Greetings Dear Readers,
As the temperatures rise and we near air conditioning weather I am surprised to look out my window and see it as white as January. In our back yard stands an old and vast cottonwood tree. Each spring it spreads its fairy-like seeds across our lawn literally covering it.
Today is that day. The fairies dance upon the wind that whips about the tree that was their home. When I was a boy I used to catch these and make wishes on them. They will cover the newly mown lawn by sunset and the anticipated rain will melt them away tomorrow.
This is a day unique in so many ways but the greatest for me is the dance of the fairies on the wind telling me that Spring has passed its zenith and summer looms on the horizon. It says that soon the sound of fans drawing cool outside air will be replaced by the AC providing quiet cooled inside air. The cool season has been long this year and I am thankful for it. My allergies have been quiet and I am more thankful for that. The world is warming and soon I will swim and enjoy the cool waters.
For today, however, I am content to sit and write with the fan trained on me and the cottonwood fairies knocking on the screen door begging refuge from the coming rains.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
23 May 2007
08 May 2007
Coming Soon...
Greetings Dear Readers,
The wait may finally be over. I heard from my publisher yesterday and you may be able to get The Praetor before summer officially begins. Since my oldest son is getting married this summer, I would caution you not expect too many appearances of the author before fall.
On another front, I am almost finished with the rewrite of second installment of the Annals of the Four Horsemen, Chronicles of Polaemos The War Bringer. I will post a chapter on the web site in the near future. Hopefully we will have cover art by the end of summer.
I am currently writing to novels at once. Remind me some time to tell you how I structure this as there are currently 33 books outlined and ready for writing. If someone could tell me how to extract the stories directly from my brain without going through the keyboard or my microphone, please let me know.
Until then I will pound away crafting new tales for you letter by letter. As always, I am grateful to my readers and their support.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
The wait may finally be over. I heard from my publisher yesterday and you may be able to get The Praetor before summer officially begins. Since my oldest son is getting married this summer, I would caution you not expect too many appearances of the author before fall.
On another front, I am almost finished with the rewrite of second installment of the Annals of the Four Horsemen, Chronicles of Polaemos The War Bringer. I will post a chapter on the web site in the near future. Hopefully we will have cover art by the end of summer.
I am currently writing to novels at once. Remind me some time to tell you how I structure this as there are currently 33 books outlined and ready for writing. If someone could tell me how to extract the stories directly from my brain without going through the keyboard or my microphone, please let me know.
Until then I will pound away crafting new tales for you letter by letter. As always, I am grateful to my readers and their support.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
25 April 2007
A Bevy of Birthdays
Greetings,
The end of April always brings a flurry of celebration in our household. My beloved Avalon's birthday is just a day after my eldest Son's and his intended bride is just a week later. I am passionate about celebrating others. We will dine and cake and toast the weekend long.
That said I want to dwell on the people to be celebrated for a moment. My Son, Maxim is a fine young man. He is almost done with college and has the respect of his church elders and his employers. He works hard and has little time for his own interests because of it. He stays focused on who God is calling him to become by building his knowledge and faith stone by stone. I am honored to be his Father and to celebrate his life again this year.
Raven, my soon to be Daughter in Law has a dark beauty that goes beyond words. Her artistry and humor never cease to fascinate me. She sees things in way that pushes others to note the beauty God has placed in the world. It refreshes me and I am honored that she is my official cover artist.
My beloved Avalon is the light of my journey. She challenges me every day to be a better man and I see daily in her the determination to be fully the colorful tapestry that God has designed for her. The mosaic that is her life fascinates me anew every moment. I hear God in her laughter.
If you know these three wonderful beings, be sure to tell them Happy Birthday, but more importantly, know them, enjoy them, celebrate that God has allowed us to be a part of their time on the earth.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
The end of April always brings a flurry of celebration in our household. My beloved Avalon's birthday is just a day after my eldest Son's and his intended bride is just a week later. I am passionate about celebrating others. We will dine and cake and toast the weekend long.
