Scribal Tales 2005
Or as The Pretentious Twit would say: "This year was so big it won't fit on your screen!"
The Shared World Milieu
Best Character:
Dallan the Blind, by G. C. Dillon. Dallan captured my mind the moment he sprang to life in July 2005. Although future stories about Dallan have not reached the editor's (hint to author Dillon) desk, Dallan had the most impact upon me because of the tremendous depth of features that the author, G.C. Dillon (Remember the name, damn it!) crammed into such tightly written prose, so few pages, so many emotions.
Best Chapter:
Return of the Night Stalkers, by Janice Jackson. Janice is, more or less, the caretaker of the Shared World (Talos Valley in particular), but the depth of this chapter featuring the life and death of Bobby Cobb, illustrated how deadly life can be on the island continent Volante (It also shows a wicked-side to our gentle Janice Jackson - no Justin Timberlake for you - take that!).
Most Anticipated Series:
A Stranger's Tale by Darin Dion Hunt: Darin shows us another society (a fully developed one) that exists within the environs of Volante. I look forward in 2006 for his full submission into the Shared World in 2006. (Author's Note: Damn that Darin - he actually submitted the whole thing. Now I have to actually read another fantasy greater than anything I have been able to dream up . where is that "Rejection Stamp"? -- Just kidding.)
*
Horror Tales
(All right, I promise, no further facetious parenthetical remarks - well, remember, I'm a poker player and all poker players lie.)
The Horrible Mile by Laura Sanger Kelly: This late entry caught the attention of our reviewer, Michael Battaglia (featured in this month's Pretentious Twit). It is unique in its prose and seems to touch all of us from within with its simplicity yet complicated plot (Whew, I'm as exhausted as if I ran a . a marathon.).
Soul Price and Blood Trust by Roderick Gladwish: The continuing saga of horror, as it takes us into Victoria's torment and her "life" (I use that word most guardedly) in Saint Barbara's Convent. This tale will cause you to lose some sleep at night, but if you're a dreamer, it will haunt you in your nightmares. One of our favorite horror heroine, Victoria, is still playing with fire, doing the wild thing, regretting it, consorting with the Devil and then behaving in such a manner that . hell, the Devil made her do it . and do it . and do it .
The Great Beast's Watch by Robert T. Tuohey: Need a couple of dollars, have some items for sale, looking for a savage and interesting tale, then visit the Devil's Hockshop, and try to purchase the Great Beast's Watch. Here is an author who knows his subject matter and how to express a storyline (What is he doing here?).
A Trilogy of Horror by Clemence Mauger: A series of very short stories that can only be described as the "Appetizer of Horror." We can hardly wait for the Main Course to be served.
A Helping Hand by Brian Wright: An English tale of horror that takes us into the mind of a reluctant suicidal participant, or what happens when an individual decides that he loves living far better than voluntary death (I hate it when characters keep changing their mined. I know the author wanted to have the character do the deed right then and there.)?
Yes, Scribal Tales' authors were particularly frightening, ghoulish and demonic (Hey, that's a compliment to a horror story writer) this year.
Rumor -- no, there is no news that Susan Bross will be writing a follow-up to "The Pedophile."
*
Science Fiction
Playing God, The Underpass, Crossing Dragons Canyon by Ashley Hibbert:
From Down Under to Up Here, Ashley joined our society with works that have even impressed the redoubtable Terry-Ann. Here is her review, one well-worth repeating:
[.I loved "Playing God" and "The Underpass". I think they have the potential of being made into movies. That's how good they are.
I guess they would be considered science fiction or psychological thrillers -- just loved them.
I hope you will continue with " Playing God ." I wanted more, much more. I liked the way you ended it, because it left the reader wanting more.
As to " The Underpass ," my heart was pounding reading it. I was very wrapped up into what the main character was "feeling," I did understand he was living his "dream." Sometimes fantasy and science fiction writing leaves me puzzled which is why it is so difficult for me to "get into," but not in your case. I loved that your stories took place in modern times, something that I can recognize, which to me, makes it far more realistic.
I think you (Are you a "he" or "she?" I couldn't tell because your name could be either) should expand on your tales. There should be a monthly column devoted to you on Scribal Tales, and I'll use my "influence" on Dan to that effect.
As far as "Crossing Dragons Canyon": Well written! Great story, but the "dragon stuff" it is just not for me. I'm trying to develop a taste for it, I really am, but it is very slow coming.
Please continue writing for Scribal Tales.
Is there a "Playing God" Part II?
Your work is my first review. I enjoyed your writing immensely. You have a devoted reader and reviewer in me -- even the "dragon" stuff.]
Now, with a review like that, I urge our readers to go to our science fiction section and read Ashley's well-written tales. Where Do You Go When You're Not Here (an excerpt) by (none other than) Michael Battaglia (The Pretentious Twit):
I urged Michael to submit this tale in our last edition of Scribal Tales (November 2005). The story can also be found in Tristian's World. Michael shows us his unique writing skills with a passage from his 17,000 page masterpiece (The Novel You Read By The Pound!) "Time Falls Away."
