On Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Related Topics
My mission is to post Chaos.
Friday, June 5, 2026
Addendum
Now in games it's different so long as you still get XP, which is why Dragon Quest XII can stride confidently.
Thursday, June 4, 2026
The Core Problem With Dream Sequences
Many dislike dreams in fantasy and science fiction. Who, and how many exactly? Shut up. Anyway, in a modern materialistic setting, dreams are comparatively fanciful. In fantasy or science fiction, the stuff in them can simply happen, perhaps in the holodeck or fairy world. If anything, fantasy/scifi dreams often seem mundane, and who wants a mundane interruption in the middle of his thrilling and thought-provoking speculative fiction narrative? Many, but possibly fewer than the many mentioned earlier.
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Addendum
In the future that feature can expand to allow people to swap your book with a better one, so please look forward to it.
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Needed E-Reader Feature
In most books, changing every member of x fantasy race into y fantasy race wouldn't affect much, for which reason that ought to be a toggle included in the device itself. Writers can indicate the level of race-swap compatibility in a file included with the text.
Sunday, May 31, 2026
Grass Never Greener
A few poorly aimed blasts down the corridor discouraged the lizron troopers from approaching without more support, which was all Tim Shelton could think to do. "I can't believe I'm stuck dying with you of all people."
"Go right ahead, but I won't be reciprocating." With a final application of his genuine technical skills typically put to less scrupulous purposes, Chester Leffaud brought the strange machine to life. "Now, to which dimension would you like to escape?"
Tim scrambled into the nearer seat. "A peaceful one! Have it find us the one where the best girl always wins!"
"Finally, a sign of real taste." Chester slid into his own seat and instructed the onboard computer. The dislocation effect enfolded the dimension-traveling vehicle just in time to deflect the weapons of the most daring lizrons who burst into the room. The two men waved as the technological marvel faded and disappeared.
*******
Their destination exhibited some differences from the typical alternative dimension. For instance, there was nothing but a wide platform and beyond it a phenomenon which ancient inherited survival instincts not needed for millions of years recognized as the true void. A good third of the platform was occupied by an array of pillars and spires which varied in thickness and height, some a risk to unshod feet and others fit to moor a zeppelin, supposing any still existed out there among the dimensions.
The pillars spoke. At least, several among them became alternately light and dim in a sequence which matched the rising and falling tones of the disembodied voice the men heard. "There is no such dimension as that which you strove to reach. There is much else that is similarly flawed, all because of the calamity which sent the totality of existence down the wrong path. Become Dimensional Guardians, and with you as my agents we can at last begin to set right that ancient mistake."
There was no hesitation from either man.
Finis
Finis
Saturday, May 30, 2026
Fake Swearing and Such
To check if your invented words and phrases of an impolite nature have real bite, post them in forums, Twitch chat, etc. and see how often you get banned. Never? Save that one for your children's book.
Friday, May 29, 2026
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Monsterology Question
Suppose somebody gives a hydra a few extra heads, as one does, but then refrains from slaying it. Will it keep them? Will some fall off? Is the original head the one that stays, or does a fresh one take the main place, and if so, will the hydra have a lopsided appearance forever? Based on the imagery, I'm going to say that last one is definitely what happens.
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Writing Style Analysis
Average instances of the word "arras" per page:
Most writers - 0
Fred Saberhagen - 38
Most writers - 0
Fred Saberhagen - 38
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)