Bound by the wrong voiceover

I downloaded some new trailers for a game called "Bound by Flame". 3 trailers. One had no voiceover, showing all action.. sword-guys fighting monsters and such. Yes yes, no clues if it's an RPG or action, or what. Fine, but it was pretty and entertaining.

Hei guise, wanna play?

The next trailer had a voiceover by the main character. He was speaking as if he were in that world, and was facing the contemporary conflicts. Nice, but again.. no clue what kind of gameplay. But it gave the feeling of an RPG, or at least a questing sort of adventure/action thing.

The last trailer.. (well, I saw this one first...) was a DETAILED explanation of the gameplay, the mechanics, options. That would have been great!

Except the voiceover.

A very competent fellow, who did his job well. But he was the WRONG guy for the job. I think I've heard him narrate other game trailers, and he has to stop. This epic game, with swords, monsters, war, grit and blood... but explained in a voice and tone more fitting for... I don't know.. A boy-scout recruitment video, or Wyoming tourist ad.

If that trailer was the only one I'd seen, I would have been turned right off, despite the game mechanics being appealing to be. Thankfully I then went on to watch the other 2, and it washed the bad taste of Mr. Cleaver's voice off of it.

Are you saying I CAN'T impale orcs and zombies??

Who am I kidding.. I'll never play the game. The guy that was me back when I had the time would have been jotting it down on his birthday wish list, but the me that is me still hasn't gotten through the karting game I got for Christmas. O, the shame of it all. BUT....

"Don't worry, Joe, we'll play after your kids move out, and you've written all the books you wanted to. When will those be done again? Really..? uh..."

...but Rubberman's Cage has 10 pages left in my first editing pass...

Coming... by October, I hope!.. and the cover might be tweaked a bit.....

Lore and the future of creativity

We see old stories about mythical things as immutable. Open to interpretation, changes for a basis of a new concept, but some old works stand as an eternal reference.

Bram Stoker made the vampire famous, and our modern concept on vampires is based largely on his book. But not entirely. Those who have never read Dracula might be surprised that sunlight does not kill him, or even seem to harm him in any way except to negate his ability to use magic.

What's the modern vampire? The buffyverse has pretty good vamps.. but the extreme face-shift thing is a little over stylized, and exploding into ash upon death is a little over the top. It works, however. Pretty darn good overall as a model of modern vampirism. True Blood's vamps are pretty solid too, though they add the twist of what their blood can do for humans, and what happens when one of THOSE vamps die. Ew. But again, a notable model for the modern vamp.

Sparkling vamps? Who are okay in overcast weather? Just insert your typical anti-twilight rant here, and I'll save us both some time.

BUT! I thought, IT IS OUT THERE. Sparkly vamps are documented now, they're a THING now, thanks to whazzerface.

In a few hundred years, when someone goes to the equivalent of Wikipedia, and ask for "Vampire", what will they see on the first page?

Bram Stoker's Dracula? Almost certainly.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Maybe a link to it, sure, why not?
Twilight?

Oh my god, maybe, yes.

Through the distant-future's view of the past, will Twilight be seen as SO FAR removed from Dracula?

It's scary.

It also got me thinking about what makes an authentic bit of lore, legend, or tale? Time? Is that it? How far it spread? The net spreads everything far, easily. Acceptance? Even if hate for Twilight were unanimous, it's made an impact either way. Even the fires of the harshest critic cannot remove some stains, at most, leaving a scorched hole that brings more attention.

In the past, a story had to be enjoyed enough to be passed around, recorded, duplicated, spread around, and kept. It meant something, it took time all in itself.

Now we have incredible information technology, a MUCH higher population, with a MUCH higher percentage of literacy. We create more new stuff each year than many of the past centuries could do.. in a century. New creatures, new tales, new ways to handle the old, churning out faster and faster, under demand of a massive public, who have a lot more free time than the purely agricultural societies ever had.

Having lamps to read by helps too.

As technology continues to eat jobs by doing more and more for us, our free time will become a bigger and bigger industry.

