Daniel McHugh's Blog

Double Fantasy

No, I'm not talking about the iconic John Lennon album of 1980. Although "Double Fantasy" has a lot in common with this post. I'm talking about some recent news I received. Double Fantasy explains it in more ways than one.

Ever since I was a kid, I loved myth and fantasy. I read Bulfinch's Mythology when I was still in my single digits. A tough read? Sure, but it was the only violence and sex you could find on the sanitized library shelves of a Catholic elementary school. After those early years, I discovered Tolkien, Eddings, Lewis, Donaldson, Jordan and Brooks.

I matured and jumped all over genres. Asimov, Christie, Clancy, Le Carre, but fantasy has always been the genre I come home to. That is why my first foray into writing was a fantasy series. It couldn't have been anything else.

Along the way, I became captivated by another type of fantasy. Fantasy sports. It started in the early 80's with college basketball and evolved into Major League Baseball, the national Football League, PGA golf etc. I love drafting a team and trying to squeeze every ounce of statistical advantage out of my players. I love manipulating the rules (bending, not breaking) and testing the limits of good sportsmanship. I love the mental challenge of trying to sell ice cubes to Eskimos and the horse trading that goes on in the quest for the best available players from another owner's team. I love the rivalry and the out and out loathing that develops amongst owners. In short, it's the other "fantasy" that I consider part of my life.

That fascination with statistical sports is the reason I know the name Matthew Berry. Most Rotisserie League players also know the name. Matthew is the Senior Fantasy Analyst for ESPN. He knows all things fantasy sports. Whether you agree with his yearly/ weekly prognostication or not, you have to admit he does the work and lays it out beautifully.

On top of it, Matthew is one heckuva writer. Funny, insightful and quick with his wit, Matthew builds a story as well as any syndicated columnist I've read.

Well, it just so happens that Matthew Berry has a book coming out in July. Fantasy Life: The Outrageous, Uplifting, and Heartbreaking World of Fantasy Sports from the Guy Who's Lived It, contains stories of intrigue, betrayal, outrageous behavior, and surprisingly touching moments from the lives of those who play fantasy sports. If the book is anything like Matthew Berry's columns, I will be smiling the entire way through.

However, there is one point where I will definitely smile. It just so happens that I contributed a story to Matthew's book and I couldn't be happier. (For those wondering, I fall in the category of "outrageous behavior". It ain't pretty.) I replied to a Facebook question of his where he asked for the funniest or most outrageous thing you did in a fantasy league. A two sentence blurb turned into a request for more of my story which in turn was included in the book. How fantastic is that? The fantasy author gets a story about fantasy sports published under the name of his fantasy publishing group (Penguin) by a guy with a fantasy job. Double double fantasy.

A few recent reviews.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, February 27, 2013
By steve herting (St. Francis, MN. United States) -

This review is from: The Merchant and the Menace (The Seraphinium) (Kindle Edition)

Well written fantasy that takes you to another world with believable characters and the right mix of action and personality.
I will be reading the rest of the series and have added Daniel McHugh to my list of favorite authors, He has a style that reminds me of Heinlien, Wies, and Hickman.

3.0 out of 5 stars A Good Start, February 24, 2013
By Walter E. Parker Jr. "watson387" -

This review is from: The Merchant and the Menace (The Seraphinium) (Kindle Edition)

First off I LOVE the history and mythology of the Seraphim's world! The races, allegiances, towns, landscapes and creeds all mesh together quite nicely into an excellent fantasy setting. Kael Brelgson is, unbeknownst to him, destined for greatness. What starts for him as his first trading journey turns into revelation and catastrophe as he learns there is more to the world beyond his little town of Kelky and deals with the sudden death of a loved one. A lot is revealed in this first book, mostly through flashbacks and lessons taught to the boy by his newfound companions. The world and setting is laid out for the reader comprehensibly and Daniel McHugh paints a wonderful picture of character and landscape.

The only problem I have with the book is that while you learn a LOT about the Seraphim's world, the main storyline suffers for it as the frequent flashbacks and history lessons cause it to move terribly slowly. It seemed like a 442 page introduction rather that a standalone novel. It ends kind of abruptly, but it just made me want to hurry and purchase the next book to find out what happens next (which I'm assuming was Mr. McHugh's intention).

All in all I really enjoyed The Merchant and the Menace and I will definitely be purchasing the rest of the books in the series. Daniel McHugh has written a very good start to a story bound for greatness, and I'm more than happy to follow along for the ride.

