One of my favorite Shakespeare quotes is “Everyone can master a grief but he that has it.” Just like everyone can manage the local baseball team better than the man who’s currently doing it, everyone can quarterback the local football team, everyone can govern the city better than the mayor, etc., etc., etc. Or, as President Trump recently said, “Who knew healthcare is so complicated?” What has all this to do with anything?  Well, essentially, I think one-star reviews are utter BS.

Not that I’m afraid of criticism, mind you. After 34 years’ experience as a professional actor, 25 years as a middle school teacher and nine as a stand-up comedian, I’ve become pretty thick-skinned. But I think people are too quick to give a novel one star. Call me crazy, but now that I know what goes into creating one, I’d reserve those single-star ratings for works of epic failure, works of dreck so loathsome or lazy that no other score is possible. And, to me, such works are nearly mythological in nature: I may have seen one or two over the years, but I can’t recall the circumstances or anything else about the books.
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If you don’t like a novel, consider the possibility that it’s simply not to your taste, not “your thing,” your cup of tea. That doesn’t mean it won’t be wildly popular with others. Why spoil their party? If the book seems somewhat less-than-average, okay, give it a two. If it’s average, a three. One star reviews are excessively harsh and, from what I’ve read in various forums, can be seen as punitive, which is the last approach one should take with a young or novice writer. You want them to get better? ENCOURAGE, don’t discourage. Be generous and offer suggestions as to what might make the next effort better.
Anyone can criticize. Support creation.
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One of the complaints I read most often about Grimdark concerns the use or overuse of profanity. Tolkien’s characters never swear, after all. Why should Martin’s or Abercrombie’s (or mine)?

Well, for one thing, a world without profanity is the very definition of fantasy – and not the good kind, but the syrupy sweet, black-and-white kind. Grimdark posits a world or worlds in which our “heroes” are morally ambiguous. To the Grimdark reader, this feels more authentic and is more reflective of the world in which we live.

Go ahead, google “Percentage of people who use profanity.” You’ll see it’s well upwards of sixty percent and, in some estimations, even as high as seventy-five (for men). Transitioning from a world in which we hear a fair amount of profanity into a world or worlds in which it never occurs can be too much to ask. But what about unicorns, you say. There are unicorns in fantasy but not in the real world (spoiler alert), and yet we have no trouble accepting that. I would argue there has to be some realism in our fantasy, or it becomes unrelatable. Adjusting the language seems the obvious place to start. Also, the judicious use of profanity allows us to make the coarse characters coarser and the refined characters more refined. Also, profanity is natural.

While scholars argue about its exact age, textual evidence tells us that the “f-word” is hundreds of years old. Hundreds. We’ve been using it for so very long that it’s become a part of the fabric of who we are on some level. Trying to pretend it isn’t part of our language limits our language, makes us, ironically, less expressive than we are.

I used to dislike David Mamet’s earlier plays for their excessive use of swearing. As I got older, I came to see how swearing can define a character. Watch Glengarry Glen Ross and see how Al Pacino uses profanity to seduce, whereas for Ed Harris, it becomes the primal scream of someone who lacks the tools to say more.  Profanity also offers a way for a rough man to fit in with other rough men. And there aren’t many successful fantasies in which the protagonists are fops.
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In the end, the profanity in Grimdark simply offers us an additional choice. Like the myriad ways in which coffee can be enjoyed, you can now take your fantasy without or without profanity. How is this a bad thing?

​Well, if it works for Joe Abercrombie, I might as well give it a whirl, too.

Here’s my progress report on Book Four, the penultimate book, of Immortal Treachery. I’ve just passed the hundred-thousand word mark, which means I’m on schedule for a Christmastime release (it should hit my beta readers by late October or early November). This book follows the Emperor Mendis Staurachia as he invades Vykers’ homeland from across the sea. His empire has endured for generations and possesses the largest, best-trained army the world has ever seen.