In a utopian future without wars, or any struggle for the necessities of life, (of course, this assumes that we're headed eventually for such a world) free time will demand amazing things, and the creative types will be overjoyed to be able to share their ideas! Write, sing, act, direct a video game, spend an hour painting a 90' mural on the side of a building for fun, erase it the next day, after backing it up.

In that world, where will the legends come from? Will new genius stand out in the massive crowds?

Or are we already feeling this? Go to amazon.com. See any books you haven't read yet? If you look hard enough, you might find a book that almost no one has read. It might very well be badly-publicized brilliance behind a bland cover.

Or it could be a 30-page Twilight fanfic written over the course of 3 days on an ipad while chemistry class was being boring.

UFOs, moron!

I saw the idea of believing in UFOs being used as a benchmark of stupidity. Well.. UFO. Okay, fine, what KIND of UFO?

"Unidentified flying object" literally qualifies a shadow that passes by your window that was PROBABLY a bird. In my neighborhood, it can also be an airplane. I can reasonably identify a bird shadow from and airplane shadow, but don't ask me to identify what variety of bird or plane from a shadow rushing over my window. Unidentified. Blurry photo of a balloon? Unidentified. So THAT kind of UFO, obviously. I believe.

This kind? Meteorite? Maybe. Unidentified.

Believing in intelligent life from space? Well, the universe is BIG. I won't even get into my theory on our use of the word universe, but there's approximately a metric SHITLOAD of stars out there, and we're finding more and more evidence of planets that have life potential. And we can't see all planets all that far, in the big picture. Across the near-infinite, the odds of other life are pretty darn good. I reasonably believe.

If you squint real hard, you can see 34638 bajillion possible hiding places for sexy aliens.

Believing that they come HERE? That's a trickier issue in my head. They're gonna be far off. I don't know what kind of engines these hypothetical aliens use, but.. it's still a long way off. And those hypothetical aliens might just now be mastering FIRE. Or have bombed their planet into a ball of radioactive glass billions of years ago. So odds are a little worse here. I'm on the critical side here.

I'm not saying Pacific Rim was ripping off the Beastie boys..

Believing that said visitors have been probing rednecks and inverting cows? Phew... I like to give folks the benefit of the doubt, and if your belief isn't doing anyone any harm, fill your boots, but I believe I'll pass on that tinfoil hat, TYVM.

Being John Mal- er, I mean Morgan Freeman.

Did I ever tell you about the time I channeled the spirit of Morgan Freeman? It was an accident, I swear. On October 5th or so, day 2 of the 2013 VCON, I woke up after about 2 hours of sleep, and had survived the previous day on almost nothing but energy shots.

Think of a regular energy drink, Redbull, Monster, Rockstar, etc.. now remove anything they put in to make it taste remotely palatable. If you're thinking of those B12 “8 hour energy drinks”, in those little bottles, no. Right size, wrong contents. THOSE try to pretend to be healthy. The suckers I had been downing, (and wearing on my bandolier) were just good ole' toxins. Taurine, and all his little buddies.
It might have had something to do with how much sleep I got.

Protip: Bet on black. Or, avoid all of these if you plan to.. you know.. not wreck yourself.

But no worries, this was VCON, and that's my standard operating procedure for VCON. As I sat up, I made an “ohhh” groan. It wasn't my voice.

It was Morgan.

Good morning, Joseph. I was watching you sleep.

Between damage done to my throat, the amount of sleep I didn't have, the alignment of the planets, whatever, I had trapped part of Morgan Freeman's essence within myself. Alone in the room, I spoke.. Yup It was Morgan.

I talked to myself continuously as I got dressed, musing how this happened, and hoping the real Morgan was all right, and not in some kind of coma. Of course, I later learned that he did not die, at least.

Once I had myself put together, I did a practice read of a short story I was going to do a public reading of later in the day. Morgan NAILED it. I seriously considered having Morgan to the reading when the time came, but by early afternoon, Morgan had pretty much left me.

I used to occasionally do a Morgan Freeman impression. It was recognizable, but not great. I can't sound like I did that morning any more, Morgan has returned to his own body, but he left me with a lesson or two-

My Morgan Freeman impression has improved, and I have a second celebrity to think of when I have to slow down a public reading. Johnny Cash could use some time off.

