Carl Alves's Blog, page 12
May 9, 2019
Game of Thrones "The Last of the Starks"
Now that the Whitewalkers have been vanquished, a celebration ensued at Winterfell. This was a raucous affair rarely seen in Game of Thrones, which tends to center on brooding and dire tidings. At this celebration, Arya was mysteriously absent, Gendry was rewarded for his efforts although later spurned in his offer of marriage, Daenerys seemed none too happy to watch the celebration, Jaimie and Brienne hooked up, and Tormund sadly had to settle for someone other than his one true love. That leads to the final war, which had its first skirmish, one in which Dany’s forces did not fare so well.
Jamie Lannister and Brienne
After a reprisal of a game of true statements involving heavy drinking, Jamie and Brienne fulfill what has been brewing for a while. Unfortunately, Tormund, my favorite character on the show, was cast aside in this love triangle. Although Jamie initially elects to stay in Winterfell, he changes his mind when he learns of the results of that initial skirmish between his sister and Daenerys. It’s a bit confusing why he decides in the middle of the night to leave Brienne and ride off to King’s Landing, since this should have come as no surprise to him. He knew the war was coming, so why he left in such a hurry under these circumstances makes little sense. I do believe that Jamie is intent on killing Cersei, not saving her.
Jon Snow
The take home from this episode as far as Jon is concerned is that he doesn’t understand the concept of secrecy. Once he told his sister about his true parentage and lineage, it was all over. By the end of the episode, eight people knew, and as Varys astutely pointed out, before long hundreds would know. Of Jon’s many virtues, which include honor, valor, and mad fighting skills, political maneuvering is not one of them. If he truly wanted to have his forces remain loyal to Daenerys, he should have heeded her advice. I would have thought for certain that he would not be cool with hooking up with his aunt, but apparently he was not terribly bothered by this.
Tyrion Lannister
Tyrion is hellbent on maintaining his loyalty to Daenerys, even though he sees the flaws in her leadership style, and the troubling nature of how she has become power hungry. Varys is less so. Varys has always been consistent throughout the show that he is all about the common folk. He is not loyal to any king or queen, but to the people of the Seven Kingdoms. And when Daenerys is willing to burn down King’s Landing and kill thousands of innocent people in the process, he is more than ready to jump ship onto the Jon Snow train instead, even if Jon is not interested in becoming king.
Cersei Lannister
Cersei is up to her usual evil ways. And when Tyrion pleads with her that she is not a monster, I couldn’t help but chuckle. Of course she’s a monster. She has always been a monster, as shown when she instructed the Mountain to chop down Missandei. That sets in motion the inevitable war to come. With her sidekick killed after already losing so many Dothraki and Unsullied, Dany is ready for war, not to mention Grey Worm is seriously pissed.
The one thing I am most looking forward to is the battle between the Clegane brothers. This has been brewing since season one, and should be awesome. It will either be Jaimie or Arya Stark who kills Cersei. I’m leaning toward Jamie. And I believe Jon Snow will be sitting on the Iron Throne at the end of the show.
Jamie Lannister and Brienne
After a reprisal of a game of true statements involving heavy drinking, Jamie and Brienne fulfill what has been brewing for a while. Unfortunately, Tormund, my favorite character on the show, was cast aside in this love triangle. Although Jamie initially elects to stay in Winterfell, he changes his mind when he learns of the results of that initial skirmish between his sister and Daenerys. It’s a bit confusing why he decides in the middle of the night to leave Brienne and ride off to King’s Landing, since this should have come as no surprise to him. He knew the war was coming, so why he left in such a hurry under these circumstances makes little sense. I do believe that Jamie is intent on killing Cersei, not saving her.
Jon Snow
The take home from this episode as far as Jon is concerned is that he doesn’t understand the concept of secrecy. Once he told his sister about his true parentage and lineage, it was all over. By the end of the episode, eight people knew, and as Varys astutely pointed out, before long hundreds would know. Of Jon’s many virtues, which include honor, valor, and mad fighting skills, political maneuvering is not one of them. If he truly wanted to have his forces remain loyal to Daenerys, he should have heeded her advice. I would have thought for certain that he would not be cool with hooking up with his aunt, but apparently he was not terribly bothered by this.
Tyrion Lannister
Tyrion is hellbent on maintaining his loyalty to Daenerys, even though he sees the flaws in her leadership style, and the troubling nature of how she has become power hungry. Varys is less so. Varys has always been consistent throughout the show that he is all about the common folk. He is not loyal to any king or queen, but to the people of the Seven Kingdoms. And when Daenerys is willing to burn down King’s Landing and kill thousands of innocent people in the process, he is more than ready to jump ship onto the Jon Snow train instead, even if Jon is not interested in becoming king.
Cersei Lannister
Cersei is up to her usual evil ways. And when Tyrion pleads with her that she is not a monster, I couldn’t help but chuckle. Of course she’s a monster. She has always been a monster, as shown when she instructed the Mountain to chop down Missandei. That sets in motion the inevitable war to come. With her sidekick killed after already losing so many Dothraki and Unsullied, Dany is ready for war, not to mention Grey Worm is seriously pissed.
The one thing I am most looking forward to is the battle between the Clegane brothers. This has been brewing since season one, and should be awesome. It will either be Jaimie or Arya Stark who kills Cersei. I’m leaning toward Jamie. And I believe Jon Snow will be sitting on the Iron Throne at the end of the show.