That said I want to dwell on the people to be celebrated for a moment. My Son, Maxim is a fine young man. He is almost done with college and has the respect of his church elders and his employers. He works hard and has little time for his own interests because of it. He stays focused on who God is calling him to become by building his knowledge and faith stone by stone. I am honored to be his Father and to celebrate his life again this year.
Raven, my soon to be Daughter in Law has a dark beauty that goes beyond words. Her artistry and humor never cease to fascinate me. She sees things in way that pushes others to note the beauty God has placed in the world. It refreshes me and I am honored that she is my official cover artist.
My beloved Avalon is the light of my journey. She challenges me every day to be a better man and I see daily in her the determination to be fully the colorful tapestry that God has designed for her. The mosaic that is her life fascinates me anew every moment. I hear God in her laughter.
If you know these three wonderful beings, be sure to tell them Happy Birthday, but more importantly, know them, enjoy them, celebrate that God has allowed us to be a part of their time on the earth.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
04 April 2007
Thoughts on Resurrection Sunday
Greetings Dear Readers,
While today we find that in our little burrow winter has revisited us with a reminding splash of snow and wind chills, the signs of spring are robust in our yard. The Day Lilies and Daffodils have sent their green shoots up through the mulch promising the advent of yellows and oranges that can only be properly painted by God.
In the midst of the seasonal ebb and flow is one of the two most significant holy days in my life. Next Sunday is Resurrection Sunday. Many of you know it as Easter Sunday. I do not call it this because of the root of that particular title and the changes in modern culture. The word Easter was adopted by the early church in their attempts to syncrotize the cultures of Britten into the church. It was similar to their spring feast dedicated to Eostre. The attempt was to make the faith of Christ more palatable to the Anglo-Saxon inhabitants of the isle.
My other and stronger reason for this choice is to remind everyone exactly what the purpose of the holy day is. Too much attention is give to eggs, candy, bunnies, and baskets and too little is given to the fact that we are celebrating the resurrection of Christ. The resurrection is one of the foundational keystones of the Christian faith and it has been assailed by its detractors since the day it happened.
Spend some time this week reflecting on the resurrection of Christ from the dead and what it holds for you.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
While today we find that in our little burrow winter has revisited us with a reminding splash of snow and wind chills, the signs of spring are robust in our yard. The Day Lilies and Daffodils have sent their green shoots up through the mulch promising the advent of yellows and oranges that can only be properly painted by God.
In the midst of the seasonal ebb and flow is one of the two most significant holy days in my life. Next Sunday is Resurrection Sunday. Many of you know it as Easter Sunday. I do not call it this because of the root of that particular title and the changes in modern culture. The word Easter was adopted by the early church in their attempts to syncrotize the cultures of Britten into the church. It was similar to their spring feast dedicated to Eostre. The attempt was to make the faith of Christ more palatable to the Anglo-Saxon inhabitants of the isle.
My other and stronger reason for this choice is to remind everyone exactly what the purpose of the holy day is. Too much attention is give to eggs, candy, bunnies, and baskets and too little is given to the fact that we are celebrating the resurrection of Christ. The resurrection is one of the foundational keystones of the Christian faith and it has been assailed by its detractors since the day it happened.
Spend some time this week reflecting on the resurrection of Christ from the dead and what it holds for you.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
29 March 2007
Forming a Writer's Group
Greetings Dear Readers,
One of the things every writer needs is an audience. Many writers have a small group of friends or family with whom they share their raw material, but not many have a circle of peers with whom they share their work in hopes of improving it. One of the things that has served both famous and undiscovered writers is forming a circle of fellow writers who will encourage and critique professionally. C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Charles Williams met regularly for this purpose. David Bratman has put up an excellent article about this at http://www.mythsoc.org/inklings.html . Here are some guidelines for setting up your own writers group.
There are many other things that can be done to enhance a group of writers. Forging a band of friends who encourage and support each other as you swim upstream toward publication can be very rewarding. If you have specific questions about this, feel free to ask. If you have a group or form one, feel free to tell me about it.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
One of the things every writer needs is an audience. Many writers have a small group of friends or family with whom they share their raw material, but not many have a circle of peers with whom they share their work in hopes of improving it. One of the things that has served both famous and undiscovered writers is forming a circle of fellow writers who will encourage and critique professionally. C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Charles Williams met regularly for this purpose. David Bratman has put up an excellent article about this at http://www.mythsoc.org/inklings.html . Here are some guidelines for setting up your own writers group.