To play with his kitten in heaven, or something, I guess.

So they tell me I should have a mailing list...

For one thing, although I use facebook to holler random fun and book-related announcements at folks via my author page: https://www.facebook.com/ozerobook (I'd really like it if you LIKEd it, by the way..)

-the nature of facebook means that even if you LIKE the page, you could very will miss when I announce something big. Like the launch of one of my books.

See over to the right, there's a lil contact form? Fill it out if you want to be on my mailing list, and hear about the BIG things FOR SURE.

I have no intent on sending emails for anything small.. just new books going out, price drops, or sales. That's it, scout's honour. I was never a scout though. Hmm.. Nerd's honour?

Oh, and just because you know I already have your email address... still tell me if you want to be on the list, kay?

Interview with MAJOR SULLYAN from the "Artesans of Albia" series.

 Interview with

MAJOR SULLYAN

Questions posed by Joseph Picard,

Sullyan's answers provided by her creator, Cas Peace.

Also check out the book blast for the series, which has a cool giveaway contest with a ton of books up as prizes, both paper and ebooks, including the ebooks of the Lifehack series!

JP- Greetings, Major Sullyan, is that the correct way to address you? I'm not military, myself, so I'm not sure about protocol.

S- And my greetings to you. As my name is Sullyan, and I am a Major in High King Elias's forces, you have used the correct form of address. Well done!

JP- I've heard some people calling you a bit of a role model of young women. Would you encourage them to pursue a career in the military?

S- It would certainly please me to be perceived as a role model for Albian women. It would please me more to be a role model for all those who are born with the Artesan gift but do not currently use it, male or female! Too long has there been a tide of mistrust against Artesans, and I would do all I can to turn that tide and encourage those so gifted to nurture their talents.

We are fortunate to have the support of High King Elias in this. As for women entering Albia's military, I am, unfortunately, still unique in my choice of career and likely to remain so, unless the people radically change their ideas. My acceptance by General Blaine and Elias was unprecedented, and due purely to my unusual circumstances. I have had to fight every step of the way to gain the trust and recognition of those in positions of power, and there are many who still believe my presence at the Manor to be a travesty. I have learned to live with that.

Albia's military has given me what I never had as a child - a sense of belonging, friends, and success - and I would deny no one, be they woman or man, the chance to experience such security. But I doubt I could convince many Albian women to join me!

JP- What kind of advice would you give youth who are headed for a military career?

S- Be prepared for some very hard work! Make sure you are able to listen to and accept orders, without questioning. Be aware that you may well be required to lay down your life, whether for your comrades, your officers, or your king. You must put loyalty at the heart of your being, and be prepared to forsake the comforts of home and hearth. But if you have the courage to embrace all that a military life brings, you will find comradeship like you have never known, loyalty so deep it takes your breath away, and the undying gratitude of the High King himself.

JP- So, forgive me if I pry, but is there a special someone out there?

S- All of my friends are special and dear to my heart. I owe my life to General Blaine, and also to my aide, Bulldog, whom I love. But I think you speak of romance, yes? In which case, I am blessed in my Captain and life mate, Robin Tamsen.

I understand there are those who think that a close romantic liaison between a Major and her Captain is unworkable, and at first, so did the General. But Robin and I are as dedicated to serving our king as we are to each other - we always put duty before love. I admit, we did not have the best of starts, and the General was on the verge of transferring Robin away on several occasions. But our love was forged and annealed in fire and tribulation, and we emerged the stronger for it. I believe we are now a formidable team.

JP- Now, there's also been talk about these “Artesan” abilities. Is this something you can speak on? How does one get these kinds of skills? Training? Born with them? Bitten by a magic spider?

S- Bitten by a magic spider? You are so droll! No, my friend, to become an Artesan, you must be born with the talent within you. Yet having innate abilities is not enough. First, you must accept the gift. In some people, it manifests early, as in my own life. In others, it emerges at puberty, or even sometimes in adulthood. Children find it easier, more natural, to accept what they are able to do, while those who realize the gift later in life can find the phenomenon frightening.

Prejudiced parents who discover that their offspring are talented often force these children to suppress their gifts, and this can lead to disorders of the mind. Yet those who embrace their Artesan abilities learn, through rigorous training, how glorious such powers can be.

