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News:
"Magic is what makes fantasy fantastic," someone says, "you can't apply rules to them or else it loses wonder!" I respond, "Sure, but if you want to write them you will certainly want to know how they work." Writing is all about execution, and I find applying some basic laws of physics to magic systems make them more understandable and realistic. Here, I'm going to outline my basic method for developing a magic system.
Column by Chaos2651
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Site News / BBQ & Rifftrax June 2008
« on: May 03, 2008, 06:31:08 PM »
I'm gonna host another one (last year's BBQ was an awesome success). I'm thinking June sometime, like the 6/7 or 13/14. Everyone brings their own BBQing item and a side-dish. I will provide drinks/plates/cups/etc.
We will be watching the Riff of Jurassic Park, which has Weird Al co-hosting as commentary. I saw a 30-second clip on the website and it's h.i.l.a.r.i.o.u.s. I'll have the DVD and riff (hopefully Tage can again bring his ipod and speakers again, that was so convenient). CtrlZed once suggested watching it outside. It would be possible, I have a big enough yard, but am not sure of everything I'd have to do to set that up. Anyone want to volunteer to take care of that if people want to do it?
Everyone is invited.
We will be watching the Riff of Jurassic Park, which has Weird Al co-hosting as commentary. I saw a 30-second clip on the website and it's h.i.l.a.r.i.o.u.s. I'll have the DVD and riff (hopefully Tage can again bring his ipod and speakers again, that was so convenient). CtrlZed once suggested watching it outside. It would be possible, I have a big enough yard, but am not sure of everything I'd have to do to set that up. Anyone want to volunteer to take care of that if people want to do it?
Everyone is invited.
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Books / review: Melusine
« on: April 10, 2008, 04:01:17 PM »
read it here: http://www.timewastersguide.com/review/1644/Melusine
I often see this book coupled with Elantris on Amazon.com so I wanted to see how it compared. While they have interesting city settings and some interesting magic, that's where the similiarities end. Where Brandon is strong on plot, Monette is weak. And while her characterization is more in-depth than Brandon's, I still didn't find myself caring about the characters like I did Sarene and co. Plus for some of us more easily offended readers, this book is rather...um...offensive.
I often see this book coupled with Elantris on Amazon.com so I wanted to see how it compared. While they have interesting city settings and some interesting magic, that's where the similiarities end. Where Brandon is strong on plot, Monette is weak. And while her characterization is more in-depth than Brandon's, I still didn't find myself caring about the characters like I did Sarene and co. Plus for some of us more easily offended readers, this book is rather...um...offensive.
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Books / review: Iron Kissed
« on: March 31, 2008, 04:15:02 PM »
read it here: http://www.timewastersguide.com/review/1640/Iron-Kissed
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Writing Group / Writing Excuses Episode 7: Villains
« on: March 25, 2008, 07:18:34 PM »
http://www.writingexcuses.com/
Are flaws necessary for villains? What traits make for a really good (err… evil?) villain? What’s the difference between Sauron and Gollum? (”That’s the LAST time I send you out shopping for Gollums, son…”)
Liner Notes: The Evil Overlord List, a handy reference for tropes to avoid (or, as the case may be, exploit…)
Are flaws necessary for villains? What traits make for a really good (err… evil?) villain? What’s the difference between Sauron and Gollum? (”That’s the LAST time I send you out shopping for Gollums, son…”)
Liner Notes: The Evil Overlord List, a handy reference for tropes to avoid (or, as the case may be, exploit…)
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Movies and TV / Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
« on: March 11, 2008, 10:19:27 PM »
http://imdb.com/video/user/me707209951
Woo-hooo!
I don't care if he's old, Harrison Ford is still the man!
Woo-hooo!
I don't care if he's old, Harrison Ford is still the man!
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Books / review: Awakened Mage
« on: March 04, 2008, 07:32:38 PM »
read it here: http://www.timewastersguide.com/review/1634/The-Awakened-Mage
I have a copy of this book should anyone wish to borrow it.
I have a copy of this book should anyone wish to borrow it.