From Where I Stand (For lack of a better title)

I have always believed that in most of the world's unanswered questions, the truth usually lies somewhere towards the centre of things.  Maybe it's because I was raised in house where science and mysticism held equal places on the mantel.  Maybe it's because I found myself surrounded by enough people from each end of the spectrum that something sunk in.  I'm not really sure, and I think that in and of itself would take a whole lot more research then I am willing to give it.

On with my point.

Examining the Anti-Hero

Is the anyone more dangerous then someone with nothing to lose?  A man who has lost everything, but the promise of revenge?  Or how about the woman willing to kill, for but a fistful of dollars?  Or someone whose only goal in life is to survive, and to hell with whoever gets in the way?

Today, lets talk about Anti-Heroes.   The Mad Maxs, the Wolverines, and the Conans of the world.  What is it, in this day and age, that draws us to these Blackguards?  Well, to understand this, we need to take a few steps back to 10th grade English class, and examine the differences between the Hero and his darker counterpart.

To See through the Eyes of a Child

How do you see me, with innocent eyes gazing up?
A man to be feared, like a father unworthy of the title?
Or another wanderer through this thing called life
A haggard reflection of the future?
Tell me, what does the child see?
He sees what we teach him to
Yes, but there is more.  More to the child's gaze
Closer to the truth of things then is comfortable
And so the wicked rail in that reflection
And so Just smile and pray;
'Forget the sins of the Father
And walk bold, little one, head held high
So that we might be reflected in glory
And know but a moment of Hope
In your innocent eyes, gazing up.'

The Issue with Fantasy…

‘So, what’s your book about?’

When I’m talking to someone about my writing and this question comes up, I always feel the need to first explain that ‘it’s a fantasy novel’.  But why?  Well, from my stand point, it comes down to stigma.  Whether real or imaged, I can’t help but see the divide between contemporary fiction and fantasy or sci-fi.  Of course, that’s my issue and I know that many readers out there are simply concerned with reading a good tale, no matter the genre.  That’s not to say, however, that I haven’t come across those who have scoffed at the mere notion of “Fantasy”.