May 1, 2019
Game of Thrones "The Long Night"
I think that without a doubt this episode was the single most anticipated episode thus far in the entire series, and that covers a lot of ground. There have also been some epic battle episodes like Hardhome, the Battle of the Blackwater, and the Battle of the Bastards. Those two things created such a high bar that it would be incredibly difficult to live up to such high expectations. This episode had some great aspects to it, but it also had some flaws. In the end, I think this will be a memorable episode, but not a classic Game of Thrones episode that some of the above mentioned ones are.
The Battle of Winterfell
My biggest issue with this episode was that much of the early part of it was hard to see. Because it was so dark and chaotic I had a hard time following the action, especially when the ice dragon was blowing its mist. This made it frustrating to watch at times. There were also some things done exceptionally well. The first ten minutes before the fighting started was loaded with tension. I was waiting for the explosion of violence, and they did a great job of creating the atmosphere for the fight to come. The other thing that was done exceptionally well was that they showed the fight from so many different levels. If it was just a continuous loop of the human army against the dead army, it wouldn’t have been so interesting. Although, there was some of that, most of the time they were focusing on individual characters and telling their story in the larger context of the battle.
Daenerys Targaryan and Jon Snow
The opening battle sequence was crazy, seeing the Dothraki horde, a formidable army to begin with, now armed with flaming swords basically getting wiped out by the Whitewalker army. That was the point where I knew that this was not going to be an easy fight. The plan was for Jon and Daenerys to wait until the Night King showed himself and then fight him two dragons against his one. That plan didn’t come to fruition when Dany rushed into the fray after seeing the Dothraki get wiped out in one fell swoop. The dragon battle, which looked awesome on paper, suffered from what I mentioned above about not being able to tell what was happening. All along, I was certain what was going to happen—and I’ve been thinking this ever since Hardhome was that it would come down to Jon Snow defeating the Night King in single combat, and I still feel cheated that it didn’t happen, but if you look at it from a broader perspective, it makes sense that Arya’s journey would lead her to this point.
Arya Stark
Looking at this from a wider view, this made sense in Arya’s story arc. Everything that ever happened to Arya led to this moment. From training on sword fighting with Sirio Ferrell, to meeting Jaqen H’gar, to becoming a Faceless Man, all led to her to this moment, being the one to kill the Night King. Without those things, she would never have been able to attain the skills she needed in this fight. And in the end, it was Arya who was the hero of the living in defeating the dead.
There were a handful of deaths in this episode, the bigger ones being Jorah Mormant and Theon Grayjoy. After this, everything seems anticlimactic, even the war for the Iron Throne. I believe the show ends with Daenerys being Queen and somehow turning on Jon Snow.
The Battle of Winterfell
My biggest issue with this episode was that much of the early part of it was hard to see. Because it was so dark and chaotic I had a hard time following the action, especially when the ice dragon was blowing its mist. This made it frustrating to watch at times. There were also some things done exceptionally well. The first ten minutes before the fighting started was loaded with tension. I was waiting for the explosion of violence, and they did a great job of creating the atmosphere for the fight to come. The other thing that was done exceptionally well was that they showed the fight from so many different levels. If it was just a continuous loop of the human army against the dead army, it wouldn’t have been so interesting. Although, there was some of that, most of the time they were focusing on individual characters and telling their story in the larger context of the battle.
Daenerys Targaryan and Jon Snow
The opening battle sequence was crazy, seeing the Dothraki horde, a formidable army to begin with, now armed with flaming swords basically getting wiped out by the Whitewalker army. That was the point where I knew that this was not going to be an easy fight. The plan was for Jon and Daenerys to wait until the Night King showed himself and then fight him two dragons against his one. That plan didn’t come to fruition when Dany rushed into the fray after seeing the Dothraki get wiped out in one fell swoop. The dragon battle, which looked awesome on paper, suffered from what I mentioned above about not being able to tell what was happening. All along, I was certain what was going to happen—and I’ve been thinking this ever since Hardhome was that it would come down to Jon Snow defeating the Night King in single combat, and I still feel cheated that it didn’t happen, but if you look at it from a broader perspective, it makes sense that Arya’s journey would lead her to this point.
Arya Stark
Looking at this from a wider view, this made sense in Arya’s story arc. Everything that ever happened to Arya led to this moment. From training on sword fighting with Sirio Ferrell, to meeting Jaqen H’gar, to becoming a Faceless Man, all led to her to this moment, being the one to kill the Night King. Without those things, she would never have been able to attain the skills she needed in this fight. And in the end, it was Arya who was the hero of the living in defeating the dead.
There were a handful of deaths in this episode, the bigger ones being Jorah Mormant and Theon Grayjoy. After this, everything seems anticlimactic, even the war for the Iron Throne. I believe the show ends with Daenerys being Queen and somehow turning on Jon Snow.
April 28, 2019
The Flicker Men by Ted Kosmatka
There wasn’t a whole lot that I liked about The Flicker Men. It’s the story of a washed up, burned out scientist named Eric Argus, who finds himself at a Research Center where he is performing a double slit experiment, trying to learn about the nature of light and matter. His experiments get him embroiled in controversy and part of a larger conflict with the many folds of the multi-verse in a poorly explained, convoluted story line.
As I mentioned earlier, there is a lot going wrong with this novel. First, the writing is subpar. It’s chocked full of these short little sentences that usually aren’t more than a few words. This can be used for emphasis, but the author leaned on it like a crutch to the point where I kept on noticing it, taking me away from the story. Second, the author does a poor job of explaining things. I didn’t get the significance of the double slit experiment and I certainly didn’t get why it was so important that it got the Flicker Men—the guardians and masters of the universe and sowers of chaos and stoppers of progress—would be so interested in it.
