1 pilot in full-immersion cockpit Height: 26 meters Weight: 120 metric tons Armor type: Fractal diamond isomer armor Powerplant: cold fusion reactor, max output 6815 KW Propulsion: atomic tunneler: top speed 230 kph;…
May 12, 2023
Hellboy 2004

Hellboy

When it comes to adapting comic book properties for the silver screen, audiences have earned the right to be concerned. These days it’s not just a question of whether the movie can capture the comic’s essence. Even more challenging is creating a finished product that appeals to fans and general…
May 11, 20236 Comments
High-value Man

Hustlers and Hucksters

A relative newcomer to Catholic Twitter that's impressed me of late is Pinesap. I'm serious. This kid is on the ball theologically. Give him a follow:   If you need reassurance that not all Zoomers are deviant heathens, Pinesap's content is for you. Prime example: his recent thread on Manosphere…
May 10, 202310 Comments