[audio:http://www.blueinkalchemy.com/uploads/valkyrie.mp3] Historical thrillers work if the story, acting and direction can draw you into their world and make you forget about the fact you know how the story’s going to end. Titanic, for me, fails because I kept waiting for the boat to hit the iceberg and sink. Oh – sorry, spoiler warning there. Anyway,… Continue reading IT CAME FROM NETFLIX! Valkyrie
Round the Table: Random is Random
There’s something Justin mentioned yesterday that ties into something that’s been on my mind. In working with games and even brewing the idea for one of my own design, I’ve had to think about the role & use of random chance in a gaming environment. Mortal beings are fallible. They miss targets. Fat-finger passwords. Slip… Continue reading Round the Table: Random is Random
Aion's Allure
My wife has a blog and it’s going to be mostly about Aion. She’s been playing for a while and really enjoys it. Since I’ve been doing things like writing, prepping an entry for the Escapist’s video contest and playing Dragon Age, I haven’t yet started my own adventures in Atreia. Should my wife acquire… Continue reading Aion's Allure
Jotting in the Margins: Consistent Characters
I’m going to jump ahead a bit. My next post on building character is going to deal with antagonists & adversaries who aren’t necessarily evil and allies who aren’t necessarily the kind of people you want to invite over for dinner. Spoiler warning: I’m going to be talking about Q. In that future post, I’ll… Continue reading Jotting in the Margins: Consistent Characters
Building Character: The Brain
Not too long ago I discussed some basics on how to build effective characters. I think some specific examples might be helpful to people trying to scribble out compelling fiction, and in the wake of NaNoWriMo, you might be looking back over your work wondering how to improve something. Hopefully, examinations of existing characters might… Continue reading Building Character: The Brain
IT CAME FROM NETFLIX! Up
[audio:http://www.blueinkalchemy.com/uploads/up.mp3] With it’s bright colors, animal characters and a co-protagonist nowhere near puberty, it would be easy to dismiss Up as a kid’s movie. And while there are things in the film that kids will like and cause them to want to watch the movie repeatedly, there are themes, characterizations and nuances that will fly… Continue reading IT CAME FROM NETFLIX! Up
Canned Goods: Lykandros pt 3
PREVIOUSLY ON CANNED GOODS! Part 1 & Part 2 AND NOW, THE THRILLING CONCLUSION:
Trolls In Suits
Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love Critics Criticism isn’t something you should fear. Even if it’s not meant to be constructive, criticism can be used to shore up your work. There will always be someone out there who will test your work for flaws and point them out for you. Some even… Continue reading Trolls In Suits
Everything's Cooler In Space: Mood Music
Kicking around in the back of my head as I work on novels, video entries and freelance gaming submissions, the sci-fi tabletop project continues to slowly but surely take shape. Assisting that is a few pieces of music. I’ll list them for you, talk about their merits & nuances, and what they mean to this… Continue reading Everything's Cooler In Space: Mood Music
Desert Bus '09
If you click on the above image, you will be transported to the wonder of this year’s Desert Bus event. What is the Desert Bus event, you ask? The gamer-loving folks from LoadingReadyRun have established a yearly event for the Child’s Play charity by playing a game in a marathon style. They’ve chosen the timeless,… Continue reading Desert Bus '09