The characterization of this novel was poor. Eric Argus wasn’t especially likeable. The bad guy characters didn’t make much sense. The group that was countering the Flicker Men made even less sense, and it was never clearly defined what their purpose was. I didn’t get the ending of the novel and the importance of the sphere. I would suggest skipping this novel.
As I mentioned earlier, there is a lot going wrong with this novel. First, the writing is subpar. It’s chocked full of these short little sentences that usually aren’t more than a few words. This can be used for emphasis, but the author leaned on it like a crutch to the point where I kept on noticing it, taking me away from the story. Second, the author does a poor job of explaining things. I didn’t get the significance of the double slit experiment and I certainly didn’t get why it was so important that it got the Flicker Men—the guardians and masters of the universe and sowers of chaos and stoppers of progress—would be so interested in it.
The characterization of this novel was poor. Eric Argus wasn’t especially likeable. The bad guy characters didn’t make much sense. The group that was countering the Flicker Men made even less sense, and it was never clearly defined what their purpose was. I didn’t get the ending of the novel and the importance of the sphere. I would suggest skipping this novel.
April 23, 2019
Game of Thrones "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms"
This episode was the calm before the storm. Whereas, episode one of the final season was just okay with all of the character reunions, I found A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, to be a far more satisfying episode. It had a lot of what I really enjoy about Game of Thrones—great dialogue between well written and developed characters that I like to watch on the screen. And there was a lot of that. In the end, I think it created some memorable moments in what will be the final act for many of the characters before they get killed off in the next episode. There were so many great interactions in this episode: Leanne and Jorah Morment; The Hound and Arya; the Lannister brothers reunited; Davos and the girl who reminded him of Stannis’s daughter, etc.
Arya Stark
I have to say, the steamy scene between Arya and Gendry was a little disconcerting. It was perfectly logical. Hey, we both might be dead tomorrow, so let’s go out with a bang. On the other hand, I realize Arya is an adult, but it’s still a bit weird since I’ve been watching her since she was a child on the show. I do like the Darth Maul style weapon that Gendry designed for her.
Jamie Lannister and Breanne of Tarth
It was fitting that the first character Jamie saw upon his arrival at Winterfell was Bran since he tossed him off a tower in the show’s first episode. Bran, now the Three-Eyed Raven, didn’t seem to care since he is no longer Bran. I thought it was cool that Breanne vouched for him, given the history those two characters share. I also enjoyed the whole sitting around the fire sharing stories. My two favorite parts of this episode was Tormund’s ridiculous story about killing the giant, and Jaimie knighting Breanne. If the three of them survive the battle to come, this love triangle should be priceless.
Sansa Stark
I really enjoyed the scene between Sansa and Daenerys (less so the scene between her and Theon Greyjoy since they are quite possibly my least two favorite characters on the show). What I liked about the interaction between her and Daenerys is that it further revealed what I’ve been writing about for a while—Daenerys is on the verge of turning evil. Yes, she wants to defeat the Whitewalkers, but she is absolutely power hungry as evidenced by the end of the scene where she and Sansa were bonding when she pulls her hand away in anger when Sansa lets her know that the North is not going to be cool with her as the Queen when this is all over.
Daenerys Targaryan and Jon Snow
This was the most telling point in the whole episode. Jon reveals to his aunt/lover that they are related. Did she care at all about that? Not a bit. Marrying relatives in the Targaryan family is par for the course. Her first reaction had nothing to do about that. Instead, she immediately went to the fact that this must not be true and Jon is only making a power grab. You would hope by this point that she would realize that Jon has no interest in the Iron Throne and only wants to save the Seven Kingdoms from the White Walkers. Daenerys is turning evil before our eyes, but with only five episodes left and the battle with the White Walkers still needing to be resolved, does the show have the time to realize this?
Next week’s episode promises some serious carnage and major character deaths.
Arya Stark
I have to say, the steamy scene between Arya and Gendry was a little disconcerting. It was perfectly logical. Hey, we both might be dead tomorrow, so let’s go out with a bang. On the other hand, I realize Arya is an adult, but it’s still a bit weird since I’ve been watching her since she was a child on the show. I do like the Darth Maul style weapon that Gendry designed for her.
Jamie Lannister and Breanne of Tarth
It was fitting that the first character Jamie saw upon his arrival at Winterfell was Bran since he tossed him off a tower in the show’s first episode. Bran, now the Three-Eyed Raven, didn’t seem to care since he is no longer Bran. I thought it was cool that Breanne vouched for him, given the history those two characters share. I also enjoyed the whole sitting around the fire sharing stories. My two favorite parts of this episode was Tormund’s ridiculous story about killing the giant, and Jaimie knighting Breanne. If the three of them survive the battle to come, this love triangle should be priceless.
Sansa Stark
I really enjoyed the scene between Sansa and Daenerys (less so the scene between her and Theon Greyjoy since they are quite possibly my least two favorite characters on the show). What I liked about the interaction between her and Daenerys is that it further revealed what I’ve been writing about for a while—Daenerys is on the verge of turning evil. Yes, she wants to defeat the Whitewalkers, but she is absolutely power hungry as evidenced by the end of the scene where she and Sansa were bonding when she pulls her hand away in anger when Sansa lets her know that the North is not going to be cool with her as the Queen when this is all over.
Daenerys Targaryan and Jon Snow
This was the most telling point in the whole episode. Jon reveals to his aunt/lover that they are related. Did she care at all about that? Not a bit. Marrying relatives in the Targaryan family is par for the course. Her first reaction had nothing to do about that. Instead, she immediately went to the fact that this must not be true and Jon is only making a power grab. You would hope by this point that she would realize that Jon has no interest in the Iron Throne and only wants to save the Seven Kingdoms from the White Walkers. Daenerys is turning evil before our eyes, but with only five episodes left and the battle with the White Walkers still needing to be resolved, does the show have the time to realize this?
