The struggle for any writer published these days -- whether traditional or indie -- is the simple act of getting your work recognized by readers. Writing is Art; Publishing is Business, and that business hinges on getting as many eyes-on as we possibly can. Views mean sales. Buzz means sales. A groundswell of interest means... Continue Reading →
There's much talk in fantasy circles about "systems" of magic. By system, I think writers and creators mean the codified elements of magic: where does it come from, how do you access it, how is it learned, what is its cost. It makes me think of science: "if you have access to W and know... Continue Reading →
With mists and gray skies, with a bitter and biting wind from the North, Orctober gives way to Norsevember -- that month where we celebrate the Northern Thing. And so, I offer to the Gods a bit of verse from A GATHERING OF RAVENS: Wild was Grimnir | when he arose,And when his snake-cunning |... Continue Reading →
He caught himself on his balled fists before he could fall face-first into the shallows. A faint reflection in the water stared up at him, backlit by a sky the color of banked embers. “Am I dead?” he roared, his hot breath sending ripples across the shadowy visage. It was a face familiar to him,... Continue Reading →
One of the most common pitfalls when writing non-human characters, such as orcs, is the tendency to make them little more than humans in orc suits. Actors in costume. CGI’d monsters who do nothing different from their human counterparts. Now, part of this comes down to readability. Readers must have some common ground with your... Continue Reading →
Welcome to Orctober, Gentle Readers! Orctober, if you’re not aware of it, is the BEST month. It’s the month we devote to all Orc-related pursuits -- art, music, writing, cosplay, what have you. For my inaugural Orctober post, I’m going to spend a few words to convince you, the reader, to not just pick up... Continue Reading →
Anyone who knows me knows I'm so not above leaping onto a broad set of coattails and riding shotgun on the success of others. Which is why the success of Robert Eggers' The Northman has me swinging into action to try and grab a bit of that Viking love that's bubbling forth from movie-goers. My... Continue Reading →
From the northern end of the plain of Chluain Tarbh, the three divisions of the High King’s army moved into position. The sun rose on their left hand, its golden light casting long shadows across the folds of the earth; it was a brilliant morning, with streamers of cloud drifting across a cornflower-blue sky, in... Continue Reading →
Frequent readers of this blog will most assuredly already be familiar with the kaunar -- Grimnir's folk, called skrælingar by some, orcnéas by others, and orcs by the likes of JRR Tolkien. But, all and sundry likely wish to know: where did they come from? According to the Kaunumál (British Library, Cotton Vespasian D. VI),... Continue Reading →
Scott Oden 