Every human can relate to the experience of 'cool.' I'm sure you've felt a thrill upon watching a perfectly-shot, perfectly-choreographed scene, or experienced delight when you're introduced to a character with awesome abilities, an intruiging backstory, or a fascinating personality. Maybe in the course of your schooling, you hit upon something that made you want... Continue Reading →
I read Ivanhoe two summers ago as part of a binge through British literature – that is, literature written by actual Brits, and literature about the Brits written by others. My literature course for the school year took a plunge into the Kings of Britain and the legends of Arthur, so I thought it... Continue Reading →
The perfect man is blond, immature, and likes sparkly unicorns. The perfect man is dark, broody, and has skeletons in his closet. The perfect man defies authority, drives a fast car, and is loose with the ladies. Any of these messages sound familiar? They're inserted into a lot of popular fiction these days. It's pretty... Continue Reading →
I know many of my current subscribers are teens or young adults. You probably love writing, or at least reading, given that you put up with the highly-specific material I publish. Maybe you too grew up reading ravenously and can point to the books that marked your childhood -- the Chronicles of Narnia, 100 Cupboards,... Continue Reading →
Every child who's grown up on fairytales or Disney has heard the refrain, 'and they lived happily ever after.' It's a theme of every fairytale -- not counting the Grimms', naturally. Why? Why were stories finished with this line or something like it? Because it was convenient? Perhaps. But why are stories that don't end... Continue Reading →
This summer, my youth pastor preached a series on worldview. His lecture on animism was particularly interesting, as he pointed out just how deeply it's infiltrated the entertainment of today. In what ways? Let's start by defining animism. It was certainly a term I had never heard before. My pastor defined animism as the over-emphasis... Continue Reading →
Hey, everyone, just popping in with another article to share. Beware, spoilers for The Rings of Power Seasons 1 and 2 ahead. As usual, the Gospel Coalition has put out another insightful article that pinpoints exactly the feelings I've been having about the show but can't put into words. I was surprised -- pleasantly --... Continue Reading →
Ok -- you're allowed to read fantasy, no matter your political standing. It isn't really an 'issue' that conservative leaders like LotR. The left is just making it one. And you know what, if LotR is now something only crazy right-wingers can like, whatever. Cool by me. The left is missing out. But, humor aside,... Continue Reading →
I've heard folks dis the LotR films a fair deal. Now, is the book pretty much always better than the movie? Yes. But I must say, that out of all the books-turned-into-movies I've seen, Jackson's trilogy was the best. Why? Not only did he stick closer to the storyline than any book-remake film, but he... Continue Reading →
If you're familiar with the hero's journey story structure, you're well aware of what lies at the bottom of it -- a nasty, unhappy miasma of gloom, misery, and yes, despair. The Save the Cat method has the similar 'all is lost moment.' No matter what it's called, it's that place the hero goes when... Continue Reading →