Next week’s episode promises some serious carnage and major character deaths.
April 21, 2019
10 Questions with Jason Meuschke
1. What made you decide to start The Sample Chapter Podcast?
JM: First off I want to thank you, Carl, for asking me to come on and do this! It is such a privilege and great fun to do this! Ok now for your questions: To be totally honest at first it was a platform for people to get to know who I am as a writer. Long ago I was interested in radio and had been a deejay for a few years at a club. When podcasting came along I felt drawn to it and began to correspond with the hosts and learn from them just like we learn from other writers. For over a year I considered doing my own but didn’t know what it would be about until a few months before my book came out. Then it hit me, “What if my show featured a new author each week that read a chapter from their book?” Thus the show was born.
2. Who has been your biggest influence as a writer?
JM: Hmm, tough question. Author-wise I’d have to say various Robert McCammon stories and my local writing group who I absolutely adore! In my personal life it would have to be my wife. She’s pushed me for years, decades really, to reach for my dreams of being a writer and has always believed in me. She’s also my toughest critic!
3. How close to reality is the urban legend you depict in Nine-Mile Bridge?
JM: Hahaha, great question! It sort of depends on who you ask. My first chapter is very similar to my first trip to the bridge back in the late-80s. The upper classmen who took my friends and I couldn’t agree on what the legends were so in that first night alone we heard many depictions of it. Later, when my friends and I developed a story around all of the legends we heard, perhaps added a few more details and maybe embellished on some other bits. Still, there was always a creepy vibe coming from the place and many people swear by encounters they’ve had while visiting.
4. Who is your favorite writer?
JM: I’d definitely have to say Robert McCammon. Stories like, Boy’s Life and Swan Song are not only epic but they make you believe that the fantastic, or even supernatural, are really happening within a real world environment. Plus, there’s The Wolf’s Hour! A British Secret Service spy who is a werewolf during WW2? C’mon how is that not awesome?!
5. What was the most surprising moment you have had in hosting The Sample Chapter Podcast?
JM: First one that comes to mind was just a few weeks ago when 80’s actress, Diane Franklin, came on to read from her books and she told me this was her first ever public reading of her book! I was so flattered! But the biggest surprise has to be in myself. By making myself available to hear many different types of stories, I’ve discovered treasures I wouldn’t have normally picked out for myself, you know what I mean? Like going to the store pre-show, I may have passed right by this author, or that story, but because of the show I’ve developed a real appreciation for all types. I genuinely look forward to hearing what each author has to read!
6. What current writing projects are you working on?
JM: I have two I’m actively working on and one that I dreamed up the other day that I’m frantically scribbling notes about. Of my actives, the first is an alien invasion adventure that takes place originally in the 80’s with a young man who is obsessed with the action heroes of the period. I’m currently reworking it. My second is another scifi but in the near future with another young man about to inherit his deceased father’s fortune along with control of his company on his 18th Just as attempts are being made on his life, he gets a message from his father through a computer simulation.
7. How has your life changed since publishing your first novel?
JM: It’s funny, before you publish you say you’re a writer and people (maybe) politely nod and just smile. Once you’re published, the same people suddenly come to life and have lots of questions for you and where to find your book haha. I’m certainly more confident as a writer now and feel even more obligated to encourage others. I mean hey, if I can do it so can you!
8. What made you start writing?
JM: I have always been telling stories. Back in school, I’d write action-adventure epics about my friends and I fighting off invasions like in the original movie Red Dawn, or some other crazy story. Many times over the years I’d start writing notes to flesh out an idea to start a novel only to feel lost after with where, and how to begin. Flash forward a few decades and I learn I’m to be a Grandpa! That was the final straw. I starting making the time to write, found the local writers group, and got serious. I started treating it like another job and eventually got the first book done!
9. What made you choose to have a high school girl as your main protagonist in Nine-Mile Bridge?
JM: My original concept for it was to be like an old slasher-style horror so having a female protagonist fit the trope. Even as the story evolved, other characters came and went, my main character stayed the same, though a few things about her did change as did her eventual fate.
10. If you could invite five people to a dinner party (alive or dead, real or fictional) who would you invite?
JM: Just so you know, this question kept me up for several late nights working out the guest list but I think I’m ready now, haha! Let’s go with Mark Twain, Michael Gallatin (spy/werewolf from The Wolf’s Hour), Captain Malcom Reynolds (Firefly), Eric Clapton, and of course my wife who knows how to keep a dinner party lively. Thanks for having me on Carl, this was fun!
JM: First off I want to thank you, Carl, for asking me to come on and do this! It is such a privilege and great fun to do this! Ok now for your questions: To be totally honest at first it was a platform for people to get to know who I am as a writer. Long ago I was interested in radio and had been a deejay for a few years at a club. When podcasting came along I felt drawn to it and began to correspond with the hosts and learn from them just like we learn from other writers. For over a year I considered doing my own but didn’t know what it would be about until a few months before my book came out. Then it hit me, “What if my show featured a new author each week that read a chapter from their book?” Thus the show was born.
2. Who has been your biggest influence as a writer?
JM: Hmm, tough question. Author-wise I’d have to say various Robert McCammon stories and my local writing group who I absolutely adore! In my personal life it would have to be my wife. She’s pushed me for years, decades really, to reach for my dreams of being a writer and has always believed in me. She’s also my toughest critic!
