S.D. McPhail's Blog, page 5
August 17, 2016
The Origin Key Launch Event
My first novel was published and we threw a party! Here’s a gigantic THANK YOU to Terranova’s Italian Restaurant, family, friends, and everyone who came out and helped make it a fun event! On Friday, August 12 we were at … Continue reading →
August 10, 2016
The Origin Key Book Launch
Writing is creative fun, but launching a published book can be a blast! Mark your calendar for Friday, August 12. The traditional way to commemorate publication of a new book is to have a launch party. Help me celebrate … Continue reading →
August 3, 2016
The Origin Key Book Trailer
My first novel, for sale on Amazon.com, has a trailer! The Treasures of Dodrazeb: The Origin Key is a sword-and-science fantasy adventure like no other. Prince Rasteem, a third-century Persian warrior, discovers an obscure culture that appears to take twenty-first century … Continue reading →
July 27, 2016
Holy Crap! I’m an Author
Making the transition from reader to writer to published author is a unique journey. My novel The Treasures of Dodrazeb: The Origin Key is a sword-and-science fantasy adventure set in the third century. In it, a Persian warrior-prince discovers an obscure culture … Continue reading →
July 20, 2016
Thank You, Sir Alistair Pilkington
What would life be like without glass? A lot of modern technology—like computers, cameras, and smart phones—depend on it. Decorative or utilitarian, it’s all around us, often right in front of us, and we are accustomed to looking straight through … Continue reading →
July 13, 2016
The History of Paper
What would we do without paper? There are so many varieties! We use it for cleaning, wrapping, containerizing, sharing information, personal hygiene, photos and art, currency, and so much more. Historically, one of the most widespread uses for paper has been … Continue reading →
July 6, 2016
Shangri-La: The Ideal “Happy Place”
James Hilton’s novel Lost Horizon, published in 1933, popularized the idea of a hidden, peaceful valley isolated from the strife of the outside world with happy, contented inhabitants who enjoyed long life in harmony with each other. He called his … Continue reading →
June 29, 2016
Nardshir: The Roots of Modern Backgammon
Do you prefer games of pure wit and skill, or do you like an element of chance with some dice action thrown in? The ancient Persians apparently favored a game with a combination of both. Backgammon is a board game … Continue reading →
June 22, 2016
Gobekli Tepe: A Real Archaeological Treasure
Inspiration for fiction comes from many places. Reading about ancient civilizations gave me the idea for a series of adventures featuring a third-century Persian prince who discovers a highly advanced culture hidden from the rest of the world since prehistoric … Continue reading →
June 15, 2016
Eyeglasses: An Invention Made Necessary by Books
Spectacles became common after Guttenburg’s invention of the printing press in the mid-1500’s. Printing with movable type meant even common people could afford books and marked the beginning of widespread need to correct vision with eyeglasses. I started wearing corrective … Continue reading →