- Pick a time convenient to all.
- Pick a place that is quiet and at least relatively private. Do not burden an innkeeper by taking up one of his tables unless you are buying food and beverage, and even then ask his permission.
- Keep the group small; more than five can become cumbersome.
- Everyone should bring something to each meeting. This is good for disciplining one's self to write.
- After each person reads, the others should give feedback and ask questions.
- All feedback should be honest.
- All feedback should be kind.
- Never put down another writer's work.
- If a submission is genuinely bad, show the writer in a way that builds up and helps him improve his skill.
- Ask questions that naturally occur as you listen but not until the writer is finished. These questions can reveal flaws that the writer does not see.
- Tell the writer what is good and stress why you like it.
- Have fun.
- Celebrate grandly when one of your group has a success.
There are many other things that can be done to enhance a group of writers. Forging a band of friends who encourage and support each other as you swim upstream toward publication can be very rewarding. If you have specific questions about this, feel free to ask. If you have a group or form one, feel free to tell me about it.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
21 March 2007
The Quality of Friendship
Greetings Dear Readers,
My beloved wife and I have discovered a fun past time for our leisure hours. I have mentioned Second Life before on this blog. As always I find that I am drawn to people and the amazing diversity that is our world.
I am using this post to say hi to few who have impressed us with who they are or what they do.
Celtic - I really admire your search for truth and am honored to be a part of the discussion.
Cat - Your assistance and kindness to my spouse are immeasurable to me. I want to hear more of the story, QWERTY.
Rin - Cosmos has become a home away from home. Thanks for hosting the awesome concert. You could probably sell tickets next time.
To the rest of my readers, I know that you look here for information on my writing, but this rounded needed to recognize some real people who use the anonymity of a game to do good. It is the good you do when no one is looking that shines the brightest.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
My beloved wife and I have discovered a fun past time for our leisure hours. I have mentioned Second Life before on this blog. As always I find that I am drawn to people and the amazing diversity that is our world.
I am using this post to say hi to few who have impressed us with who they are or what they do.
Celtic - I really admire your search for truth and am honored to be a part of the discussion.
Cat - Your assistance and kindness to my spouse are immeasurable to me. I want to hear more of the story, QWERTY.
Rin - Cosmos has become a home away from home. Thanks for hosting the awesome concert. You could probably sell tickets next time.
To the rest of my readers, I know that you look here for information on my writing, but this rounded needed to recognize some real people who use the anonymity of a game to do good. It is the good you do when no one is looking that shines the brightest.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
13 March 2007
Standing in the Sun
We are getting the first signs that Winter has decided to make way for Spring. The calf deep snow in our yard has dwindled to slushy puddles of grey-white crystal and tomorrows temperature is reported to reach the 70's.
As I emerged from the house yesterday afternoon the sun glistened on the receding snow and fell on my face with warmth for the first time since Fall. As a rule I like winter, but that first sensation of warmth gave me a boost I have not felt in some time. My wife will undoubtedly begin her forays into the budding new world, while soon I will enter my constant battle to avoid the extremes of heat that accompany summer. For today, however, I relish the sun and standing in it without feeling hot or humid.
As I emerged from the house yesterday afternoon the sun glistened on the receding snow and fell on my face with warmth for the first time since Fall. As a rule I like winter, but that first sensation of warmth gave me a boost I have not felt in some time. My wife will undoubtedly begin her forays into the budding new world, while soon I will enter my constant battle to avoid the extremes of heat that accompany summer. For today, however, I relish the sun and standing in it without feeling hot or humid.
