Impressed with Iray.

 I have been really impressed with the Iray rendering in Daz Studio. 

Cover reveal!

RISE OF THE ARCHER has an awesome new cover!

 

Writing update!

Whew! I just finished the first round of editing on my current manuscript! It gives you a sense of accomplishment until you remember that you need to print the revised manuscript out and start all over again. #writing 

A reflection on Palm Sunday.

 When we look around seeking echoes of the divine, we need look no further than the donkey. In the old testament Balam’s donkey saved him from being killed by one of God’s angels. In the new testament a donkey carried Christ into Jerusalem on palm Sunday. According to legend all donkeys carry the shadow of the cross on their back and shoulders. In the modern day donkeys are used to guard sheep from predators like wolves, coyotes, and stray dogs. I have read that the sheep view the larger donkey as  a protector and will flock about it. In this case the donkey’s tending the flock reflects the “Good Shepherd” whom he carried into Jerusalem so many years ago.

Writing tip: Dare to step away from the edge!

 The other day I was on Facebook and saw a paranormal/ fantasy book advertised. The book synopsis listed one of the main characters as being "foul mouthed". That was it. That was all of the description given for the character. Since when did being foul mouthed count as a personality trait? This brings visions of a teenager who thinks cursing like a sailor makes them more "grown up." Or perhaps makes them edgy (Whatever that means.) I have heard it said that people who use profanity have larger vocabularies than most people. It's hard to prove that when the person's "extensive vocabulary" is replaced with a steady stream of profanity. When you write, celebrate language and help expand it. Don't drag your reader through the gutter. 

Light Spec Gamer: Hold it! Stepping into the court room with Phoenix Wright.

 

Are you looking for a little more legal drama in your gaming? Do you want to throw it down in court on a screen that is larger than your old Nintendo DS could ever dream of? Capcom's handheld classic looks amazing on the iPad. The HD graphics look great on iPad and gameplay appears to be the same as the classic.

Go beyond voice!

There was a lost opportunity in the Michael Bay Transformers movies. Not long after we meet Bumblebee we discover that he is unable to talk and is forced to use his radio to communicate with the world. This would have been an excellent opportunity to feature the use of sign language. It was revealed that the Autobots learned human language via the internet, so why wouldn't Bumblebee have sought out a way to communicate? I believe in Transformers lore that Bumblebee did know sign language. 

Hollywood is currently hyper focused on making a wider audience feel included, so how did they miss this opportunity? In the 1950's version of Zorro, Bernardo communicated with Don Diego via a form of sign language. Later the TV series Ironside featured a wheelchair bound detective. Not too long ago I read a fantasy novel where human and elven races communicated with each other via sign language due to language complexity. As a story teller, look beyond voice and don't be afraid to reach beyond what is expected.