5.0 out of 5 stars Daniel McHugh, pool and the pedestal Will read more ., February 25, 2013
By Grandma Lori -

This review is from: The Pool and the Pedestal (The Seraphinium) (Kindle Edition)
Great characters. Love this author. He keeps you longing for more.
I will need to find the next volume now


WARNING: SPOILERS
4.0 out of 5 stars Great Stuff!, February 28, 2013
By Walter E. Parker Jr. "watson387" -

This review is from: The Pool and the Pedestal (The Seraphinium) (Kindle Edition)

Although book 1 seemed slow going, this book 2 steps the story into high gear! With the help of the Grey Elves and others, the Zodrians are preparing for war with Amird's forces of chaos. New friends and foes are revealed and some surprises are in store for Kael and crew. Daniel McHugh paints wonderful portraits and creates very interesting characters (Granu, son of Grannak may very well be one of my faovorite characters I've ever read). I'm really loving this series now and can't wait to see what happens next! On to book 3!

MANY THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO READ AND REVIEW. IT KEEPS THE SYSTEM GOING AND IN CHECK. I LOVE THAT PEOPLE ARE WILLING TO HELP OTHERS FIND A GOOD READ. CHEERS! DAN MCHUGH.

A Rebuttal to Myself

Wouldn't ya know it. A day after I finished my last blog, I sat down and watched a film my wife was interested in. Blew my entire last blog out of the water. Loved it!

The film, "Take Shelter", stars Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain. The acting is superb and the story is exceptional. The interesting thing about the story is its minimalist take. Everything is understated, subtle and thought provoking.

A day after my viewing, I was still trying to piece together my thoughts and impressions. One might think the movie too slow (especially if you are trained by Hollywood's hyperactivity), but give it some time and focus on Michael Shannon's face and body language. Phenomenal. After viewing, you will yourself remembering snippets and trying to reconcile them with the ending Good stuff.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1675192/

Bloody Hell

AN AX DRAGGED THROUGH THE GRISTLE OF A SEVERED ELBOW. Have I got your attention? Did I need the caps and the bold or is that a bit much, too over-the-top?

I sat down and watched the second episode in the series "The Walking Dead" last night. Multiple people have told me it's a "great show" and a "fun ride". I've been intrigued because I've also heard that later in the season a sort of hierarchy amongst the chaos evolves. Mysterious characters appear and the story evolves the new world into a setting with its own rules and myth.

That ended for me when the ax was ground into the cartilage to separate the forearm from the body.

Don't get me wrong. I get it. I understand that some corn starch, red dye number 3 and a few ounces of water make excellent human blood. Throw in a food processor and cauliflower and you've got some realistic brains to spill across the concrete. I'm not grossed out by a fireman's ax being dragged through some hunks of meat and stage blood. It has more to do with the purpose of the scene.

Before we go any further, however, I would also like to point out that this is not a rant against violence. We can have that argument at another time. Instead, this is a plea for story, a request for something to engage the brain not something that shows it quivering on the floor with hot lead smoldering inside it.

My main issue with the scene mentioned above is how and why it exists. I have nothing against horror, zombies, etc. In fact, done properly it can be a thrill ride. But for heaven's sake throw some story at me! Give me some plot. If you do give me some plot, use the gore and violence to highlight the plot, not vice versa!

In the scene, our hero and some others are trapped by the zombies in a downtown Atlanta building. They need to find a way out. Note the plot. I'm cool with that. They are in a "no win" situation. How are they gonna survive?

Turns out. The zombies can "smell" humans (or more to the point, not smell living humans. Humans don't give off the noxious odor of the living dead.) Alright, good plot device. The players have some knowledge that might help them out. Now if the humans could only smell like the dead, they might pass through the zombies undetected. They decide to "use" some twice killed zombie bodies. Up until this point I'm on board. It's all just a bit of gross fun and the puzzle of how to escape the overrun city is intriguing.

That's where it ends. The puzzle solution is mapped out too quickly and the episode languishes over the dismemberment of the corpse. More time is spent on the chopping scene than on the revelation of how to solve the puzzle. The puzzle is what makes the narrative fun and engaging. To dismiss it in favor of more gore is a downright shame.

I feel like this is the direction society has taken in both books and film. Good plot is overshadowed by violence or titillation. More often than not, violence and titillation are the focal points strung together by poorly conceived plot.

Just take a quick look at the current movies out on 02/07/2013 with a few quoted comments.