Photo by Aramis Thorn, Smyrna, April 1998
One of the things I noticed was the first bits of our daffodils poking their way up beside the house. Daffodils are one of the things that scream Spring to me. Soon they will reach up to embrace the sun now on my face and the life cycle will kick into full gear. For now I am standing in the sun, enjoying its warmth and listening to the dripping of melting snow preparing to rejoin the clouds and become Spring rain. I could stand here for a long while but the keyboard calls as some of my characters want a word with me.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
06 March 2007
Schedule Changes
It has been said that when men make plans God laughs. So often it seems that when I make writing plans life gets in the way. It forces one to choose where loyalties lie and how determined they are to write. Currently in our home schedules are in flux and such minor things as meals times and shower access are challenged.
I like things orderly and scheduled. I like to know what happens next. Right now the challenge is to get everything done and still be disciplined in my writing. There is little or no give when it comes to writing. Either you do it or you do not.
In truth no matter what happens next, I must maintain a constant. That constant is that I must write. If I do not then I stray from the path. The other constant is that I must do it and maintain my responsibility to my wife and children. If you propose to write then you must acknowledge that you will spend your life juggling these two constants. Your arms get tired but it is worth it.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
I like things orderly and scheduled. I like to know what happens next. Right now the challenge is to get everything done and still be disciplined in my writing. There is little or no give when it comes to writing. Either you do it or you do not.
In truth no matter what happens next, I must maintain a constant. That constant is that I must write. If I do not then I stray from the path. The other constant is that I must do it and maintain my responsibility to my wife and children. If you propose to write then you must acknowledge that you will spend your life juggling these two constants. Your arms get tired but it is worth it.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
23 February 2007
One Flu in a Cuckoo's Nest
Greetings Dear Reader,
Writing has been blurry and delirious this week. On Sunday evening I felt chilly. One must understand that I rarely feel cold. By Monday morning I had fever, chills, and congestion. My fever topped off at 105 on Tuesday evening. Apparently I held several conversations I do not remember and talked of things both wonderful and strange. My fever broke by Wednesday afternoon but I still feel achy and tired. Unfortunately my wife is just entering the fever stages of this same Flu and I hope she has it easier than I.
I just reread some of the things I typed into my computer during my delirium. They will never see the light of day as they make some of Lewis Carroll's drug induced prose seem like formal writing. The delirium and Flu are departing but in their wake they leave a new perspective on some things.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Writing has been blurry and delirious this week. On Sunday evening I felt chilly. One must understand that I rarely feel cold. By Monday morning I had fever, chills, and congestion. My fever topped off at 105 on Tuesday evening. Apparently I held several conversations I do not remember and talked of things both wonderful and strange. My fever broke by Wednesday afternoon but I still feel achy and tired. Unfortunately my wife is just entering the fever stages of this same Flu and I hope she has it easier than I.
I just reread some of the things I typed into my computer during my delirium. They will never see the light of day as they make some of Lewis Carroll's drug induced prose seem like formal writing. The delirium and Flu are departing but in their wake they leave a new perspective on some things.
- I am sure I drank about 4 million gallons of water, juice, and Propel this week.
- I ate some wonderful Hot and Sour soup from my favorite Chinese place that the owner prepared special for me when he found out I was sick.
- I am still confused about the feed a cold-starve a fever thing. What do you do when you have a cold and a fever?
- Most of all - The writer in me has some real craziness lurking beneath the surface and I should never let it out.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
14 February 2007
A Year Older, An Unexpected Distraction, and a Second Life
Greetings Dear Readers,
A YEAR OLDER
This week sees me a year older and a wonderful weekend to show for it. Avalon, my beloved wife planned an excellent birthday for me. We ate well, played games, and I got to spend a great deal of time with her. Many friends were around me and my youngest son, Bezel made a special trip to see me. All said it was a wonderful time and I will cherish it.
We started on Thursday morning with the unexpected rival of Bezel. He came in during my writing time and startled me from my creative reverie. Always a welcome invitation. He and a school chum had drive over night from GA just for my birthday. My sons took me to a favorite Wimpy Bar for lunch and we had breakfast for dinner.