We, here at the Manor, are constantly working to educate the people of Albia, to convince them that their fears and prejudices are unfounded. Sadly, renegades and raiders from the other realms often undo our labors.

JP- Sounds dangerous, but I suppose that's to be expected. After meeting with you, I have confidence you'll be doing your best. Doubtless you're very busy, so thank you for your time. Stay safe out there, Major!

~~~

Cas Peace's links:

Book Sales US: King's Envoy, King's Champion, and King's Artesan, available in print and digital format on www.amazon.com

Book Sales UK: King's Envoy, King's Champion, and King's Artesan, available in print and digital format on www.amazon.co.uk

Find Cas Peace on www.caspeace.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cas.peace

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CasPeace1

Her Blog: http://peacewrites.blogspot.co.uk/

Don't forget to check out the music accompanying each of Cas's fantasy novels. All are available for FREE download from her website.

Joseph Picard's links:

For his sci-fi print and e-books at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B002LPT7VA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ozerobook

His main page: http://www.ozero.ca

Artesans of Albia

Whoop! Hey folks, Cas Peace (http://www.caspeace.com) has sent her epic fantasy trilogy out into the world, and I get to host a stop in the tour! There's a rafflecopter giveaway toward the end of this post, with a ton of prizes, including ebooks of my own Lifehack series, and a pile of other people's stuff!

Also, have you read my interview of one of Cas's characters, Major Sullyan? All right, I've blathered enough, check out her books.....!

Artesans of Albia series

On a foolhardy foray into a foreign realm, Taran Elijah is attacked by a terrible weapon known as the Staff. Killing its wielder, he escapes into Albia, inadvertantly carrying the Staff.

Concerned by the vicious raids that follow Taran's actions, Major Sullyan of the High King's forces crosses into Andaryon to seek diplomatic resolution to the crisis. She is captured and tortured by Lord Rykan, aspirant to the Andaryon throne.

Slowly dying, Sullyan escapes his clutches. She offers her skills to the Hierarch in defense of his throne, finally confronting Rykan on the field of battle.

Her handsome Captain and lover, Robin Tamsen, embarks on a desperate quest to recover the Staff. But Rykan's greedy General, Sonten, is two steps ahead of him. If Robin cannot lay hold of the weapon before Sonten does, Sullyan's life and the lives of all Artesans are forfeit.

The race for the Staff has begun.

Praise for King’s Artesan

“One of the best fantasy books I’ve ever read. The balance between background story and action is just perfect. I’m very glad I found this author. You won’t want to miss this series!” ~Denyse Cohen, author of Witch’s Soulmate, Book 1 of the Living Energy Trilogy

“Splendidly written in a wonderful voice, drew me in immediately. Ms. Peace’s imagination alone gets 5 stars. Spectacular worlds and enchanting scenes. Anyone who enjoys losing themselves in a world of a charming fantasy with plenty of layers and a host of intriguing characters won’t be disappointed!” ~Rosary McQuestion, author of Once Upon Another Time

“As soon as I finished this book I was eager to start the next. I highly recommend this book. Great Job!!” ~Janus Gangi, author of Elizabeth Rose and That Morning After

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cas Peace was born in Hampshire UK, in 1957, and has lived there most of her life. Her first career was as a horse-riding instructor, and horses remain very close to her heart. She then spent 13 years working for the British Civil Service before leaving the UK to live in Italy for three years, 1991-1994. She speaks passable but by no means perfect Italian, and loves to return to Italy whenever she can.

 Cas's other great loves are anything to do with animals, especially dogs and horses, (she supports many animal charities) and also singing. Cas loves folk songs and along with her husband, who plays guitar, has performed in many a Southern England folk club. Sometimes they even asked her back! She writes folk songs to accompany her fantasy novels, and offers them as free downloads from her website.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website: http://www.caspeace.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cas.peace?fref=ts

Book Songs: http://www.caspeace.com/downloads/songs

Giveaway

Scheduled to start on December 12 and run until December 18: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here is the YouTube link to the new Trilogy trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76ORbCO_wGI