Snow on snow on snow...

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago...

Words from an obscure Christmas hymn ("In the Bleak Midwinter"), but perfectly fitting for the day.  The calendar declares spring is nigh, but little does the weather heed the dates and times of men!  If you are tired of winter, escape it in a good book...at least you will have something to do whilst snowed in!

Still winter, buy a book?

There is currently a blizzard going on outside, might as well curl up with a good book...good thing it is "Read an e-book Week" over at smashwords.com.  All my books are at least half off, if not free!  Enjoy (hopefully)!

On reading

I have a dreadful time finding anything to read, not that I have much time anymore which just makes it all that more vital that I choose wisely.  I need a riveting story, strong characters, an interesting world, but most of all good writing.  As humans, we are prone to think that if it is new, modern, and shiny, it must therefore be superior to anything that has come before.  This is absolutely ridiculous, especially when it comes to the written word.  In my experience, the older the better. 

To be a good writer, one must be an excellent reader.  Therefore, reading the best books can only help your writing.  I have a list of favorite books (none by a living author) that I return to again and again with interest and joy, though there are a million new books printed every year, still do I go back to these beloved tomes, for ever do I find something new or am reminded of things forgotten. 

As an aspiring writer/reader, it is also wise to have a good understanding of the "classics" which improves your vocabulary, your metaphorical abilities, your ability to understand references in old books, and your general knowledge.  You do not need to be fluent in Greek and read Homer in his native tongue, but a familiarity with greek mythology and the Bible are quite helpful in reading anything written before the first World War.  As for the Bible, it is an interesting read in itself, not only for its spiritual merits, but as a literary work it is quite unequalled, just make sure you read a translation you can understand and that preserves the lyrical quality of the prose.  I like the English Standard Version or the New King James (if I'm in a Shakespearean mood).  The King James is very poetic, but can be difficult if you are unfamiliar with either the Bible or archaic English.  One example is a verse that mentions, 'the voice of the turtle.'  Turtledove is the implication, not a shelled reptile, but I once spent half an hour trapped in a discussion of what exactly this strange passage means when all the author was saying is that birds sing in the spring!     

A peculiar obsession

They say writing is a skill, a hobby, an art.  I defy them all and call it an obsession!  While it is true, anyone can write, few are those who write well and fewer still are the works composed that are worth the reading.  I suppose the same can be said of any activity, be it basketball or basket-weaving.  There are myriad thousands that do it because they enjoy it, but there are only those few that perform their art at a master's level.  Of course, there are varying opinions and tastes as to what is and is not a fine piece of literature (or work of art, piano performance, etc.).  In this day and age, anyone can publish an e-book if they take a few moments to put their thoughts onto virtual paper and upload it to the virtual universe.  It is quite gratifying to see one's hard wrought words glowing before you on some e-reading device.  Much as any second-grader delights in their finger painting!  The day of limited literary choices are over; it is a bountiful time for writers and readers alike, with literally millions of new works to choose from, and countless old favorites now available online.  So if you are of that strange sort that MUST write, it is a wonderful time if you have ever dreamed of being published (albeit that does not translate into being read!) and never has it been easier.  If you are solely a lover of writing, bon appetite!  

Need a free vacation?

It is winter here at the North Pole and I need a vacation!  I can't afford a physical one so I'll have to read a good book.  Here's your chance too! 

Until February 7, you can get a free copy of each of the Serpent and the Unicorn books at Smashwords.com.  The first book is always free.

Volume II is found here and use coupon code LW63T at checkout. 

Volume III is found here and use code XC77R at checkout.

The first volume of The Greylands is also free!

If you enjoy the books, please take a few minutes to review them, thanks!

More books to clutter the virtual universe!

Not sure what I was thinking, but I have just unleashed a collection of 'short' stories on the universe.  These have nothing to do with my other books or each other, but they are an interesting read, whatever that means!  There are 3 volumes in the series so far, with a total of 8 stories, which would probably be considered 'novellas' more than short stories.  If you are interested, you can find them here.

Map!

For all those wondering about the geography of the world, at least from A Song of Lesser Days onward, I have discovered an ancient and long forgotten map!  Translation: I forgot I had the thing lying around and am just now getting it out!