3. How close to reality is the urban legend you depict in Nine-Mile Bridge?
JM: Hahaha, great question! It sort of depends on who you ask. My first chapter is very similar to my first trip to the bridge back in the late-80s. The upper classmen who took my friends and I couldn’t agree on what the legends were so in that first night alone we heard many depictions of it. Later, when my friends and I developed a story around all of the legends we heard, perhaps added a few more details and maybe embellished on some other bits. Still, there was always a creepy vibe coming from the place and many people swear by encounters they’ve had while visiting.
4. Who is your favorite writer?
JM: I’d definitely have to say Robert McCammon. Stories like, Boy’s Life and Swan Song are not only epic but they make you believe that the fantastic, or even supernatural, are really happening within a real world environment. Plus, there’s The Wolf’s Hour! A British Secret Service spy who is a werewolf during WW2? C’mon how is that not awesome?!
5. What was the most surprising moment you have had in hosting The Sample Chapter Podcast?
JM: First one that comes to mind was just a few weeks ago when 80’s actress, Diane Franklin, came on to read from her books and she told me this was her first ever public reading of her book! I was so flattered! But the biggest surprise has to be in myself. By making myself available to hear many different types of stories, I’ve discovered treasures I wouldn’t have normally picked out for myself, you know what I mean? Like going to the store pre-show, I may have passed right by this author, or that story, but because of the show I’ve developed a real appreciation for all types. I genuinely look forward to hearing what each author has to read!
6. What current writing projects are you working on?
JM: I have two I’m actively working on and one that I dreamed up the other day that I’m frantically scribbling notes about. Of my actives, the first is an alien invasion adventure that takes place originally in the 80’s with a young man who is obsessed with the action heroes of the period. I’m currently reworking it. My second is another scifi but in the near future with another young man about to inherit his deceased father’s fortune along with control of his company on his 18th Just as attempts are being made on his life, he gets a message from his father through a computer simulation.
7. How has your life changed since publishing your first novel?
JM: It’s funny, before you publish you say you’re a writer and people (maybe) politely nod and just smile. Once you’re published, the same people suddenly come to life and have lots of questions for you and where to find your book haha. I’m certainly more confident as a writer now and feel even more obligated to encourage others. I mean hey, if I can do it so can you!
8. What made you start writing?
JM: I have always been telling stories. Back in school, I’d write action-adventure epics about my friends and I fighting off invasions like in the original movie Red Dawn, or some other crazy story. Many times over the years I’d start writing notes to flesh out an idea to start a novel only to feel lost after with where, and how to begin. Flash forward a few decades and I learn I’m to be a Grandpa! That was the final straw. I starting making the time to write, found the local writers group, and got serious. I started treating it like another job and eventually got the first book done!
9. What made you choose to have a high school girl as your main protagonist in Nine-Mile Bridge?
JM: My original concept for it was to be like an old slasher-style horror so having a female protagonist fit the trope. Even as the story evolved, other characters came and went, my main character stayed the same, though a few things about her did change as did her eventual fate.
10. If you could invite five people to a dinner party (alive or dead, real or fictional) who would you invite?
JM: Just so you know, this question kept me up for several late nights working out the guest list but I think I’m ready now, haha! Let’s go with Mark Twain, Michael Gallatin (spy/werewolf from The Wolf’s Hour), Captain Malcom Reynolds (Firefly), Eric Clapton, and of course my wife who knows how to keep a dinner party lively. Thanks for having me on Carl, this was fun!
!0
What made you decide to start The Sample Chapter Podcast?
JM: First off I want to thank you, Carl, for asking me to come on and do this! It is such a privilege and great fun to do this! Ok now for your questions: To be totally honest at first it was a platform for people to get to know who I am as a writer. Long ago I was interested in radio and had been a deejay for a few years at a club. When podcasting came along I felt drawn to it and began to correspond with the hosts and learn from them just like we learn from other writers. For over a year I considered doing my own but didn’t know what it would be about until a few months before my book came out. Then it hit me, “What if my show featured a new author each week that read a chapter from their book?” Thus the show was born.
Who has been your biggest influence as a writer?
JM: Hmm, tough question. Author-wise I’d have to say various Robert McCammon stories and my local writing group who I absolutely adore! In my personal life it would have to be my wife. She’s pushed me for years, decades really, to reach for my dreams of being a writer and has always believed in me. She’s also my toughest critic!
How close to reality is the urban legend you depict in Nine-Mile Bridge?
JM: Hahaha, great question! It sort of depends on who you ask. My first chapter is very similar to my first trip to the bridge back in the late-80s. The upper classmen who took my friends and I couldn’t agree on what the legends were so in that first night alone we heard many depictions of it. Later, when my friends and I developed a story around all of the legends we heard, perhaps added a few more details and maybe embellished on some other bits. Still, there was always a creepy vibe coming from the place and many people swear by encounters they’ve had while visiting.
Who is your favorite writer?
JM: I’d definitely have to say Robert McCammon. Stories like, Boy’s Life and Swan Song are not only epic but they make you believe that the fantastic, or even supernatural, are really happening within a real world environment. Plus, there’s The Wolf’s Hour! A British Secret Service spy who is a werewolf during WW2? C’mon how is that not awesome?!
What was the most surprising moment you have had in hosting The Sample Chapter Podcast?
JM: First one that comes to mind was just a few weeks ago when 80’s actress, Diane Franklin, came on to read from her books and she told me this was her first ever public reading of her book! I was so flattered! But the biggest surprise has to be in myself. By making myself available to hear many different types of stories, I’ve discovered treasures I wouldn’t have normally picked out for myself, you know what I mean? Like going to the store pre-show, I may have passed right by this author, or that story, but because of the show I’ve developed a real appreciation for all types. I genuinely look forward to hearing what each author has to read!