Meanwhile, we learn a great deal more about Vykers’ origins, Alheria’s schemes, and Long Pete’s role in all of this. Book Four introduces a few new characters, while a couple of overworked characters get a little vay-cay, as they say in Nespharia. Not to worry, though, everyone who matters is back for Book Five’s grand finale.

I should also mention that I’ve changed the title from The Ruined God to The Abject God, so as not to be confused with Kate Atkinson’s popular novel, A God in Ruins. You’ll never believe the title for Book Five!
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Anyway, thank you for your patience and support. You are the best!

I can’t add anything new to the story of Muhammed Ali, except to say that he’s been a lifelong hero of mine.  I was a kid in the late sixties and early seventies – the prime of Ali’s career – and I followed his every move, his every word in every way I could. The same is true of Bruce Lee. Well, we lost Bruce far too soon (and his son, tragically), but we were blessed to have Ali for as long as we did.

Others will speak or write more eloquently about Ali’s impact on our world, his legacy. I can only say that I have always aspired to put him – Ali the warrior, anyway -- into my writing, in ways both subtle and obvious. There’s a great clip of him on YouTube, in a meaningless exhibition fight (and not in his best shape) dodging 21 punches in a row with ease. He had a gift for making his opponents swing where he wasn’t and for bringing his own punches from places they couldn’t predict. At his best, he was, as he famously suggested, invisible. He was not the hardest puncher in heavyweight history, but his combination of speed and tactical creativity along with the power he did possess was more than most fighters could handle.

When I reflect on him today, it occurs to me there’s the first of anything and everyone else is a follower – the first Disney, the first black President, the first international sports star and humanitarian. There’s no shame in being a follower; I’m a follower myself. But oh, how inspiring is the leader, that person without precedent or peer.
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We lost one of those this week, and the world seems a little more ordinary for it.
 

Can you name all of the characters who have served as inspirations for Vykers?

It's that time again -- time to scrounge every penny I can beg, borrow or dig out of my couch to fund the cover art for my next book. You might think I could fund it myself from the vast profits off my first three books...and you'd be mistaken. Every penny -- and I do mean every penny -- goes back into marketing (per Shark Tank recommendations!). And often it's just not enough. The Immortal Treachery series is getting enormous traction online, as you can tell from the wonderful reviews we're getting from fans and critics alike. But we haven't quite reached critical mass.

So, here's a fun way you can participate and show your Vykers pride! There are already over fifty proud owners of these awesome hoodies, and now you can have one, too!

https://www.booster.com/immortal-treachery-forever

They're cozy, they're eye-catching, and I've literally been stopped in the street by complete strangers, wanting to know all about them!

The most challenging part of being an independent author is the marketing, and not just because it takes time away from writing, but also because it seems to offer frustratingly little benefit.

In my three years of marketing Steel, Blood & Fire, I have tried just about everything a cash-strapped teacher can manage. I’ve purchased flashy bookmarks and given them away at various Cons. I’ve handed out attractive, custom hoodies. I’ve advertised on Google, Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, Reddit and others. I’ve promoted my book(s) on those same platforms, along with Instagram, Pinterest, G+ and others. I’m almost desperate enough to buy space on Farmersonly.com or womenbehindbars.com! Within all these platforms, I’ve purchased services from various groups that promise a dramatic increase in visits to my website (hasn’t happened) or improved sales (nope). Results have been poor, to say the least, even when I follow directions to the letter.

Perhaps it’s my books, then? Well, that was actually my first thought. But reviews have been great and some downright stellar. Despite the old adage (that shall not be repeated here), it occurred to me that my covers might be the problem, but, with the help of friend Shay Roberts, I’ve gone to great lengths to ensure my covers are as captivating as budget will allow.
So, what the heck is it? What’s the secret? How DOES one get the word out to the intended audience? Why is it so danged hard?
I think one of the issues is that there are well over 400,000 fantasy books on Amazon. In that sea of books, there is some very successful garbage and some shamefully unknown brilliance, and it seems at times that readership and recognition are almost arbitrary. It is nearly impossible to make noise in such a large group.
There is some good news, though. Groups like the folks at BestFantasyBooks.com can be very supportive if an author is willing to invest the time and express an interest in the genre beyond mere self-promotion. For me, though, and I suspect most authors, the most successful factor has been word-of-mouth. When readers love a book and share that with friends, it does more for sales and spirits than the most artful Twitter campaign ever designed.
Remember that when you find a book you love; you may be its greatest, its only champion.