Bullet to the Head: The title speaks for itself
Warm Bodies: Zombie romance. (Probably no nasty scenes in that one)
Movie 43 "The line between gross-out humor that's inspired and the kind that's witless is fine indeed, and Movie 43 obliterates it with poop and movie stars." Boston Globe.
Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters: "Splattery fanboy fun"
Parker Jason Statham shoting and pounding on bad guys.
Mama Ghost story
Broken City Corruption, murder and violence.
The Last Stand Arnold in "hyper-violent entertainment"
A Haunted House Horror parody:"If the result features around 1,783 too many fart gags, to be fair, it also boasts a couple of genuine minor scares. Although there's no doubt that the film's most horrible sight is a way-too-long shot of Swardson's naked rump."
Gangster Squad: Hollywood anti-gun actors in an ode to violence. "For all the guns and gore, it's as breezy and uncritical as a tale from the True Detective magazine that the cops can't help reading."
Texas Chainsaw 3D "There's nothing thrilling about summarily dispatching everybody who isn't meant to survive to the credits, nothing entertaining about meathook, hatchet and chainsaw murdering that we've seen scores of times."

I think I'll end there. You get the point. Recycled, thin plots with enough shock to keep 'em coming back. I will make one note. Notice the preponderance of violence. Sex sells, but Americans must surely love death and violence even more. I know there are some other worthy movies out there that I didn't mention. No, I'm not trying to skew the data. I could reference "Les Mis", "Django Unchained" and "Zero Dark Thirty", but they would support my argument on violence, not hurt it.

I just can't help but wonder where all the creative talent has gone or if it's still there but pandering to some base emotional level. For example, the foremost stage for current creative talent must be the 30 second Super Bowl spots purchased at the hefty sum of $4 million. Teams of creatives spent months working on this year's crop.

What do we have to show for it? Recycled John Hughes cliches where the girl swoons from the dude bold enough to force a kiss from her. I'll assume she hardly knew the "geek" in this instance, but apparently the aphrodisiac of his sweaty face jammed into hers was too much. Instant love!

I hope my daughters grow up to have a bit more respect for themselves than the pole dancing, nerd kissing, car worshipping, need to be rescued, passed out on a one night stand women of this years ads. Months and a seemingly limitless budgets to come up with a 30 second mini-story, and the best we can get is Budweiser's version of War Horse.

All I can say is, c'mon people, we are better than this. Let's start telling some good stories.

The Seraphinium Giveaway

Today only. One of Amazon's Top Rated Fantasy Series is available at no cost to Kindle platforms.

BOOK I OF THE SERAPHINIUM: THE MERCHANT AND THE MENACE
The Merchant and the Menace





The Seraphim. Beings of power, created to guide the world in times of trouble. They live their lives of near immortality in servitude to a lesser creature, man.

One rebelled. Amird, the Hand of the Creator, bridled at the sovereignty of his lord. In defiance he murdered a brother and was cast into the Mists of Chaos.

Millennia passed as the Deceiver plotted his return. Backed by the might of a seemingly unstoppable army of Ulrog Stone Men and their fire-eyed Malveel Lords, Amird plans to wrest control of the world from the Creator and rain violence on the humans he once served.

All that stands between Amird and his triumphant return are the remnants of battered human armies and the hope that Seraphim, loyal to the Creator, still roam this world.

Kael knows little of this struggle. His quiet village lies deep in the Southlands, unchanged and unchallenged by the wars raging in the frozen North. In fact, the boy longs for a bit of adventure and freedom from the boring routine at his father’s inn.

Freedom comes at a cost. Kael’s first journey outside his secluded village results in a tragedy so deep it destroys the boy’s sheltered world and immerses him in the struggle.

Revelations surface. Kael uncovers a past linking him to legends, grapples with a present that resembles nothing he knows, and confronts a future that demands he tap long dormant power and stake a claim in the defense of the human races.

Kael’s first step toward that future lies through the darkness of the Nagur Wood, and rumor has it something prowls the Nagur!

REVIEWS FOR THE SERAPHINIUM ON AMAZON
4.5 average out of 5 stars (32 reviews)

I've read them all... Robert Jordan, David Eddings, George R.R. Martin, Isaac Asimov, Terry Goodkind, etc, etc....and of course the master, Tolkien. I love a good long story with complex characters, a different world that becomes alive to me, good vs. evil, and everyday people who are confronted with a choice to make a difference. Dan McHugh is now added to my list of authors who can deliver! Can't wait for the next books!


Books 1 through 3 of the Seraphinium series ended much too soon. The characters are interesting and consistent. The plot twists are legion. A writing style reminiscent of Chronicles of Narnia or Lord of the Rings. As a former editor I was elated to find the books seem to be professionally edited with hardly any sentences I would question or change.