*
Contributors of the Year
Michael Battaglia:
His work ethic is outstanding and tireless. His column, The Pretentious Twit, is the best analytical review column to be found anywhere on the Internet, and yet featured exclusively on Scribal Tales. During the year, Michael has taken his precious time to review almost every story published during 2005, not to mention, giving us his personal insights (and boy, can he give you personal insights). He is the spine of our publication. When Michael sends me a review, I know it is time to start my publishing engines and get a new Scribe's Gazette prepared. I am honored to have him as a contributor (Of course, I do not want Michael to take this as an indication he is getting a raise, or anything like that).
Gabe Morales:
Best Fantasy Saga: Gabe Morales' Torment. Gabe has never missed an issue (okay, so we had to hold the presses for a few days, here and there, now and then, ad infinitum) and during 2005 he brought the first era of Torment to a cliff-ender. (Not having figured out what to do with our very stiff Valdor), Gabe immediately followed up with an in-depth characterization of Sidria (our favorite witch) that revealed that Sidria had a dark-side that had remained unknown to our readers (It is a dark-side that rhymes with . well, you know.)
Will Valdor escape from his "imprisonment" (or is it supposed to read: "Will Valdor escape from his Torment - oops, another inside joke)?
Will Hadrain become a foil to Sidria's powers?
Or will our favorite fantasy saga take a new twist and turn?
I await a new ballad from Hadrian to guide us through 2006.
By the way: Whatever happened to Magnus Benoit, the Scribe? Is he still looking to purchase a battle-axe for the Scribal Guild?
This and other exciting answers will appear in 2006 (How's that, Gabe, for putting on the pressure . get the damn thing in on time . just kidding!)
Janice Jackson : The caretaker of Talos Valley, Janice Jackson, not only takes the time to write her on-going story line but to comment on each and every tale written and published on Scribal Tales. Janice would be a favorite contributor to any writing site, but her outstanding contributions on Scribal Tales help make it one of the finest writing sites found on the Internet (Hey, who is going to argue with me? After all, I own the place.)
No doubt this year we will see an enhancement of the life and times of Karl Strange (See the review: Is Karl Strange Strange?) and the vast array of characters that live in Janice's creative (and slightly wicked) mind.
*
Fantasy Tales
The fantasy section of Scribal Tales always has the largest group of contributions.
Question: Why?
"Why Not" is the Answer.
I believe it is because there is a bit of a need for the writer to escape, and try to take his or her audience along with them for a great saga, something that will help us all to escape from the mundane (Well, enough of those great insights, Dan.)
2005 offered, in inverse random order the following:
The Scribe with No Name (Chapter 3) by Daniel Olarnick (Hey, that's me!): The Scribe with No Name, at long lasts, comes into being. He is mentioned throughout "unspoken" tales by other authors (Janice Jackson, in particular; referred to off-handedly by Gabe Morales) but has not really been revealed to our vast group of readers and members (No, please, modesty forbids me from giving you the exact infinite number of readers and members who have enrolled in The Scribe's Gazette!). I'll give you the long and short of it . nah, you have to read it or I'll go bald (for those uninformed individuals I'm shaved not bald)!
A Case for the King's Hand by James Brian King: Who says there is no humor in fantasy. Read James King's wonderfully constructed story and you'll have a smile on your face, of at least once that day. "Dear Einar: I apologize for not writing . I'm a dead man, err, halfling . Please come quick. Rumrik. You got to love a light read. It gets straight to the point and still keeps within the fantasy genre.
Moonlit Reflection, Silenced Souls and Harvest by Gabriel Morales: Ah, Sidria: What more can I say that Elton John didn't already say with, "Bitch, Bitch, the Bitch is Back!" (Okay, maybe I'm a bit harsh.) Anyone who has failed to follow the wonderful adventure that Gabe has produced during 2005 has missed reading some really fine fantasy writing. Perhaps Robert Jordan's "The Eye of the World," has greater depth, but Mr. Jordan had best keep looking over his shoulder.
Umbilicus Urbano by Mark Orr: The Barbarian's Barbarian. A story that will make you laugh written entirely within the genre that was developed by Robert E. Howard, but with a sense of humor. Sometimes Conan lacked a sense of humanity, chop, chop, hack, hack, deflower the maiden . well you get the picture. Mark Orr's Belicar has all of that and two pet wolves to back him up, a maiden in distress and an evil kingdom to enter, encounter and escape from. What more can you ask for . a yes, a ravishing virgin . err . a ravished virgin . darn these barbarians have all the fun.
*
Hybrid Tales
Saul and the Witch of Endor, by Wesley Lambert: A tale that has the "Ring of Truth" to it. At first, I did not think that the tale would be a good fit for Scribal Tales, but after a tête-à-tête with each other, and acknowledging the fact that the story was very, very well written, it gained entry into our Hybrid Tales. If you haven't had a chance to read Saul and the Witch of Endor, consider it a missing chapter from the Old Testament (with a fantasy flavor) - I'm sure that Moses would not have sanctioned the behavior of Saul. He did abolish the Kabbalah - or so the story goes - probably had a vision of Madonna taking up the old mystic ritual.