I had the opportunity recently to beta-read two separate novels-in-the-works about vampires, werewolves and other beasties of the night. Both are fantastic, but in today’s blog post, I’m going to discuss the first to be published, and I’ll cover the second at a later date.

Heartblaze: Secret Soul, by Shay Roberts, is the first in a planned series about a young woman, Emma Rue, who discovers she’s lived a previous life. The story then exists on parallel timelines – past and present – in which Emma discovers supernatural allies and enemies in the form of vampires, werewolves and more. Indeed, Emma learns that the love of her lives might just be one of these creatures, and this raises a number of questions about her own nature and purpose in life.

This book is chock full of action, thrills, romance, humor, and even a healthy dose of meticulously researched and recounted history in which, it turns out, Emma may have played a not insignificant role.
Heartblaze: Secret Soul is what the Twilight series might have been if Stephenie Meyer had a bit more imagination and skill; it’s what Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles might have been if Rice had a more-evident sense of humor. I fully expect this series to be huge, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Check it out on Amazon!

 



 

With his naturally pale visage, jet-black hair, sparkling blue eyes and full lips, actor Tobias McCurry (his real name!) looks like either a dark elf or the son of Dracula, and his larger than life charisma belies his diminutive frame. He may be on the smallish side, but he’s getting bigger every day, as folks in the LARPING industry will attest.

What’s LARPing, you ask? LARP stands for “Live Action Role Playing,” and Tobias is on the cutting edge, metaphorically speaking.

Tobias and I got together recently in person and online to chat about his contributions to and participation in the fantasy genre.  
Is it okay if I refer to you as a professional LARPer?

Absolutely! I do a lot of travel for LARP and put a lot of work and effort into it. I am head of marketing / new player coordinator for Dystopia Rising: WA, as well.

How did you get into it?

I got into Live Action Roleplaying at Seattle’s first steampunk convention (rest its soul) Steamcon 1, I believe six or seven years ago. I was brought into a steampunk LARP called Rise of Aester. I, being into theatre, was very excited to be handed a role and run with it. The community I found there was incredibly inclusive, welcoming, and friendly, so I stuck with them and kept playing!

You’ve told me in the past that you have various “kits.” Can you list them again and tell us what they’re for?

I do a lot of costuming based on genre, and not characters. And I make my costumes rugged. Though while most of them are my work, I don’t do it all. (See: sewing.) But because of their multifaceted use beyond just costuming, I refer to them as kits. They’re used for anything from walking around conventions and events, to LARPing out in the woods for three or four days straight.

I have a several steampunk kits, a post-apocalyptic kit, several variations on pirates, formal Victorian, and probably several in my closet that I’m just currently forgetting about.

Have you ever been injured whilst LARPing and/or what was the worst injury you’ve seen?

I personally have never suffered any major injuries, but it can be a physical sport. And as such, everyone runs some risk of injury. I have seen several concussions occur, because running around in the woods at night can be hazardous. But overall, I haven’t seen many injuries whilst LARPing.

You mentioned there will be a Dystopia Rising gathering this spring that might include as many as six or seven hundred people. How can folks learn more?

Dystopia Rising’s flagship game in New Jersey will be holding Downfall, an event where people from DR games across the nation rendezvous to play an extended 4 day game in which they work to survive the zombie apocalypse! I’ll be trying to make it!

You recently appeared on GSN (Game Show Network). What can you tell us about that project and do you anticipate being involved going forward?

Yes, I appeared on Steampunk’d on GSN. (It airs Wednesdays 10/9c) It was a very interesting experience in which I got to meet amazing artists and incredibly talented individuals while working alongside them to Steampunk a room in a competitive environment. I don’t know what the network has in mind for any future participation, though! They keep the cards close to their chest.