On Friday we went to my favorite diner for breakfast and then to the movies. In the afternoon we played indoor miniature golf and then went to a bar that gives free beer on or near your birthday. In the group of eleven of us that went out for dinner, four of us had birthdays last week. We also had three designated drivers. After dinner we returned to the house and played a wonderful social game called Apples to Apples. Eleven over tired and slightly over indulged adults playing a word game is the perfect recipe for hilarity.
Saturday morning, my actual birthday, we started with bagels and coffee. We saw Hannibal Rising which was surprisingly well done. For dinner we ate at a great local Taco joint and all were satisfied. We spent the remainder of the day sitting around relaxing.
Sunday morning many of us went to church and then to lunch at a new Mongolian Barbecue. It is more upscale and the food was excellent. Bezel and his friend had to depart in the late afternoon for the trip back to GA but it was a joy to see him. Maxim and his intended bride stayed around for a while but Avalon and I went to a friends house for dinner.
AN UNEXPECTED DISTRACTION
Just prior to leaving for dinner on Sunday I felt a sharp jolt in my gums above teeth numbers seven and eight. After a night of extreme discomfort I was honored with an emergency root canal Monday morning. I have one of the best dentists in the cosmos and he made the procedure as bearable as possible. His staff has a unique ability to make one feel safe and genuinely cared for. Thanks to the folks at Dr. Fred's.
The subsequent pain and recovery left me with little brain power for writing so I tried a new venture that I will recommend with caution.
A SECOND LIFE
If you have not discovered Second Life, you should give it a tour. It is a virtual world created on line that you can join for free. www.secondlife.com The world has a real economy and you can be virtually anyone you wish to be. It is self directed and non linear. My Second Life name is Aramis Merlin. Give it a try and look me up if you wish. I am thinking of starting a freelance virtual writing business.
A YEAR OLDER
This week sees me a year older and a wonderful weekend to show for it. Avalon, my beloved wife planned an excellent birthday for me. We ate well, played games, and I got to spend a great deal of time with her. Many friends were around me and my youngest son, Bezel made a special trip to see me. All said it was a wonderful time and I will cherish it.
We started on Thursday morning with the unexpected rival of Bezel. He came in during my writing time and startled me from my creative reverie. Always a welcome invitation. He and a school chum had drive over night from GA just for my birthday. My sons took me to a favorite Wimpy Bar for lunch and we had breakfast for dinner.
On Friday we went to my favorite diner for breakfast and then to the movies. In the afternoon we played indoor miniature golf and then went to a bar that gives free beer on or near your birthday. In the group of eleven of us that went out for dinner, four of us had birthdays last week. We also had three designated drivers. After dinner we returned to the house and played a wonderful social game called Apples to Apples. Eleven over tired and slightly over indulged adults playing a word game is the perfect recipe for hilarity.
Saturday morning, my actual birthday, we started with bagels and coffee. We saw Hannibal Rising which was surprisingly well done. For dinner we ate at a great local Taco joint and all were satisfied. We spent the remainder of the day sitting around relaxing.
Sunday morning many of us went to church and then to lunch at a new Mongolian Barbecue. It is more upscale and the food was excellent. Bezel and his friend had to depart in the late afternoon for the trip back to GA but it was a joy to see him. Maxim and his intended bride stayed around for a while but Avalon and I went to a friends house for dinner.
AN UNEXPECTED DISTRACTION
Just prior to leaving for dinner on Sunday I felt a sharp jolt in my gums above teeth numbers seven and eight. After a night of extreme discomfort I was honored with an emergency root canal Monday morning. I have one of the best dentists in the cosmos and he made the procedure as bearable as possible. His staff has a unique ability to make one feel safe and genuinely cared for. Thanks to the folks at Dr. Fred's.
The subsequent pain and recovery left me with little brain power for writing so I tried a new venture that I will recommend with caution.
A SECOND LIFE
If you have not discovered Second Life, you should give it a tour. It is a virtual world created on line that you can join for free. www.secondlife.com The world has a real economy and you can be virtually anyone you wish to be. It is self directed and non linear. My Second Life name is Aramis Merlin. Give it a try and look me up if you wish. I am thinking of starting a freelance virtual writing business.
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