REVIEWS ON GOODREADS
4.26 average out of 5 stars (23 ratings)

I really liked this book. There are a few things I look for in a good book: a good adventure, comedy, and great characters. I found all of them while reading this book. I highly recommend to those who like epic adventures. Make sure you have plenty of time because once you start reading it, you won't be able to put it down.

Definitely a "setup" book. The story is ambitious and requires a good deal of structure to set the scene. However, the back stories themselves are engaging and nearly complete, so the departures from present tense do not distract from enjoyment of the book. Many characters are introduced in a short timeframe, but their individual stories are easy to follow and draw the reader into the overarching narrative. I don't wish to give away further developments, but book 1 was barely a five for me while book 2 really delivered. Overall the series is a fantastic read, so far.

Get your copy today only.

Review of The Night Circus

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Atmosphere. Atmosphere. Atmosphere. Ms. Morgenstern's book is a writer's study in control and boundaries.

First, her setting is predominantly confined to only a few locales and she readily masters their look, feel and smell. By limiting her venues, she is able to spend time immersing us within their magic. The title circus is wonderfully transcribed from her imagination and becomes as much a character in the novel as the players themselves. Additionally, the house of Chandresh becomes another of these magic locales where the unimaginable routinely takes place. Second, Ms. Morgenstern limits the palatte with which she paints. Black and white with an occasional splash of red becomes much more vibrant in her hands than all the hues of the rainbow. As a writer of setting, Ms. Morgenstern does an outstanding job.

As a writer of plot, on the other hand, the author leaves something to be desired. I cannot purge the feeling that I was sold swamp land. The swamp land held some beautiful cypress trees and water lillies, but just try to build upon it and you will find little support.

First, the magical challenge that acts as the focal point for tension never really materializes. The rules of the engagement are so vague that we never feel a sense competition. The "moves" the players make are never judged or quantified, so we never know where this amorphous contest stands. Who is winning? Who is losing? What are the consequences of winning or losing?

The two forms of magic used have no yardstick by which they can be measured against one another. Has Celia's latest creation shown power and precision versus Marco's latest endeavour? Is she weak? Strong? Too emotional? Too chaotic? Is Marco too meticulous or labor intensive? Will the enchantments he weaves fall apart when pushed? Will one player push against the other's creations? None of this goldmine of plot is ever explored by Ms. Morgenstern. Instead, the plot leads us down the road of why this contest was ever contrived to begin with. Unfortunately, the answer to that question falls flat and we are left with an emptiness once the sugar high of the vision of The Night Circus wears off.



View all my reviews

Latest Review For Book I of The Seraphinium

Great start to a series, January 6, 2013

This was a free-book offer that I tried. Great characters and interesting world. I could really visualize a lot of the scenes - excellent descriptions. Some slow spots and lots of exposition but this is the first book, so of course a lot of ground work is being laid down. Good for people who like classical fantasy fiction like Tolkien. My only regret is the few drawings in the book were very hard to see on a Kindle Fire - but that's not the writer's fault.

Review for Book II of The Seraphinium

Here is the most recent review for "The Pool and the Pedestal".


4.0 out of 5 stars

Better than the first book., December 23, 2012
By Roiet "somchaay" -
This review is from: The Pool and the Pedestal (The Seraphinium) (Kindle Edition)

I'm still somewhat confused on what was the pool and what was the pedestal, but this book is indeed better than the first book, and a decent book all by itself.

<spoiler>New characters are introduced, and I rather liked Vieri and even the Delvin Monk. I also enjoyed the interaction between Vieri and her lieutenant. I'm also a fan of the military aspect of fiction, so I enjoyed the part where they started to square away the Zodrian military and where they changed their tactics.</spoiler>

The beginning is mildly rough. The characters still grin and smile too much when they speak. However, the author quickly stops doing this.

The action is enjoyable. Actually, the whole book was enjoyable enough that I'll purchase the rest. In addition, the author does a good job of setting up political intrigue, and what I especially have appreciated is that the characters aren't too stupid to figure it out when they see it. So no tearing my hair out and saying good grief, why can't you see what is right in front of your eyes! They see it. Which I appreciate, as I'm already short on hair.


The Pool and the Pedestal

Timeout for a Serious Talk

Here's the deal America. I get it. I understand. We evolved as a frontier culture. We loaded up wagons. We buckled packs on mules. We set out. We plunged into the unknown. We took a leap of faith, a daring journey and thought outside the box. From day one the European settlers of this country (the dominant force behind its current identity) set sail with some giant question marks ahead of them. We were a ballsy group of no-nonsense self starters intent on carving out a place of our own in a dangerous world. (We can argue about whether we were "conquerors" later.)

