Sword & Sorcery: "An earthier sort of fantasy" discussion

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message 601: by Richard (new)

Richard | 817 comments Belated welcome aboard Jarod.


message 602: by Jason (new)

Jason Waltz (worddancer) | 385 comments New blood is always a delightful addition to the conversation - welcome y'all!


message 603: by Robert (new)

Robert Zoltan | 9 comments I've been a member of this group for years, but sadly, I have been so busy with writing, illustration, music, and Literary Wonder & Adventure Show, that I have had little time to participate in readings and discussions (even though I've read many of the books covered!), so I thought I would re-introduce myself. I am the author of Rogues of Merth: The Adventures of Dareon and Blue, Book 1 Rogues of Merth, producer and host of audiobook dramas and conversations with authors and editors for Literary Wonder & Adventure Show (dreamtowermedia.com/podcast), and a professional illustrator (I did the cover for The Best of Heroic Fantasy Quarterly, Volume 2). My favorite Sword & Sorcery authors are the classic ones, Fritz Leiber, Jack Vance, Robert E. Howard, Michael Moorcock, and C.L. Moore.

I hope to take part in some readings and discussions soon, especially of classic works. Thanks to Seth, Periklis and Jack for running this group, it helps keep the genre healthy and alive. Happy New Year!


message 604: by S.E., Gray Mouser (Emeritus) (new)

S.E. Lindberg (selindberg) | 2357 comments Mod
Welcome Robert!


message 605: by Robert (new)

Robert Zoltan | 9 comments S.E. wrote: "Welcome Robert!"Thanks Seth!


message 606: by Robert (new)

Robert Zoltan | 9 comments Thanks Jack!


message 607: by Robert (new)

Robert Zoltan | 9 comments Jack wrote: "Robert wrote: "I've been a member of this group for years, but sadly, I have been so busy with writing, illustration, music, and Literary Wonder & Adventure Show, that I have had little time to par..." I also did the cover for Rogues of Merth, Book 1. I sent Seth a free PDF of the book. If you would like one, just message me privately and tell me where to send it.


message 608: by Ben (new)

Ben | 7 comments Hello - I'm Ben - got notice of this group on Facebook. Interested to probe the past and present of fantastic fiction, especially "Sword and Sorcery"


I'm an Indie writer. Use a Pen Name (two actually) and won't mention or pander my stuff here. I have had some articles and cartoons published and I mean printed for $ but not a big name by a long shot. My interest is to see if there is other discussion of lots of cool books I read in the past from the past - 30s to early/mid New wave (late 70s) and from famous classic authors to obscure ones.


I was inspired by my youth in the late 70s to 80s and mostly reading books from the library and used bookstore with a love for scifi, fantasy and adventure. I never idolized the past, it was all 'new to me'...why spend for a 'new' book what I could get 10 from the used store...? This lead in part to my outright hatred of "Political Correctness" because the "Late New Wave" had really wrecked the industry around the time I started reading but since I mostly started to buy "New" books as an adult in the 90s the change was sudden and harsh. Now that the internet has opened up the market - along with e-readers I can make my own non-pc stories and sell online directly no self printing, no pile of books to try to sell, no blocking from book chains even "We support local authors" because they mean "-who signed a contract with a huge distributor" - no more submitting manuscripts to modern editors and getting response back "Content of story made me vomit" etc.


Politically I'm actually "Left" though old school pre SJW type. For reasonable, legitimate social progress to keep down open racism, sexism, lifestyle prejudice etc. Against token reactionary stuff - like ignoring legit social issues but burning in effigy some professor who said people should be able to dress like an Indian (Native American) for Halloween. Political Correctness is like being on an ocean liner and you venture below deck to find the crew ramming shut the pressure relief valve on the boiler because someone couldn't stand the whistle...


But I do NOT care about politics for stories or writers I choose. I am both a reader and a writer. I like "The Story" and do not care about if the writer or the message is "Left" or "Right" or plain on their own strange trip - is it a GOOD story? That is what I care about. Not if the writer is Heinlein, Burroughs (Edgar Rice or William S.) or LeGuin or Clayton. Is it a good story...? IMO it's a cruel requirement that most creative types might need some kind of "Socially unacceptable behavior" as part of their personality - Lovecraft's racism was fashionable and mild for his times but he was a nervous recluse otherwise...etc. Heh, now the racism isn't fashionable (that's good) but TONS of nervous recluses... But tear down a great name because somehow they were bad or not perfect we'll have nothing. Neat field of destroyed idols in the "Yragel" book by Phillipe Druillet that reminds me of that. Oh, and people bash him on Goodreads because his father collaborated during WW2 in France... Yeah, his Dad made a Devil's choice not to become a lampshade, SJWs proudly post that info here to hope to hurt his son's sales...