What current writing projects are you working on?
JM: I have two I’m actively working on and one that I dreamed up the other day that I’m frantically scribbling notes about. Of my actives, the first is an alien invasion adventure that takes place originally in the 80’s with a young man who is obsessed with the action heroes of the period. I’m currently reworking it. My second is another scifi but in the near future with another young man about to inherit his deceased father’s fortune along with control of his company on his 18th Just as attempts are being made on his life, he gets a message from his father through a computer simulation.
How has your life changed since publishing your first novel?
JM: It’s funny, before you publish you say you’re a writer and people (maybe) politely nod and just smile. Once you’re published, the same people suddenly come to life and have lots of questions for you and where to find your book haha. I’m certainly more confident as a writer now and feel even more obligated to encourage others. I mean hey, if I can do it so can you!
What made you start writing?
JM: I have always been telling stories. Back in school, I’d write action-adventure epics about my friends and I fighting off invasions like in the original movie Red Dawn, or some other crazy story. Many times over the years I’d start writing notes to flesh out an idea to start a novel only to feel lost after with where, and how to begin. Flash forward a few decades and I learn I’m to be a Grandpa! That was the final straw. I starting making the time to write, found the local writers group, and got serious. I started treating it like another job and eventually got the first book done!
What made you choose to have a high school girl as your main protagonist in Nine-Mile Bridge?
JM: My original concept for it was to be like an old slasher-style horror so having a female protagonist fit the trope. Even as the story evolved, other characters came and went, my main character stayed the same, though a few things about her did change as did her eventual fate.
If you could invite five people to a dinner party (alive or dead, real or fictional) who would you invite?
JM: Just so you know, this question kept me up for several late nights working out the guest list but I think I’m ready now, haha! Let’s go with Mark Twain, Michael Gallatin (spy/werewolf from The Wolf’s Hour), Captain Malcom Reynolds (Firefly), Eric Clapton, and of course my wife who knows how to keep a dinner party lively. Thanks for having me on Carl, this was fun!
JM: First off I want to thank you, Carl, for asking me to come on and do this! It is such a privilege and great fun to do this! Ok now for your questions: To be totally honest at first it was a platform for people to get to know who I am as a writer. Long ago I was interested in radio and had been a deejay for a few years at a club. When podcasting came along I felt drawn to it and began to correspond with the hosts and learn from them just like we learn from other writers. For over a year I considered doing my own but didn’t know what it would be about until a few months before my book came out. Then it hit me, “What if my show featured a new author each week that read a chapter from their book?” Thus the show was born.
Who has been your biggest influence as a writer?
JM: Hmm, tough question. Author-wise I’d have to say various Robert McCammon stories and my local writing group who I absolutely adore! In my personal life it would have to be my wife. She’s pushed me for years, decades really, to reach for my dreams of being a writer and has always believed in me. She’s also my toughest critic!
How close to reality is the urban legend you depict in Nine-Mile Bridge?
JM: Hahaha, great question! It sort of depends on who you ask. My first chapter is very similar to my first trip to the bridge back in the late-80s. The upper classmen who took my friends and I couldn’t agree on what the legends were so in that first night alone we heard many depictions of it. Later, when my friends and I developed a story around all of the legends we heard, perhaps added a few more details and maybe embellished on some other bits. Still, there was always a creepy vibe coming from the place and many people swear by encounters they’ve had while visiting.
Who is your favorite writer?
JM: I’d definitely have to say Robert McCammon. Stories like, Boy’s Life and Swan Song are not only epic but they make you believe that the fantastic, or even supernatural, are really happening within a real world environment. Plus, there’s The Wolf’s Hour! A British Secret Service spy who is a werewolf during WW2? C’mon how is that not awesome?!
What was the most surprising moment you have had in hosting The Sample Chapter Podcast?
JM: First one that comes to mind was just a few weeks ago when 80’s actress, Diane Franklin, came on to read from her books and she told me this was her first ever public reading of her book! I was so flattered! But the biggest surprise has to be in myself. By making myself available to hear many different types of stories, I’ve discovered treasures I wouldn’t have normally picked out for myself, you know what I mean? Like going to the store pre-show, I may have passed right by this author, or that story, but because of the show I’ve developed a real appreciation for all types. I genuinely look forward to hearing what each author has to read!
What current writing projects are you working on?
JM: I have two I’m actively working on and one that I dreamed up the other day that I’m frantically scribbling notes about. Of my actives, the first is an alien invasion adventure that takes place originally in the 80’s with a young man who is obsessed with the action heroes of the period. I’m currently reworking it. My second is another scifi but in the near future with another young man about to inherit his deceased father’s fortune along with control of his company on his 18th Just as attempts are being made on his life, he gets a message from his father through a computer simulation.
How has your life changed since publishing your first novel?
JM: It’s funny, before you publish you say you’re a writer and people (maybe) politely nod and just smile. Once you’re published, the same people suddenly come to life and have lots of questions for you and where to find your book haha. I’m certainly more confident as a writer now and feel even more obligated to encourage others. I mean hey, if I can do it so can you!
What made you start writing?
JM: I have always been telling stories. Back in school, I’d write action-adventure epics about my friends and I fighting off invasions like in the original movie Red Dawn, or some other crazy story. Many times over the years I’d start writing notes to flesh out an idea to start a novel only to feel lost after with where, and how to begin. Flash forward a few decades and I learn I’m to be a Grandpa! That was the final straw. I starting making the time to write, found the local writers group, and got serious. I started treating it like another job and eventually got the first book done!
