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In Praise of W.W. Norton
Some months back, I told you about a recent find at my neighbourhood Little Library. I’d come across a copy of The Norton Anthology of Short Fiction, comprising 140 stories by 116 authors. It was the Seventh Edition of the publication, a weighty one, published in 2006. Chronologically, the first story offered in it is… Read more
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Anthropomorphism: You’re Writing About What?
More than once I’ve been asked why I chose to write in the fantasy genre, specifically using anthropomorphized animals. I’ve posted before about the subject, the origins of this kind of literature, my childhood influences and how animals display a range of moral behavior (see posts of Aug. 26, 2020, Sept. 9, 2020 and July… Read more
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An Indulgence (Or Two)
Everyone has their own indulgence or two, either open to the world or perhaps better left behind close doors. When it comes to movies, my indulgence is film noir from the 40’s and 50’s: Glenn Ford in The Undercover Man (1949), is a prime example (lots of free movies can be found on Youtube). Where… Read more
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Page 98
Early on in the writing process for The Ravenstones I came across an invaluable website and blog for writers, called Writer Unboxed (WU). The site, hosting contributions from a host of authors, editors, literary agents and industry experts is “dedicated to publishing empowering, positive, and provocative ideas about the craft and business of fiction.” I… Read more
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A dendrophile; yes indeed.
Full marks for anyone who figured out what a dendrophile is and knows the roots of the word: the Greek dendron (tree) and philos (loving). The truth is that I’ve always loved trees. It seems highly appropriate: I live in Canada. The country abounds with nature, parks and trees. And everyone must know by now… Read more
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A Creature of the Underworld
“Badgers are the creatures of the underworld, denizens of earthen darkness…It is in the hidden places under the night sky or in the twilight hours that they are most commonly to be found…Symbolically they inhabit the forbidden domain of the dead, the dangerous destination of [those] who journey to the underworld in search of treasure.”… Read more
