Sword & Sorcery: "An earthier sort of fantasy" discussion
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Richard
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Oct 24, 2018 06:13PM

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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!


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

Christian, do you know that Ralph Bakshi has been selling his animation frames for LOTR?
https://www.ebay.com/str/bakshianimat...
https://www.ebay.com/str/bakshianimat...

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.



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

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.


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

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.

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.

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.
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.
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.

Persistence => It helps to Love your characters.

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!


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
Welcome Karlie! Thanks for introducing yourself. Glad you also posted in the Networking section.

I'm here both as a fan and as a professional. ..."
Welcome to the group Karlie.

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.
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!"
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!"



Welcome Lyndon! The magical cat cozies are a bit concerning... but that's ok. Lots of RBE fans here, including Jason M Waltz.

Maybe I could add a sword wielding feline who spits fire...
Lyndon, yes! Actually I remember Lloyd Alexander made good use of a giant cat in his Pyrdain Chronicles. Cats may be ok.

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... :/
Books mentioned in this topic
Kull: Exile of Atlantis (other topics)Griots: A Sword and Soul Anthology (other topics)
Flame and Crimson: A History of Sword-and-Sorcery (other topics)
Samurai Cat Goes to Hell (other topics)
Samurai Cat Goes to Hell (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Robert E. Howard (other topics)Robert E. Howard (other topics)
Edgar Rice Burroughs (other topics)
Mary Gentle (other topics)
Stan Nicholls (other topics)
More...