What made you choose to have a high school girl as your main protagonist in Nine-Mile Bridge?
JM: My original concept for it was to be like an old slasher-style horror so having a female protagonist fit the trope. Even as the story evolved, other characters came and went, my main character stayed the same, though a few things about her did change as did her eventual fate.
If you could invite five people to a dinner party (alive or dead, real or fictional) who would you invite?
JM: Just so you know, this question kept me up for several late nights working out the guest list but I think I’m ready now, haha! Let’s go with Mark Twain, Michael Gallatin (spy/werewolf from The Wolf’s Hour), Captain Malcom Reynolds (Firefly), Eric Clapton, and of course my wife who knows how to keep a dinner party lively. Thanks for having me on Carl, this was fun!
April 17, 2019
Game of Thrones "Winterfell"
The season premiere was all about table setting for the remainder of the season and show. It was one reunion after another: Jon Snow and Bran (Three Eyed Raven); Jon Snow and Arya Stark; Jon Snow and Samwell Tarley; Samwell and Ser Jorah Mormant; Arya Stark and The Hound, Arya Stark and Gendry, etc. Having reunions are cool, but when you have this many in a single episode, it really loses its effect. What’s that saying about too much of a good thing? Well, there were too many reunions. The result was that it was reasonably satisfying but it was hardly memorable. The only consequential thing that happened was Jon Snow finding out about his lineage, something that I realized about four seasons ago.
Arya Stark
Besides her many reunions, the only thing notable with Arya was this weapon that she asked Gendry to forge for her, after some harmless flirtation (hey, we both think each other looks good and now we’re older than the last time we met). It appears to be some sort of spear made of dragon glass. My guess is that she thinks this weapon will be effective against the ice dragon.
Daenerys Targaryan and Jon Snow
Daenerys and Jon are fully intertwined in their relationship. He bent the knee. They are now a full-fledged power couple. So, what does Jon do now that he realizes she’s his aunt? No big deal for the Targaryans since their family has been cool with incest for centuries, but I can’t imagine Jon will be okay with it. Daenerys has been increasingly getting more evil or at least showing the potential of it, but with only six episodes left and a war against the White Walkers on the horizon, I don’t see how she can fully realize her new evilness.
Cersei Lanister
Cersei has been full blown evil for a while, but her stance on being happy that the Whitewalkers took down the Wall doesn’t make a damn bit of sense. If this force is powerful enough to destroy The Wall, and they defeat Daenerys and Jon, then what chances will she have of defeating them even with the Golden Company, the largest band of mercenaries in the world, on her side? At least Euron got his queen. They seem like a perfect match to me. Oh, and there’s no way Bronn is going to kill Tyrion and Jaime Lannister. They’re his only two friends. In fact, Bronn will join the fight against the Whitewalkers.
Samwell Tarley
I strongly suspect that Sam was not going to tell Jon about his lineage until he met Daenerys, and she told him that she burnt his father and brother to a crisp. I can see how his brother dying would be hard for Sam to take, but his father treated him like garbage and gave him an ultimatum to join the Night’s Watch or he would go on a hunting expedition where an “accident” would occur and he would get killed.
I think the episodes get more consequential from here and I think the next episode brings the first battle between the living and the dead.
Arya Stark
Besides her many reunions, the only thing notable with Arya was this weapon that she asked Gendry to forge for her, after some harmless flirtation (hey, we both think each other looks good and now we’re older than the last time we met). It appears to be some sort of spear made of dragon glass. My guess is that she thinks this weapon will be effective against the ice dragon.
Daenerys Targaryan and Jon Snow
Daenerys and Jon are fully intertwined in their relationship. He bent the knee. They are now a full-fledged power couple. So, what does Jon do now that he realizes she’s his aunt? No big deal for the Targaryans since their family has been cool with incest for centuries, but I can’t imagine Jon will be okay with it. Daenerys has been increasingly getting more evil or at least showing the potential of it, but with only six episodes left and a war against the White Walkers on the horizon, I don’t see how she can fully realize her new evilness.
Cersei Lanister
Cersei has been full blown evil for a while, but her stance on being happy that the Whitewalkers took down the Wall doesn’t make a damn bit of sense. If this force is powerful enough to destroy The Wall, and they defeat Daenerys and Jon, then what chances will she have of defeating them even with the Golden Company, the largest band of mercenaries in the world, on her side? At least Euron got his queen. They seem like a perfect match to me. Oh, and there’s no way Bronn is going to kill Tyrion and Jaime Lannister. They’re his only two friends. In fact, Bronn will join the fight against the Whitewalkers.
Samwell Tarley
I strongly suspect that Sam was not going to tell Jon about his lineage until he met Daenerys, and she told him that she burnt his father and brother to a crisp. I can see how his brother dying would be hard for Sam to take, but his father treated him like garbage and gave him an ultimatum to join the Night’s Watch or he would go on a hunting expedition where an “accident” would occur and he would get killed.
I think the episodes get more consequential from here and I think the next episode brings the first battle between the living and the dead.
April 2, 2019
Nine-Mile Bridge by Jason A. Meuschke
Nine-Mile Bridge is the debut novel of author Jason Meuschke. I would classify it as a supernatural thriller based on an urban legend of a bridge in the middle of nowhere Missouri where if you dangle your feet over the bridge, the souls of children killed by being thrown over the bridge will reach for your feet. Later, child handprints appear on your car on the bridge, and the car becomes immobile. There is also a hellhound who will kill you. If you’re lucky to escape the hellhound, but had the misfortune of looking it in the eyes, you will die three days later. It had all of the elements of what makes a great urban legend: one character heard something; another character heard something else. Rumors of the urban legend swirl but the story is never the same.
