| The March-April issue of Scribal Tales has
many topics to discuss. Our readers' input is always an issue
and the lifeblood of any successful publication.
The Ides of March: What a wonderful, exciting month:
The Ides of March, of course, has a significant place for
all fantasy writers. Had Caesar been a subscriber to the Scribe's
Gazette (Scribaltales.com) he would have avoided his fate,
but, March 15th, 44 B.C. has been immortalized by (fantasy)
writers from that day forward. Because of that one act, the
Ides of March represent a specific day of abrupt change that
brings forth repercussions. Wow!
March Madness: Ah, yes, Terry-Ann and I went to
Wrestlemania - a true fantasy setting. Heck, even Donald (The
Donald) Trump was there. He has to be a fantasy character
if ever there was one. Somebody is sure to use him as a character
in some fantasy tale.
While "The Donald" is larger-than-life, so is
the creator and owner of Wrestlemania, Vince McMahon, (owner,
writer, creator, producer and director, not to mention one
of the stars of the show.)
Think about it: A billionaire steps into a professional
wrestling ring, takes real lumps. Can you imagine anyone arguing
with him at some Fortune 500 meeting?
Where else can you see a real Olympic Hero (Kurt Angle,
USA) lose a wrestling match except at Wrestlemania?
Terry-Ann and I had a great and memorable night. Our hats
are off to Terry's sister, Annie, for somehow using her "magic"
and getting us ringside tickets to a show that was sold out
in seven minutes this past October.
Celebrations: The Volberg/Olarnick clans celebrated
the birthdays of Peter Volberg (Terry-Ann's dad and my buddy),
Olivia Volberg, (Terry-Ann's niece and mine), John Singer
(Terry-Ann's Brother-in-law and mine). A Scribal Tales Happy
Birthday to all of you! Ever get the feeling that Terry-Ann
has a rather large family?
What else occurred in March: Wicked! What a wonderful
play (Gershwin Theatre). Well worth the price of admission.
It is the "true" story of "The Wicked Witch."
I am not going to review it, but have to tell all the readers
that this is a "must-see" play. And, yes, the "Wicked
Witch" has a name: Elphaba. See if you, the reader, can
figure out how that name came about. It is a trick. Answer:
(Next Month). Two great, great singing voices: Kristin Chenoweth
(Glinda); Idina Menzel (Elphaba). My prediction: A sweep at
the Tonys.
Pre-theater dinner was held at the Palm West. A great
restaurant where Terry-Ann and I celebrated our annual "Christmas"
dinner/theater with "Aunt" Tick, Terry-Ann's mother
and father (Angela and Peter). It's a long-story, so if you,
the reader, want details, contact me.
March 13th: The National Court Reporters Association
(NCRA) has asked me to write an article taking the "con"
side of a national debate concerning the admission of stenomask
reporters to the national association. I have that "pretty
poison" ready for release and will be delighted to send
an advance copy to anyone who requests it. The software that
the stenomask voice-reporters use is called Dragon Naturally
Speaking and here we are Dragon Slayers! Strange, isn't it?
Now that my "March Madness Monologue" is over,
I am pleased to announce that the third issue of Scribal tales
is ready to be read and reviewed by our "vast" but
growing audience - April Fool!
Scribal Notes: We currently have had 679 viewers
or "hits."
We celebrate 100th day of existence. Time is on our side.
*
Here is what you can expect to see when you visit Scribal
Tales (scribaltales.com):
Fantasy Tales: A new fantasy
author emerges: Gabe Morales. Gabe has written a wonderful
tale. When he first submitted it, Gabe desired to enter it
into our Shared World milieu. However, I thought his tale
was so enthralling that it should become a continuous fantasy
tale and an entry into the magical world of Odessa.
Read "Torment." I am sure you will begin to
love the characters being born in the fertile mind of Gabe
Morales. Come meet "Valdor of Bergeness," (a semi-reformed
assassin with a strange malady) and his faithful companion,
"Hadrian the Wanderer," a halfling bard with some
exotic tastes.
Gabe's brand of writing brings new infusion of life to
Volante (the Dragon-shaped) Island Continent.
Well done, Gabe.
*
Horror Tales: "The Pedophile"
remains our outstanding horror tale. There has been much debate
about the title of the story, whether or not it takes anything
away from "surprise elements" of the story. I totally
disagree for many reasons. First, I titled the story. I knew
it was about a pedophile instantly. Perhaps it was my famed
psychic ability. However, I use, as an example of a title
not distracting from the content of the story, the following:
"Love Story" by Erich Segal. The author of this
famous love story starts off by writing and telling the reader
that the girl died! It didn't distract from the story one
wit.
In my opinion, "The Pedophile" gives the story
a gripping sense of self. The writing is strong and well crafted.
Science Fiction Tales:
No new tales have been added this month, but Michael Battaglia
(The Pretentious Twit a/k/a Acid Tongue) has forwarded to
me his retrospective, which will be published next month in
a serial.
Michael, to my surprise, also reviews for Amazon. Scribal
Tales will be posting those reviews in the April-May edition.
Hybrid Tales: Nothing new has
been added to this section.
Rebecca Gallant: Our very own Web Goddess has added
a new format page to Submissions.
If you go to the end of the original submissions page you
will see a format page. Please
use this, filing out the pertinent information, when submitting
a story. It will be easier for your editor and publisher to
review the story and then send it into Rebecca to be posted.
Try this feature. I think you will like it.
Shared World Milieu: I
am still working on getting a cartographer for the dragon-shaped
continent. However, I do have an additional illustrator who
will be working hand-in-hand with me on illustrating some
scenes being depicted. The illustrator is working closely
with me to develop the "scene" I will be using for
the upcoming contest to be announced within the next three
months. So, let's have a big cheer for Anthony V. Cotugne
(special friend of Elissa Olarnick, aka "da neice.")
The Pretentious Twit:
Michael "Acid Tongue" Battaglia reviews "The
Pedophile" by Susan Bross, in this issue.
As editor and publisher of Scribal Tales I am honored to have
a writer of Michael's ability and skill to serve as a reviewer.
I believe this critique or review, if you will, asks probing
questions that the reader and author can easily answer, except
for the title. Susan did submit the short story to me untitled.
We spoke about it. As a matter of fact, I was one of the first
to read Susan's story and called it, "The Pedophile."
Somehow, the title caused a bit of controversy, in and of
itself. I liked the title, Michael hated it.
However, as I have always said, "Can you tell an
interesting tale?" I believe Susan told a very, very
interesting tale.
Feedback: Michael wants it, needs it, and will
answer it! So do I. That is why, at the end of every submission
and column there is a direct email to the author found. Many
people are reluctant to discuss their feelings about what
they have just read, but that is lifeblood to developing a
successful web site.
Therefore, write Michael or else! Or "else"
what? Who knows "what else!"
The Forum:
The forum is basically a discussion board or room. It is a
wonderful way to stay in touch with the other "members"
of this site, to comment on stories, ask for writing help.
Take a few minutes of your time to check it out. I believe
our Web Goddess has created a great place to chat.
If you believe there is something missing in the forum,
write me. It's lonely at the top!
*
Now that you have been notified what you can expect to
see in this month's issue of Scribal Tales, please go directly
to the site and enjoy.
Looking forward to bringing our April-May issue of Scribal
Tales, I await your comments.
Daniel Olarnick
Editor - Publisher of Scribal Tales and the Scribe's Gazette.
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