To make us feel safe, we took along guns. They provided food and protection. They acted as currency, often providing sustenance in the most trying of times. Read Ambrose's "Undaunted Courage" and you will readily understand the magnitude and importance of a good weapon. There is no argument. In the formative years of this great nation, guns played a crucial and essential role in the settlement of the great wilderness that was the United States of America.

Additionally, guns played a significant role in the liberation of the Americas from European sovereignty. Without an armed populace, the first echoes of rebellion would have been suppressed by a superior British force. Once again, gun ownership by private citizens shaped not only our nations history, but that of the world.

Therefore, it makes perfect sense that the Founding Fathers took the "right to bear arms" as a significant liberty to be entrusted to the people. In fact, many delegates saw this right as essential to the upkeep and maintenance of freedom. Noah Webster argued:

"Before a standing army can rule the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom in Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretence, raised in the United States."

However, that was then and this is now. There are no hostile aboriginals to protect ourselves from. The great American wilderness has been subdued. Most large, carnivorous predators have been confined to narrow bands of existence. Outlaws and pirates no longer prowl the trails and waterways of the union. Certainly criminals exist, but this is by far the safest and most secure our country has ever been in its history.

So why? Why do we need weapons specifically designed to harm or kill people? Why do we allow weapons to be produced that have the indisputable function of causing injury to large numbers of people? What person in their right mind thinks they need an assault rifle stored in the basement just in case Obama somehow coopts the American military into his own private army and takes away our freedom? It simply is not in the cards. Cannot happen. Will never happen.

I'm all for the rights of Americans to hunt. Shotguns, rifles and bows have a part to play in American recreation. (Not really my cup o tea, but I see how they have a place.) Essentially, I'm not anti gun. Instead, I consider myself anti guns designed for killing people. Even more specifically, anti allowing guns designed for killing people to be put in the hands of ordinary citizens.

I know the argument against this position. "Someone breaks into my house and threatens my family. I need a gun!" No, you need a stronger door. Invest in a better alarm system. Steel shutters. Rottweilers. Anything other than a gun. Isn't the ultimate outcome NOT TO HAVE TO KILL SOMEONE even if they are a drug crazed, baseball wielding psycho who has kicked down your door? If you had your choice, wouldn't you rather he never gets in your house to begin with?

For those of you who answered, "no, I'd rather shoot his drug crazed, home invasion ass!", I think you might be considered part of the problem not the solution.

So here's my proposal.

Handguns are illegal for private citizens. Current legally owned handguns can be turned over to the government for one year. Owners will receive full monetary restitution based on trade in value of one year ago. (This compensates legal owners and does not deprive them of the assets value.) Illegally owned guns will reap trade in value as well (preventing illegal sales which might prove more lucrative than straight out confiscation) minus a small fine (to pay for the buy back program paperwork etc). Illegal owners will only receive a three month window to turn in their weapons. After three months fines and penalties increase dramatically. Assault weapons will receive the same treatment. However, illegal ownership past the cutoff date and penalties will be significant.

For those of you who would like to focus blame for recent mass shootings upon mental health, I agree. I believe the diagnosis and continuing care of those with mental health issues would go a long way to preventing further tragedies, but let's remove the tangible means to harm many people in a short period of time. Let's end our fascination with guns.

SAD, writing and book promo

It's that time of year. Darkness when you get up and darkness when you get home. Darkness fills your world and creeps into your soul. All of the holiday singing and jing jing jingling you throw at it doesn't seem to matter. It's a heavy curtain, weighing you down and suffocating your little flame.

I believe the clinical term is S.A.D. or Seasonal affective disorder. In the modern world we have a name for even imaginable state of being. There must be thousands by now. Whatever concoction of feelings a human can produce has been analyzed, scrutinized and categorized. I think we've overdone it a bit, but S.A.D. really does hit the nail on the head.

For an author, trying to hold down a 9 to 5 and write during one's free time, S.A.D. is particularly devastating. It saps your creative energy and undermines your resolve. It's hard enough to produce work and convince yourself that it's good enough to be read by others, let alone overcome the malaise that S.A.D. infuses into your process.

I often wonder how those afflicted with clinical depression ever managed to produce anything let alone masterpieces of modern literature. Hemingway obviously had his demons. How did he struggle through, or did he care so little about reputation (i.e. macho) that he consigned his work to the great void not caring whether it was received or not?

Perhaps S.A.D. is the reason so many artists move to islands in the sunnier climes (besides the obvious reasons). Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a full-time passion/ job that could be accomplished anywhere?

Curse you S.A.D. I will overcome.