Maybe I’m wrong or I just wander to the wrong sites. Still, it feels like people are much more critical of art than they were even a few years ago. Things are torn apart and insulted before they’re fully released. People go hunting for reasons to hate something instead of giving stuff a chance. I know there are things a person won’t touch at all without a second thought, but it feels like most people have a longer list of ‘no’ than ‘yes’ or ‘maybe’. I get the feeling that this is an effect of social media where you get more attention for hating stuff. Makes it a lot harder to create things too because new ideas and risky attempts are what this mentality destroys rather easily. Well, you can get my opinion on this, so let’s open the floor.
Actually, I want to add that this is about constructive criticism, which can help an artist. I rarely see that. Usually, I see plain insults and vitriol.
Do you think people are becoming more critical today?
How can an unknown artist survive this?
Do you think this is having a negative effect on the artistic world and how?
(This was the first poem I did with an old project. I wanted to post 1 per day to keep myself creative. Looks like I’ll be putting this 263 poems up in alphabetical order, which will be odd.)
Long ago, I began to wonder something about Windemere. I know that’s strange since I created the place, so I should have an answer. Still, this was a headscratcher due to other fantasy series where demons, dragons, deities, and a variety of mortals existed. I saw that there was a missing species.
Why don’t I have an Angels in Windemere?
This lead to a few experiments:
The first being to simply include an angel species to counter the demons. This didn’t work out very well. I realized that having them at war would consume all of their usage, so all demons would be stuck in this. The Hellfire Elf in Beginning of a Hero? Trapped in a war, so not much assassin work for him there. I couldn’t explain why the angels would turn up either beyond them reacting to any demon coming out of the Chaos Void. Why would mortals bother if it was nothing more than a whistle for angels to arrive? So, I junked that.
The second was to ignore them completely and forget the question. Probably the best way to do it, but my mind wasn’t letting this happen.
Angels are nothing more than lower gods and . . . I have the Law of Influence. That means they can’t get involved in mortal affairs, so there’s no point in them being anything other than gods.
A special type of chosen champion for the gods! Then they’re not a species, but a title, which still leaves the gap in my world.
Extinct? That could work!
So, #5 was what I kind of went with and left an opening for the possibility of angels appearing at some point.
The overall story is that Windemere began with 3 species created by Solar the First God before mortals were made by his children. They were the demons, dragons, and angels with them being evil, neutral, and good in that order. Seeing that he never had mortals to observe, he didn’t realize that working with extremes would lead to a mess. The neutral dragons stayed completely out of events unless provoked. They would later develop emotions thanks to alterations and evolution. Solar was fine with that, but his problem came from the other two.
Obviously, demons and angels didn’t get along. They fought all the time, but it was clear that the demons had the advantage. Being evil, they used all manner of tactics to win and kill, including sacrificing their own. Angels being pure good had limits and failed to develop an aggressive nature until it was too late. They were wiped out in one big surprise attack by the demons with there only being rumors of a few survivors. Nobody has ever seen one, which is why they fell into such an obscure legend that your average Windemere denizen never heard of them. For them, ‘angel’ is an old term for a loved one and a common first name that means pure and kind. The origin of it has been lost since mortals were created right after the massacre.
By the way, this is also why the demons aren’t allowed to live in Windemere. Solar banished them to the Chaos Void before going into his eternal slumber. Mortals find ways to bring them over through magic, but they are always tethered to their prison. Funny thing is that it’s among the demons and within the Chaos Void where someone would find evidence of the angels existing. Yet, who would even be driven to that since the species isn’t thought of that often?
I do have plans to include this in a series or two. One of which I’m not sure how to pull off since the mechanics don’t make sense any more. Maybe I’ll make a post about that on a Sunday in the future. I really should try to make some kind of story that involves the angels to reveal that side of Windemere. Will it be a revival of the species? I doubt I’d go that far, especially since I have it in my head that they would be really angry upon their return. Not sure if a being of pure good could be corrupted, but I can’t see them being nice and happy. Guess we’ll see what the future holds.
War of Nytefall: Eulogyintroduces a few new characters. One of them is Magrus the Purifier, who is trying to uncover the truth behind the imposter Clyde. I liked how his introduction went in the prologue. Enjoy.
Vampire hunters heavily come into play in War of Nytefall:Savagery, which is a slight change from previous books. Until now, they’ve really been pawns and random encounters for other characters. Due to that role, I didn’t have to put a lot of thought into them. Even now, details weren’t necessary because you’re going to see the start of the monster hunting guild. Vampire hunters are in a gray area too. Still, I needed to consider a few things to make them work. Let’s consider a few of them.
Vampire hunters tend to be underdogs even if they’re superpowered. The big reason is because they are mortals going up against immortals. Having it be an immortal hunter vs an immortal vampire takes away the risk. At least, that’s if the hero is the hunter, so the scenario can change if you’re watching the vampire. The point is that part of the fun of this type of story is that one party has a considerable disadvantage even if the other has clear weaknesses. For example, a super strong hunter still needs to stake the vampire, but that involves getting close. Wrestling with something that will drink your blood isn’t a great idea.
