Eight Tales -- three definitely worth reading, three OKs (or so-so) and one totally headed for trashdom. That makes seven... Duh?
Daughter of Regals
One of the best in the compilation. Takes place during the night of Chrysalis ascension to the throne. I loved Donaldson's concept of magic and reality and the way he sketched his characters. I guessed the ending though...
Gilden-Fire
The story i didn't rate. It was good but since its an chapter that was removed from Donaldson's novel The IllEarth War I think I lack the background to appreciate it fully. I liked the way he wrote it but there are a lot of unanswered questions since the author assumed that the reader has read his fantasy series (which obviously, I have not).
Mythological Beast
'Twas ummm just ok. But I think he should just stick to fantasy and not try to dabble with sci-fi or at least try a little harder when he does...
The Lady in White
Oooh sexy lady! Another ok story. I dont know what the story lacked but although it started out pretty intriguing it somehow felt a little empty to me.
Animal Lover
Ok again. At least I did not really guess exactly what would happen. It was also pretty entertaining but again it lacked depth (whatever that is).
Unworthy of the Angel
I loved this story. To my angel...hope I would not be unworthy of you. And no, its not mushy, its not even a love story.
The Conqueror Worm
Sucked big time. Unless I somehow missed some subtle things the author was trying to express... To be fair to Donaldson there's not much you can do with a centipede. Whatever!
Ser Visal's Tale
Another really good story. I liked Ser Visal's piety/sarcasm. Donaldson can spin a good tale.
"Life is a succession of lessons, which must be lived to be understood." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Friday, July 09, 2004
Thursday, July 08, 2004
Writing Champagne
Taken from the introduction of Daughter of Regals and Other Tales by Stephen R. Donaldson
"... in many circles the short story is regarded as a higher art form than the novel. A novel is to a short story as beer is to champagne. In a novel, the writer simply stands back and throws words at his subject until some of them stick -- an ordeal from which the subject generally emerges spattered but unbowed. But in a short story the words, being so few, must be carefully placed on the subject (in the pockets, so to speak, or perhaps behind the ears) in order to have any impact at all. Thus the short story appears to demand more of both reader and writer. The reader must become adept at perceiving the writer's meaning as it peeps past the lapels of the subject -- or the writer must become expert at tucking his intent here and there so that it still shows."
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Interesting... Never thought of writing short stories in this way. Since short stories makes for easier reading I somehow thought that it would also be easier writing. Just goes to show how much I know about writing. : )
"... in many circles the short story is regarded as a higher art form than the novel. A novel is to a short story as beer is to champagne. In a novel, the writer simply stands back and throws words at his subject until some of them stick -- an ordeal from which the subject generally emerges spattered but unbowed. But in a short story the words, being so few, must be carefully placed on the subject (in the pockets, so to speak, or perhaps behind the ears) in order to have any impact at all. Thus the short story appears to demand more of both reader and writer. The reader must become adept at perceiving the writer's meaning as it peeps past the lapels of the subject -- or the writer must become expert at tucking his intent here and there so that it still shows."
------
Interesting... Never thought of writing short stories in this way. Since short stories makes for easier reading I somehow thought that it would also be easier writing. Just goes to show how much I know about writing. : )
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
Vampires of Old
Finished the last few pages of Dracula last night. The story was pretty refreshing since I am more exposed to Anne Rice's "humanized" vampires. Compared to Lestat, Armand, Louie, Marius and the other vampires, Count Dracula and his mistresses seemed way more monstrous. The vampires of old seem not to retain much of what makes them humans. They are driven mostly by the need for blood and their instinct to kill rather than whatever motives drove them when they were still humans (greed, love, need for power, and desire to learn). What makes them more interesting, however, is the powers that they possess (ability to shapeshift and to command the more vicious or undesirable animals), their limitations, and the ways to restrain (house invitations, garlic, the host and the rosary) and destroy them( stake through the heart and decapitation). To me these old beliefs are new since Rice's civilized vampires do not possess those powers and scoff at the supposed limitations, regarding them as superstitions.
Monday, July 05, 2004
Friday, July 02, 2004
Sick Reader
Yes I am one sick reader... Tsk tsk. I've been ill for several days now, hence, the silence.
Started reading Dracula last night. I was so scared by the first three chapters that I had to hide my neck under the blanket...just in case. Thank God my father came home from his trip at around 1:30a.m. and broke the spell. I dont think I could have turned off my light if he didn't arrive. Not finished with the book yet but it seems pretty good. Will try to finish reading it by tomorrow night.
Started reading Dracula last night. I was so scared by the first three chapters that I had to hide my neck under the blanket...just in case. Thank God my father came home from his trip at around 1:30a.m. and broke the spell. I dont think I could have turned off my light if he didn't arrive. Not finished with the book yet but it seems pretty good. Will try to finish reading it by tomorrow night.
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