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October 2008 Issue
To our 775 subscribers, thank you for your loyalty. Now that I have gotten “that” out of the way, my apologies for not having published Scribal Tales since our Valentine's Day Issue, February 14, 2008.
My devotion to finishing the Prometheus Stratagem, my poker strategy book, has truly occupied my time. I had to put through the finishing touches to the book in time for it to be ready to be published prior to the World Series of Poker, June 2008.
I participated in the WSOP, finishing 89 th out of 2218 contestants and as a gesture to the players that I knocked out of the tournament and/or met, I gave out copies of the book. I believe the book has been well-received by those who have read it, many of the readers participate on Scribal Tales, so a special thank you for those of you who have purchased the book.
I actually received my first royalty check from Infinity Publishing in the sum of $129.00. I was quite thrilled. Terry-Ann told me not to cash it and we'd have it framed, but I decided to have the photocopy framed instead.
I will be having my first signing at the Civil Service Book Store located on Worth Street, New York City on November 8 th -10 th , right after the most important event in November takes place – no, it is not the Election, but the final table of the World Series of Poker is going to be played, live, on national television, a $10 million dollar first prize. So, I expect the book signing to go rather well. In this economy, with Congress doing its best to tax us; the President doing his best to try to figure out how to help the economy and not ruin the greatest nation in the world, it seems rather simple to me: Play poker and win a tournament, write a book and become world famous – enough about our dreaded reality and grasping at dreams.
Retirement: Three friends have retired from their positions as official court reporters and they will be missed but never forgotten. So, let's hear it for Dominique Mauger, Burton Ferstandig and Nelson Carlo. Nelson has had a character dedicated to him, Tayson the Assassin. See the illustration of Tayson on Scribal Tales.
June 3, 2008, Scribal Tales was given honorable mention on M.J. Wilson's Fantasy Favorites, as reported by Michael Battaglia. Thank you M.J. With so many sites out there, having our site recognized is an honor.
So what are we offering to our writing and reading public for the Halloween Issue:
- Knight Stand by William Avett. Here is a great fantasy story of Knight-errant Tralain, stumbling upon a deserted village on his way to an unexplained quest (of which we hope to hear more about). William Avett has done a truly professional job in offering to our readers a near 5,000 word story of honor, love, adventure, horror and duty. It is a wonderful read. Please take the time out to read what I hope will become a continuing storyline on Scribal Tales.
- The Pretentious Twit: The greatest reviewer on the Internet never disappoints our readers (and myself, of course) by his review of The Hunt. Michael has written a wonderful review, wherein he explains to us the Making of a Myth, the whys and why-nots of doing so. If you take the time to read his review, as a writer of fantasy your abilities will be enhanced; as a reader, you will love his prose. I hope everyone will take the time to respond to Michael because the letters we get in response is the only compensation we receive. I simply do not know how Michael, who has written over one million (yes one million plus) words on his own opus finds the time. Thank you, Michael for all the effort you have put into your column The Pretentious Twit.
- Mastodon Legionnaires (A shared world tale) from the fertile and obviously “deranged (in a good way)” mind of Joel Weichs Levy. Joel has been submitting story after story since he joined us; he and his son, Joseph, have revised the map of Volante, but far more important he has created the Province of Brocalinde, where his tales of fantasy and horror are so in keeping with its inhabitants that even the nightly feasting of ghouls seem to be normal. Expect Joel to assume the duties of assistant editor for the remainder of 2008-2009, and taking on the duties of overseeing the upcoming shared writers story in the near future.
- A Strong Right by Robert T. Tuohey. A short story for our general fiction section. Robert has written a story that within a page and a half introduces a complex character and his rite of passage.
- The Manse by Elizabeth Tabar. A prim and proper school teacher is thrown into a chamber of horrors. This story will grip you. Ms. Tabar has a tremendous knack for creating a story that will haunt you.
- Used Memory by William Blick. Every man remembers his first (car, that is) and what it represents to him, eternal youth. “Kissing Katie in the back seat…” Ah, youth, but as you buy your next car, what does that represent, and the car after that. Join Mr. Blick in his journey into the past, the present and the future.
- Vohljiang - Shadow Dragon: Heart of Alia by Henry Otis Clarke. The author of Vohl has published his first novelette and has submitted for our review his first chapter. Well done, Henry. Your story embraces all of Vohl's world and is true to your author's vision.
- Odan the Scribe, Chapter 14, by Daniel Olarnick. I look upon chapter 14 as an exposition of characters and a stepping stone for new adventures. Chapter 13 introduced Joan Talisman being rescued from the foul clutches of the dark forces which have united the night stalkers and various tribes of orcs, concluding with a battle that leaves Captain Karl Strange and Joan Talisman the only survivors of a deadly trap, rescued from certain death by the mysterious appearance of four equally mysterious and historic (for Talos Valley) characters from the past, whose identity is known to but a few members of the Scribal Priesthood, Moultrance, and the dreaded Dragon Council. It is a background story. Tayson the Assassin makes an appearance, after being summoned by Moultrance's consort, the cat-goddess Charisse; there is a trial held where Strange is accused of cowardice (without anybody mentioning the charge); Joan Talisman is locked away in a tower; the champion of the Court of Inquiry, a huge champion, I might mention in passing, one undefeated in defending the decisions of the court is introduced, Aspergilla. In chapter 15 all will be explained in greater detail. I hope this chapter will show our subscribers and readers that even the editor and publisher of Scribal Tales hits a writing block and the only way out of it is by writing.
A happy Halloween to all.
Daniel Olarnick,
Editor and Publisher of Scribal Tales and the Scribe's Gazette.
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