Sunday Surfing

WRiTE CLUB 2013 - Submissions Open

Checklist For Adding Suspence & Intrigue

Publishing Spotlight: Interview with John Pitts

Why Are We Stepping On Each Other's Toes?

Backup, Version Control, and Comparing Your Work

Gryphonwood Press: Open Submissions during June 2013

10 Things Your Opening Chapter Should Do: A Check-List for Self-Editing

Elizabeth Seckman's June IWSG post (query/response) is worth the read. Rejecting the Bible...An IWSG Post

50 Essential Epic Fantases (1-25) and 50 Essential Epic Fantasies (26-50)

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Trailer Premieres!

Several of you are already aware, but we bade Sally Sue a final farewell last weekend. She will be missed. Thirteen years in our home. Forever in our hearts.

Sally Sue 2000-2013

T is for Tolkien

I Love Sci-Fi/Fantasy Because...

...of J. R. R. Tolkien.

This one individual has probably inspired more creative writers, artists, musicians, filmmakers and dreamers than any other author. And perhaps most importantly, from my own narcissistic perspective, he inspired me.

J. R. R. Tolkien

Many call him the father of epic fantasy. I call him hero, for he saved me from an existence without magic.

He introduced me to the elves of Rivendell, the mines of Moria and magnificent eagles. I rode with the riders of Rohan, heard the shrill cries of Nazgûl and witnessed the wonder of wizards. He revealed the weaknesses of men and showed men rising to overcome them.

He escorted me through a world as vast and wonderful as any world can hope to be. And that world will forever be a part of me. If I could shake the hand of any author, I'd choose his.

In one way or another, directly or indirectly, J. R. R. Tolkien is why almost everyone loves science fiction and fantasy.