I first heard the term, “beware the Ides of March” back in high school. But what does that mean, exactly? The Ides of March is a date from the Roman calendar that referred to the first full moon in March. It was also a deadline for settling their debts. Because the Romans used a lunar … Continue reading The Ides of March
Sunday Writing
Reading to Improve Writing
(C) 2020, JJ ShaunTo be read pile I’ve been trying to catch up on my reading. My TBR pile keeps growing, mostly with the magazines I subscribe to. Admittedly, the magazines focus on the American publishing industry, but they do sometimes have articles that discuss international publishing requirements. I have been reading Writer’s Digest for … Continue reading Reading to Improve Writing
Stories Abound
(C) 2020, JJ Shaun For years, I listened to audiobooks on my commute to the office to help me catch up on my “reading.” And, honestly, I’ve been struggling to finish the last series I started listening to. It could be that the rip-roaring semi-fantasy story turned into more of a romance than I expected, … Continue reading Stories Abound
Late to the Party
I spent the last 25 or so years concentrating on my career as a Technical Writer and dabbling in fiction writing. Needless to say, I’ve missed a lot. I am just now discovering things like Critical Roll, Writing Excuses, and Trope Talk. Since I’ve found these treasures, I’ve been madly listening to and watching what … Continue reading Late to the Party
Sketching a Region
I’ve spent this week working on maps. I finished coloring the regional map and started on the compound. When I finish that one, I’ll draw the main floor of the tavern itself. (C) 2020, JJ ShaunRegion surrounding the Happy Harpy. Drawing the region and the outpost helps me put the area in perspective. I have … Continue reading Sketching a Region
Filling in a Fictional Community
(C) 2020, JJ ShaunThe lands surrounding the Happy Harpy. I’ve spent the week working on my fantasy tavern and inn called the Happy Harpy. In fleshing out the characters that make up the residents of this remote outpost, a couple of stories have been rolling around my head. One is set in the time of … Continue reading Filling in a Fictional Community
Creating a Fictional Community
(C) 2020, JJ ShaunThe Happy Harpy I’ve spent the past working on the characters that comprise the citizenry of a make-believe outpost in the middle of nowhere—a tavern and inn called the Happy Harpy. To get an idea of what makes the place tick, I’ve fleshed out the characters that live there. I’ve created only … Continue reading Creating a Fictional Community
Worldbuilding V
(C) 2000, JJ Shaun I have spent the last week creating characters and building a fantasy outpost called The Happy Harpy. This enclave sits along a major trade road on the eastern side of the Dragonspine Mountains, on the Adaran continent. Located in the southern hemisphere of its world, this continent has had virtually no … Continue reading Worldbuilding V
Story Creation, Part I
(C) 2020, JJ ShaunThe Happy Harpy Where do you start when a story comes to mind? For me, it almost always begins with a character or two, sometimes with a place. My latest endeavor starts with a little of both. So, where did this idea come from, and how has it been germinating in my … Continue reading Story Creation, Part I
YouTube to Write
(C) 2020 JJ Shaun I’ve been binge-watching a YouTube stream called “Critical Roll” for the last several days. I wouldn’t say the channel is for everyone, but if you like storytelling, you might want to watch a few episodes. The story takes a party of adventurers (a group of voice actors) through the “Underdark,” an … Continue reading YouTube to Write
J.J. Shaun 