In this novel, the main protagonist is a high school girl named Holli, whose father had an encounter on the bridge in his youth and a clash with the cultists who were performing a ritual. Given that her father barely survived the incident, one might think that Holli would strongly discourage her friends from going to the bridge and sure as hell wouldn’t go there herself, but alas, the young and foolish often make costly mistakes.
The writing in this novel was strong for a debut author. The story was compelling. The characters were well sketched out. There was a buildup to the novel, which led to a fiery conclusion. All in all, there was a lot to like about it. My one complaint was that the book can use a good copy editor since there were some grammatical and spelling type mistakes that would be easily correctable by someone with an eye for such things. This is a novel worth reading. Get your copy on Amazon.
In this novel, the main protagonist is a high school girl named Holli, whose father had an encounter on the bridge in his youth and a clash with the cultists who were performing a ritual. Given that her father barely survived the incident, one might think that Holli would strongly discourage her friends from going to the bridge and sure as hell wouldn’t go there herself, but alas, the young and foolish often make costly mistakes.
The writing in this novel was strong for a debut author. The story was compelling. The characters were well sketched out. There was a buildup to the novel, which led to a fiery conclusion. All in all, there was a lot to like about it. My one complaint was that the book can use a good copy editor since there were some grammatical and spelling type mistakes that would be easily correctable by someone with an eye for such things. This is a novel worth reading. Get your copy on Amazon.
March 26, 2019
Movie Review: Captain Marvel
Captain Marvel felt like a movie designed to wet audience’s appetites prior to the release of Avengers:End Game. It was a good but not great movie that served its purposes. Disney went to their game plan of plucking out lesser known characters and then making them a big deal to the masses, and based on the early success of Captain Marvel, the formula continues to work.
In this movie, Carol Danvers is a Kree warrior who has no knowledge of her past. On a mission in their war against the Skrulls, who have the super cool superpower of being able to shapeshift and impersonate anybody that they see, Danvers conveniently finds herself on the planet Earth—convenient because she can discover her past where she was an Air Force fighter pilot who gained superpowers in an accident. Not only does she find out about her past, but also that much of what she thinks she knows about the Kree-Skrull war is a lie.
Although this doesn’t break into my top ten Marvel movies, there was still a lot to like. Brie Larson delivered a strong performance, bringing personality to the Carol Danvers character. Samuel L Jackson did his typical strong acting job. The plot had some nice twists to it. There were loads of good action and fighting sequences. There were parts of it that were a little too rah-rah and sentimental for me, but overall I give it the proverbial thumbs up.
In this movie, Carol Danvers is a Kree warrior who has no knowledge of her past. On a mission in their war against the Skrulls, who have the super cool superpower of being able to shapeshift and impersonate anybody that they see, Danvers conveniently finds herself on the planet Earth—convenient because she can discover her past where she was an Air Force fighter pilot who gained superpowers in an accident. Not only does she find out about her past, but also that much of what she thinks she knows about the Kree-Skrull war is a lie.
Although this doesn’t break into my top ten Marvel movies, there was still a lot to like. Brie Larson delivered a strong performance, bringing personality to the Carol Danvers character. Samuel L Jackson did his typical strong acting job. The plot had some nice twists to it. There were loads of good action and fighting sequences. There were parts of it that were a little too rah-rah and sentimental for me, but overall I give it the proverbial thumbs up.
March 10, 2019
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
The Way of Kings is an epic and some times long-winded novel that follows three viewpoint characters in a world that is at war. There’s a little Game of Thrones to this novel where there is political maneuvering, mixed in with a larger, existential, non-human threat. The people are at war with a race of non-humans in a war that seems utterly pointless. The novel takes a long time to get going. I found it a little difficult to get into the first third of the novel. It didn’t seem as if it was going anywhere.
Eventually, the novel does get better, but it’s not until about the final third of the book that it really kicks into high gear. It’s a slow burn, which is a good thing, but it’s also overwritten in spots. I think it would have strongly benefited with an editor taking a machete to it and lopping off chunks of it.
By the time I found out what was really going on, what this novel and series was really about, it had me hooked. There were a number of interesting characters in the novel, but I especially liked the character of Kaladin, a former physician in training, turned warrior, turned slave, turned Spartacus-like leader of a bridge crew, which is kind of like a death sentence. He’s always looking out for the men in his crew and takes their deaths personally.
There were some negatives besides the long-windedness. Sometimes, it was difficult to tell what was going on in present time versus what was a flashback. Despite these flaws, I really enjoyed this novel. The writing was very good and there was some dynamite stuff in here, but a good editor could have taken this from good to great. That being said, I look forward to reading the next novel in the series.
Eventually, the novel does get better, but it’s not until about the final third of the book that it really kicks into high gear. It’s a slow burn, which is a good thing, but it’s also overwritten in spots. I think it would have strongly benefited with an editor taking a machete to it and lopping off chunks of it.
By the time I found out what was really going on, what this novel and series was really about, it had me hooked. There were a number of interesting characters in the novel, but I especially liked the character of Kaladin, a former physician in training, turned warrior, turned slave, turned Spartacus-like leader of a bridge crew, which is kind of like a death sentence. He’s always looking out for the men in his crew and takes their deaths personally.
There were some negatives besides the long-windedness. Sometimes, it was difficult to tell what was going on in present time versus what was a flashback. Despite these flaws, I really enjoyed this novel. The writing was very good and there was some dynamite stuff in here, but a good editor could have taken this from good to great. That being said, I look forward to reading the next novel in the series.