You go to a lot of conventions. Some of that is on your own dime, but others are sponsored, no? About what percentage is sponsored?

I have only recently begun being sponsored or hired to work at conventions, actually! I just worked Gencon and PAX as a booth representative, otherwise known as a booth babe, booth bro, board game beefcake, or hall hunk.

For Gencon, I worked for a steampunk airship board game called Incredible Expeditions, and that was a wonderful experience. For PAX Prime, I worked representing a violent parody platformer PC game dubbed Apocalypse Cow!

So really, most of my conventions are either through connections or my own dime. I will be a featured guest at Steamposium in Seattle though! I hope to see you there!

I also will have a very big announcement about another convention I will be guesting at soon, so keep your eyes on my social media!

 

What kind of deal/sponsorship, etc., will it take for you to reach full-time employment in this field, and is that something you’re aiming for?

I genuinely have no idea what it would take to reach full time employment. I love to go to these events, meet people, talk about what I do, or what I’m passionate about. It doesn’t feel like work for me to promote something I enjoy. Would I like to make a living in the field of LARP / Nerd Stuff / Art? Hell yeah.

Besides yourself (wink wink), who are the really big names in your industry?

I don’t have a very defined industry, but in the world of Steampunk you have people like Kato and Thomas Willeford. When it comes to LARP, with Dystopia Rising specifically, you can look at Eschaton Media’s CEO Ashley Zdeb, and their content creator Michael Pucci. Otherwise, what is my industry?!

What are your favorite board games?

I actually don’t play too many board games or table top games, but I do thoroughly enjoy them when I get the chance. I am of course biased about Incredible Expeditions, as I’m in it. Though I’ve also been known to partake in Dungeons and Dragons campaigns and the like, as I am an avid role-player.

I sometimes feel as if we’re in a golden age of cable television with Game of Thrones, Vikings (my favorite), Penny Dreadful, Walking Dead, The Strain and others. Do you watch any of these and do you have favorites?

I definitely don’t watch TV much, as I’m often busy with a project or putting on an event, but I occasionally get the urge to binge watch entire seasons of shows if I’m interested. I’m clearly a pretty big fan of The Walking Dead, though my zombie-oriented background might suggest that I’m biased. I also thought that Star Wars: The Clone Wars series was actually amazingly well done.

Do you have groupies?

I wouldn’t say I have, like, people with my face on their shirt. (Though that would be hilarious to have that Captain Hammer-style. Cosplay idea, guys.) But I definitely have people who follow what I’m doing, which has been kind of weird and awesome. Having people walk up to me at conventions and stuff who I don’t know is pretty cool, mainly because it opens the door to meet new and awesome people who share the same interests as I do!

Where do you see yourself in, say, ten years?

I have no clue. Life is full of amazing opportunities, and it’s all about what I have the ability to seize. Doors are opening often these days, and I am an extremely lucky and fortunate individual to have the support of family, friends, and fans. Hopefully I’ll be doing a lot of work at events and conventions!!!

So, we met at the Great Horror Campout, Seattle edition. What was that whole experience like for you and how do you see that company developing?

The Great Horror Campout was awesome! Stay up all night in a really badass costume bein’ spooky? That’s my jam! I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to act in such a unique environment, and this crazy doctor character in the area next to mine was pretty cool, too. --Oh wait, that was you.

As for that company developing, I actually don’t know a ton about their projects beyond what they did here. I assume they’ll make it back up this way someday, but from what I understand they’re primarily based out of LA and are therefore going to hold most of their events in the Southern California region. It was fun working with them, though.

Finally, awesome weapon or magic power?

Magic is almost always superior to physical weapons. Though I always have a terribly hard time having to pick just one power. While I’m a big fan of the usual invisibility, I’m just saying I’d save a lot of money on travel if I could teleport...

For more on Tobias McCurry, follow him on Twitter @TobiasMcCurry