Removing superpowers from the equation, the hunter needs to have some way to fight back. This means that they need to have weaponry knowledge of some kind. Punching and kicking aren’t useful with the addition of magic or powers. So, create an arsenal or one really strong weapon that will give them a chance of victory. Personally, I prefer giving them multiple weapons since the threat of disarming is always high. Even if they have the big one, it’s best to have a backup for emergencies.
Brains. There has to be some level of cunning and smarts involved here. A hunter usually can’t go toe-to-toe with a vampire. Those with equal strength can still be overpowered because of the primal savagery that mortals can’t really match. This is where traps and precision strikes can help. Readers will take the hunter more seriously if they are attempting to weaken the vampire or eliminate it without a direct confrontation. Otherwise, it’s a brute going up against monsters and people may wonder why there aren’t more mortals beating up the undead.
Holy magic and symbols aren’t always necessary. It’s not a bad addition, but it doesn’t make as much sense if you remove the religious aspect from your vampires. Many times, authors seem to take this aspect as essential. Well, it’s really not. In fact, more vampire stories are being down without the holy addition because their origins aren’t in angering god.
Give your hunters a reason to go after vampires. Given that these tend to be secretive and mysterious creatures, there has to be a reason for the hunter to know that they really exist. They can’t just go out hunting because they thought vampires exist and happen to be right. They’re more likely to kill a bunch of depressed teenagers under the bleachers, which is plain old-fashioned murder. This reason doesn’t only reveal why the hunter knows that they exist, but explains their anger and desire to wipe them out.
No whips! That’s been taken.
Hunters might be as interested in keeping vampires secret as their prey. Part of this could be due to their identity as a hunter. If everyone is doing it then they won’t be as special. There’s a slight level of ego in some of these characters because it’s their unique calling. Also, making them public could cause people to either sympathize with vampires or push to get changed. If vampires have to remain a secret then they will keep their numbers relatively low. There are many other reasons that you can come up with, but consider if your hunter will want them exposed or not. This will determine how bold and big their actions are too.
The picture has nothing to do with this. I just find it funny.
Anyway, tomorrow will begin the tradition of showing the Top 5 posts of the previous year. It’ll be every Monday in January because that was the only day of the week that there were 5 of and I didn’t want to use Sunday. You can tell how excited I am about doing this from the sass.
Seriously though, 2021 was rather odd as far as the Top 5 went. Last year, the mental health posts seemed to win out. That I understood. This year, posts 2-5 are all ‘7 Tips’ lists and #1 is out of left field. I was kind of hoping to see more variety, especially since I swear I had other posts with more comments. It is funny that ‘Ye Olde Shoppes’ are popular, but never seem to get on this list. Honestly, some of the winners here don’t make any sense, but they received most of the attention. You’ll see with #5 tomorrow.
As usual, the requirements were:
Had to be posted in 2021. A lot of older posts still get more traffic like the one about writing immortal characters. Still, it’s the Top 5 of 2021 and the kids need a chance to shine.
No promo posts.
No reblogs.
Hope everyone enjoys. Thanks to those who continue to visit.
I know it’s a day late, but I wanted to do a goal post yesterday. That and I had my son, so I didn’t want worry about anything big here. So, what are my hopes for 2022?
Everyone I care about remains healthy and happy.
I can continue getting a handle on my anxiety.
My son does great in school and has a blast over the summer.
We get further in ‘One Piece: Pirate Warriors 3’.
Certain stressors finally get bored and leave me alone.
Write more Tales of the Slumberlord
Publish Do I Need to Use a Dragon? (Fantasy Writing Tips)
Maybe publish Tales of the Slumberlord: Darwin & the Fate Bracelet. (That is a really long title.)
Complete more puzzles
Find a way to do a more consistent exercise regime. Not sure if only on the weekends is helping.
Try to shrink the portions of food that I eat.
Stand up for myself more often.
Relax when I’m stressed instead of pushing myself.
Drink more water or seltzer.
People stop hating each other . . . I know. It’s more likely that I’ll getting a publishing contract and become a millionaire than this happening.
Good luck and fortune finally come the way of those who deserve it instead of those who don’t.
Yup, that’s how 2022 is starting for me, but I think most people do that. Stay up late and then get woken up early. Either an alarm we forgot to turn off, a child who is still on a sane schedule, a phone call about car warranties, or a bodily function that couldn’t wait for another few hours. Maybe I’ll start 2023 off with better sleep.
Then again, I need to make it that far first. The years seem to be getting worse and worse as I get older. More blows to the psyche from various corners and very few victories beyond having to buy a new calendar. This is why I don’t hit this time of year with smiles and hopes. I mean, it would be nice if entering the new year caused all sources of stress to vanish. Doesn’t happen when you’re pummeled by outside forces, who don’t have anything better to do. Anyway, I’m just here doing what I always do. I think . . . That’s where things get shaky.