Well, per the group rules this is the door, left the inner savage at it! I'll just lurk for a while and see if anyone's talking about various things I've read - or maybe I have them in my pile - LOTS of stacks of paperbacks from the interests. Recently got piles of "Ace Double" books also I need to catch up on. I'll keep quite civil but love to talk about the aspects of this or that story or types of storytelling, etc.


Right now reading "Empire Star" by Delany via one of said Ace Doubles.

For favorite writers on the Fantasy section it's Lord Dunsany, Clark Ashton Smith and Robert E Howard though like many more.


message 609: by S.E., Gray Mouser (Emeritus) (new)

S.E. Lindberg (selindberg) | 2357 comments Mod
Welcome Ben. As mentioned on FB we are a low key, civil group. We have group reads every 2months (often 2topics). Many introverts here read but don’t share much.

BTW Clark Ashton Smith is my favorite. His Zothique tales opened new horizons for me.


message 610: by Christian (new)

Christian Freed | 3 comments Hi gang. I've been reading these sorts of books since I was a little kid- and that was a long time ago. I suppose it all began when I went to go see the animated LoTR movie back in the late 70s. That got me hooked. Now my wife complains that I have too many books (as if) and I have also written over 20 full length novels of my own. Throw in a 21 yr career in the US Army and I am quietly enjoying retirement with good cigars, better bourbon, and a great book.


message 611: by S.E., Gray Mouser (Emeritus) (new)

S.E. Lindberg (selindberg) | 2357 comments Mod
Welcome Christian!


message 612: by S.E., Gray Mouser (Emeritus) (new)

S.E. Lindberg (selindberg) | 2357 comments Mod
Christian, do you know that Ralph Bakshi has been selling his animation frames for LOTR?
https://www.ebay.com/str/bakshianimat...


message 613: by Christian (new)

Christian Freed | 3 comments S.E. wrote: "Christian, do you know that Ralph Bakshi has been selling his animation frames for LOTR?
https://www.ebay.com/str/bakshianimat..."


Doesn't surprise me. I remember having the calendar at home- think they still have it. My dad had a bunch of the action figures. Not sure how I wound up with the Black Rider one though. Looks pretty cool sitting next to the recent movie ones.


message 614: by Robert (new)

Robert Evert I've been reading S&S for a bit and thought I'd say hello. I love reading and writing fantasy... I stray toward the darker side. I'm always looking for good recommendations as well as feedback on my writing.


message 615: by Jason (new)

Jason Waltz (worddancer) | 385 comments Welcome Robert, this is a laid-back, friendly group of S&S affectionados that only occasionally make reading demands ;)


message 616: by Robert (new)

Robert Evert Jason M wrote: "Welcome Robert, this is a laid-back, friendly group of S&S affectionados that only occasionally make reading demands ;)"

Thanks, Jason. I'm looking forward to talking with everybody.


message 617: by Robert (new)

Robert Evert Thanks, Jack. I'll do that!


message 618: by Clint (new)

Clint | 341 comments I’ve done this before, but it’s been a few years.

I’m a semi-active member of this group. I lurk much more than I post, but I check in every day.

I started as a Conan fan way back during my childhood around the release of the Schwarzenegger movie. My fascination with Conan led into a love of “all things Conan”. Bunny-Ears indicating that I mostly loved Conan comics, but sadly remained ignorant of Robert E Howard.

That fascination entered in my 30’s with the publication of the Del Rey Howard books. Eventually I entered into the phase I’m in now: I enjoy discovering classics of Sword & Sorcery, and interacting with present authors of fresh new S&S. I toy with the idea of writing myself, but mostly day dream of doing so.

I’m an Alaskan. By trade, I am involved with NAVAIDS, things that keep airplanes in the sky and help them land. I am a husband, father and grandfather. Other than reading S&S (and fantasy and science fiction in general) I enjoy comic books, RPGs and board games.


message 619: by J.C. (new)

J.C. (kangzhuang) | 1 comments Hi! I'm an acupuncturist and martial arts teacher in Virginia, and while that might make me a good candidate for Wuxia, I actually love me some great sword and sorcery. I'm a reviewer for Fantasy-Faction, as well.


message 620: by Jason (new)

Jason | 115 comments Welcome Clint and J.C. -- good to have you aboard.