*
General Fiction
Reunions by William L Kutsch (Chapters 1 and 2): I was pleased and honored when William Kutsch submitted this brilliant story of unrequited love (Sob, Sob, Oh, my Breaking Heart), a journey into the recent past. I can only hope that "Wild Bill" will continue to submit chapters for our subscribers' reading pleasures. (Not to mention that Terry-Ann and I made the acknowledgement page and/or the foreword - oops, I said I wouldn't mention that.)
*
Illustrations
Our writing site has been blessed by the illustrated works of: Dan Mills, our resident illustrator, and Rebecca Kemp Gallant (our honored and esteemed web mistress). Have you taken a moment to see how beautifully Dan has illustrated each story I have written thus far; of how Rebecca's anthropomorphic creatures spring to life?
For 2006, you can expect to see Rebecca's "Nakia - Decaying Touch," having a featured story to go with this fantasy illustration detailing how to create a fantasy character.
Dan Mills has been commissioned to illustrate the next series of chapters of Odan the Scribe. I have previewed the work-in-progress and believe the collage illustration will bring to life that which my words have attempted to express.
Dan has also illustrated R.I.P. both in color and black and white.
Dan Mills has recently submitted to Scribal Tales a short story to kick off 2006, "Death Spot." Look for it in this issue. (Hey, Dan, how about an illustration for Death Spot?)
*
The Pretentious Twit
Who is this madman who devours four novels a month, writes a novel a year, (or so he tells us) yet takes the time to read and review each story submitted to Scribal Tales?
Yes, Dear Reader, it is Him - He Who Has No Fear of His Editor's Wrath, or to use his own words from last January's submission:
Self Indulgence At Its Finest
by Michael Battaglia
January 2005
"I think it's easier sometimes to let other people describe me, as opposed to doing the deed myself. ". . . your problem is that you're not very assertive . . ."
As you can see, Michael doesn't spare anybody, even himself, from his sharp acid-like tongue-in-cheek review. But the Best Is Yet To Come: Michael has three (count 'em) columns for this month's Scribal Tales, reviews that are sure to amuse and amaze you. I honestly believe that Michael was actually "kind" in one of his interviews . I guess that midnight visit from one of Michael's reviewed authors had a telling effect (I swear, Mike, I didn't give your address to Gabe . ha, ha, ha . oops!).
Sui Generis Award for Creative Writing
"Of Magic and Things." By Robert T. Tuohey: This article was so well written, that I thought I would reproduce it, in pertinent part, for all our readers.
An Introductory Note on "Magick" and TOPY
By Robert T. Tuohey
Early this mornin', knocked upon my door
Early this mornin', you knocked upon my door
I said, "Hello, Satan. I believe it's time to go."
(Robert Johnson, "Me and the Devil Blues")
Apropos my initial contribution to Scribal Tales (the short story, "The Great Beast's Watch"), our editor, Dan "O", asked if I'd like to append a few words on "magick" and TOPY. The following brief comments, I hope, will serve that purpose.
Following the English occultist Aleister Crowley (1875 -1947), the term "magick" is used to denote the knowing manipulation of unseen (i.e., occult) correspondences between objects thereby causing a desired change in same; whereas "magic" is relegated to the stage-magician's sleight-of-hand (e.g., rabbits out of hats, levitating ladies, and so on).
This distinction, and thereby usage, is universal in modern occultism (a thriving, and multi-formed, counter-culture movement).
Turning our attention now to TOPY (one such manifestation), we encounter the Temple Of Psychick Youth. In the early 1990's, TOPY was a punk-rock band founded by the English counter-culturist Neil Andrew Megson (aka Genesis P-Orridge). The group enjoyed a few years of success, but by the mid-1990's, a series of scandals led to a police investigation. Ultimately, the group was found guilty of having engaged in "dangerous cult activities", and, under British law, was banned. Megson fled to the U.S., where he is still said to reside.
As might be expected, however, TOPY was not so easily disposed of. Via the Internet, hardcore TOPY adherents have re-organized and, via a shadowy network (the organization is still outlawed in the United Kingdom), maintain an impressive web site.
*
Accolades - The Web Goddess
I said it last year, and it is well worth repeating this year: Rebecca Gallant, talented artist, writer, web mistress: As our Web Goddess, you are our Supreme Being (Goodness, I hope she can use her powers to format this column correctly!)!
*
"Honorable Mention"
To Daniel Olarnick, for his contributions to Scribal Tales, and the creation of the following:
RIP - A horror tale
The Scribe With No Name - At long last, an Odan the Scribe chapter.
A Letter to Thomas - On open letter to my nephew Thomas
The Scribe's Gazette 2005-2006
*
Most Beloved Award
Hands down, this goes to none other than: Terry-Ann Volberg
(See I'm not only the editor and publisher but I'm smart enough to know when to end an article and how.)
|