I ended 2021 thinking about how I barely did any real writing when compared to previous years. By the time Septemeber hit, I was struggling to design characters much less write a book. Now, writing time has become so rare that I don’t know what to do when it stares me in the face. Usually, I’m exhausted. I’m worried that I won’t be able to do even the smallest bit of writing now because life simply won’t get its jaws off my fucking throat. It gets worse since I deal with so many people who are happy about the things that are dragging me away from what I love to do. Everyone thinks I have these other paths, which I’m on for survival and push for them to replace writing. I feel suffocated and the end of 2021 enhanced that sensation tenfold.
Here is why: In the 4 days I had free, I only designed 2 characters. No editing or writing of any kind. Most of my time was spent stressing over personal life things, which were triggered by a surprise cameo. I couldn’t focus. At best, I managed to get about half of the March posts scheduled. By the time my son came home, I wasn’t relaxed and realized I wasted my time.
You might wonder why I didn’t try to write after my son came home. We today 2 days to watch ‘Fellowship of the Ring’, went to the zoo, watched cartoons, did some reading, and spent time together. I might be able to do a little tomorrow if he gets in touch with a friend to play video games with. Keep in mind that this was all planned, so I don’t regret any of it. The issues are with how I let the previous 5 days go to waste because I was in a constant state of worry and anger.
I know I said that I wouldn’t do any real writing until mid/late February. Yet, I’m fearing that waiting that long will erase what little drive and mojo I have left. Maybe it’s mostly the exhaustion driving my mind wild too. 10 day break and I’m going to end it being just as tired, if not more, than when I started. Personal life drama and crap sucks, especially when you can’t do anything about it.
Positive news is that . . . My stomach issues finally settled? These are a chronic issue that comes up when I’m stressed for too long or not getting enough water. The real test will be next week since I’m back to waking at 5:30 AM and spending most of my day wearing a mask. Not sure why that second part is wearing on me so much lately. Though, I was the type to think this mess couldn’t possibly last longer than one school year. Now it’s just a reminder that I’ve lived through too many once-in-a-lifetime moments. Give my generation a fucking break or at least toss us a good one.
Don’t have much TV stuff to report. I watched a few short anime to get them off the list and started ‘Black Clover’ with my son. Tried a few others and just gave up either after the first episode or when I learned the next season wasn’t available. Slowly working my way through ‘Log Horizon’ right now. Another anime where people playing a fantasy video game are transported to the world, but it’s interesting. I like the characters and how they’re trying to build a society instead of going on adventures. Sometime next week, I’ll watch ‘Cobra Kai’ Season 4, so I might take a break from this one.
Goals of the week?
Back to work.
Son back to school.
Get info on the 4 week course I’m taking.
Maybe design characters for ‘Phi Beta Files’.
March post scheduling.
Print out Do I Need to Use a Dragon? (Fantasy Writing Tips)
This might be quick. It isn’t really a promo for War of Nytefall: Eulogy and I’m busy enjoying Holiday Break. Probably playing video games with my son or going out if the weather is nice. I’m writing this at the start of November, but I don’t think anything is going to really change. I’m weighing in on 2021 now.
This is a tough one. 2020 sucked a lot. Yet, I also got a ton of writing done due to the remote working and quarantines. My son had a rough time in school, but he passed and we’re still on our way to recovering. Trying to work out a custody arrangement during a pandemic with schedules all over the place was a nightmare. This is why I didn’t think 2021 could be worse. I thought it would go rather smoothly in comparison and I guess it did. Was it enough?
There was an incredible amount of drama in my life, which is why I find a post like this rather strange. New Years Eve doesn’t erase the stuff I’m struggling with or create a fresh start. I’m still battling the same demons and narcissists as last year. I will say that I got better footing in 2021 for some of the arenas, which meant I began to start standing up for myself. Took a few lumps doing this, but I’m hoping it has put me on the right track for a few positive changes. Going to take a while to get there since I’m dealing with other people and that means I can’t predict all events.
Writing-wise, I feel pretty good about publishing 3 books and putting War of Nytefallto bed. I never know if I’m going to find time to write and publish these days, so it’s a victory to finish a project. Sales didn’t go anywhere and I’m totally over promotions. I paid for things and got nothing. I did free stuff and got nothing. All books are 99 cents and got very little. Once every month, I’d sell a copy of each Legends of Windemerebook in one shot though. It hurts, but I figure there’s nothing I can do unless I get a comic book deal, Netflix deal, or win the lottery. This game really does go to the rich and those with contacts. An anxiety-riddled guy struggling to survive in general isn’t going to get very far, which was driven home this year.
I’m kind of down about the whole year, but there were some good points. The father/son trip to Oswego was a blast. It was a trip I put off for a year and was happy to finally get to do. The drive was rough since I had the bad shoulder, but we made it and enjoyed every minute. My son wants to go back again next year. I’m considering it or finding another location like the Finger Lakes. A nice drive and a few days in a relaxing area really does the two of us some good. That might have been the best part of the entire year now that I think about it.
I can’t think of anything else to say about 2021. The overall theme for me seemed to be recovery. Mentally, physically, and emotionally. 2020 was brutal and the first half of this year was a continuation of that. So, I’ve really only been fighting to recover since June, which is why I’m still frayed around the edges. That being the case, I assume this is going to continue into 2022.
Legends of Windemere 