While I mostly lurk, and do not post as I should, I can definitely say from experience that there are a lot of fine individuals here, with vast stores of knowledge, and scary as hell TBR piles.


message 621: by S.E., Gray Mouser (Emeritus) (new)

S.E. Lindberg (selindberg) | 2357 comments Mod
Welcome JC and Clint! We’ve an eclectic mix here of writers and readers.

Clint has been commenting a bit already, but Im glad you chimed in here on the intro page


message 622: by Martin (new)

Martin Owton | 35 comments Robert wrote: "I've been reading S&S for a bit and thought I'd say hello. I love reading and writing fantasy... I stray toward the darker side. I'm always looking for good recommendations as well as feedback on m..."

Hi Robert, JC and Clint. Welcome to the group. I have a couple of novels that I think fit within the S&S genre. If any of you would like a review copy drop me a PM.


message 623: by Ron (new)

Ron Gilmette (rongi) | 8 comments What style do you teach? What Sword & Sorcery do you like.
I have a Brown Belt in Bok-Fu. I also like Sword & Sorcery. I like Robert E. Howard and Micheal Moorcock. I also have discovered Joe Abercrombie as well.


message 624: by C.A. (last edited Feb 13, 2020 05:51PM) (new)

C.A. | 67 comments Hi. My name is C.A. Tedeschi. I have never been an ambitious man. Aside from wanting to be the best Husband and Father i can be, i have only one other genuine ambition, that is to be an author. I have been attending a writing group for the last year, in which we critique, and scrutinize each others work. I have found this to be an invaluable learning tool.

With this bit of truth, i offer my own feedback, to any in the S&S group who seek it.

I am currently writing my third unpublished Novella in a series. As i understand it, it's better to have three completed before you publish. The wait however, has been productive, since my writing continues to improve.


message 625: by S.E., Gray Mouser (Emeritus) (new)

S.E. Lindberg (selindberg) | 2357 comments Mod
C.A. wrote: "Hi. My name is C.A. Tedeschi. I have never been an ambitious man. Aside from wanting to be the best Husband and Father, i can be, i have only one other genuine ambition, that is to be an author. I ..."

Welcome CA! You'll find this group is mostly members who are both readers & authors. Civil too. There are a few sections on writing and networking which you may find useful.

It's never a perfect time to share/publish work. Glad you are persistent, growing and meeting your goal of 3+ novellas.


message 626: by C.A. (new)

C.A. | 67 comments My gratitude for the encouragement S.E !! So much to discover. So much yet to accomplish. I'll be roaming the halls for sure!

Persistence => It helps to Love your characters.


message 627: by Jason (new)

Jason Waltz (worddancer) | 385 comments C.A. wrote: "Hi. My name is C.A. Tedeschi. I have never been an ambitious man. Aside from wanting to be the best Husband and Father i can be, i have only one other genuine ambition, that is to be an author. I h..."

Well being the Best Husband and Father is a good pretty ambitious in my book, C.A. No one here can fault you for that. Welcome to the club!


message 628: by C.A. (last edited Dec 05, 2019 06:39PM) (new)

C.A. | 67 comments Jason M Being a good Father is important. Good Father's can change the world! It's actually an underlying theme in the series.. Thanks for the welcome Jason!


message 629: by Joseph, Master Ultan (new)

Joseph | 1319 comments Mod
Yes, welcome!


message 630: by Karlie (last edited Feb 08, 2020 08:52AM) (new)

Karlie | 3 comments Looks like a great group.

I'm here both as a fan and as a professional. I am currently the editor for several authors and will be extending my services here as I transition into full time work from my home office. I'm an avid reader (mostly in the form of audio book consumption these days) and will tear through a novel of just about any genre set before me. Just finished binging the seven available audio books by Aleron Kong in the LitRPG series The Land. That last one was nearly 42 hours of listening, so I'm taking a break from fiction to catch up on some podcasts.

I'll be posting my editing services directly after submitting here. My goal is to provide quality services at an affordable rate.

Thank you for having me,
Karlie


message 631: by S.E., Gray Mouser (Emeritus) (new)

S.E. Lindberg (selindberg) | 2357 comments Mod
Welcome Karlie! Thanks for introducing yourself. Glad you also posted in the Networking section.


message 632: by C.A. (new)

C.A. | 67 comments Karlie wrote: "Looks like a great group.

I'm here both as a fan and as a professional. ..."


Welcome to the group Karlie.


message 633: by Myron (last edited Mar 18, 2020 06:12PM) (new)

 Myron Angelo  Ballard Jr. | 4 comments Hi, my name is Myron Angelo Ballard Jr.!

I'm writing a manuscript that is the antithesis of Game of Thrones where character's are gradually transforming into a new type of humanity whose decisions lead to life and prosperity instead of destruction and death.

I'm interested in drawing, painting, (both digital & traditional), writing, and reading. I'm hoping to read and learn more about science fiction, fantasy novels that are more realistic like Game of Thrones since I do enjoy works where wisdom and decision making play a role in people's lives.

I'm also hoping to build authentic reading relationships here too!

Thank you,
Myron Angelo Ballard Jr.


message 634: by S.E., Gray Mouser (Emeritus) (new)

S.E. Lindberg (selindberg) | 2357 comments Mod
Myron wrote: "Hi, my name is Myron Angelo Ballard Jr.! I'm writing a manuscript that is the antithesis of Game of Thrones where character's are gradually transforming into a new type of humanity whose decisions..."

Welcome Myron! You are in good company. Most everyone here is a reader & writer.

Your mission/work sounds great. Somewhat ironically, you have the superstitious 666th message in this string. I thought to myself "hey, the kind Myron doesn't deserve that!"


message 635: by L.D. (new)

L.D. Whitney (ldwhitney) | 1 comments Hello everyone! My name is Logan Whitney, although I write under the L. D. Whitney. Big lover of Conan and all things S&S. I am a co-host on the Rogues in the House podcast, as well as a contributor to Rogue Blades Entertainment's "Death Stings" anthology, their upcoming "Reach for the Sky" anthology, and an upcoming issue of Weirdbook Magazine. I'm pretty new to Goodreads, but Matt (also a member) said I needed to get on here, so I did! Look forward to the discussions!


message 636: by Mary (new)

Mary Catelli | 968 comments Hi!


message 637: by Richard (new)

Richard | 817 comments Welcome!


message 638: by L.D. (new)

L.D. Whitney (ldwhitney) | 1 comments Richard wrote: "Welcome!"
Thanks!


message 639: by L.D. (new)

L.D. Whitney (ldwhitney) | 1 comments Mary wrote: "Hi!"
Glad to be here!


message 640: by S.E., Gray Mouser (Emeritus) (new)

S.E. Lindberg (selindberg) | 2357 comments Mod
Greetings Logan!


message 641: by Joseph, Master Ultan (new)

Joseph | 1319 comments Mod
Welcome! I'm a fan of the podcast!


message 642: by L.D. (new)

L.D. Whitney (ldwhitney) | 1 comments Thanks, Joseph! That's awesome to hear. We appreciate you listening! And thanks for the warm welcome, everyone.


message 643: by Lyndon (new)

Lyndon (lyndonperry) | 33 comments Lyndon Perry here. I write in a variety of genres - mostly speculative (magical cat cozies! lol) but am working on finishing an epic fantasy/S&S novel. I've been on GR for quite some time, just not too involved in the discussions. Familiar on FB with the Rogue Blades group too. I think the last S&S novel I read was a Kothar book. Have also enjoyed Moorcock. Friend me anytime here on GR.


message 644: by S.E., Gray Mouser (Emeritus) (new)

S.E. Lindberg (selindberg) | 2357 comments Mod
Welcome Lyndon! The magical cat cozies are a bit concerning... but that's ok. Lots of RBE fans here, including Jason M Waltz.


message 645: by Lyndon (new)

Lyndon (lyndonperry) | 33 comments S.E. wrote: "The magical cat cozies are a bit concerning... "

Maybe I could add a sword wielding feline who spits fire...


message 646: by S.E., Gray Mouser (Emeritus) (new)

S.E. Lindberg (selindberg) | 2357 comments Mod
Lyndon, yes! Actually I remember Lloyd Alexander made good use of a giant cat in his Pyrdain Chronicles. Cats may be ok.


message 647: by Richard (new)

Richard | 817 comments Andre Norton liked to incorporate cats into her books.

He-man rode Cringer. Cringer was a big cat until he became Battle Cat. He-man was Sword & Planet/Sword and Sorcery.

Not sure if this helps or harms... :/


message 648: by Lyndon (new)

Lyndon (lyndonperry) | 33 comments love it


The Joy of Erudition | 138 comments Richard wrote: "Andre Norton liked to incorporate cats into her books."

What an understatement! 😀


message 650: by S.E., Gray Mouser (Emeritus) (new)

S.E. Lindberg (selindberg) | 2357 comments Mod
Lyndon may have inspired a Cat groupread


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