Tag Archives: review

Chapter 20 of Martha’s Children, and a few thoughts on the Dresden Files

Posted on July 5, 2013 by Brian Bixby

Like Ned O’Donnell, Sherlock Kammen has a favorite sister . . . well, in his case, his only sister. Kate (née Hecate) has always been the older, more sophisticated sister, the one member of the family who moves among the rich … Continue reading →

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A few good words about time travel: two books, du Maurier and Riggs

Posted on July 1, 2013 by Brian Bixby

Having just trashed time travel in a previous post, I thought I’d cover two books that use it in unusual ways as a plot device, one book an old favorite, the other a recent book I’ve just read. The old … Continue reading →

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Review: Spencer Kansa, Wormwood Star: The Magickal Life of Marjorie Cameron

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Brian Bixby

N.B.: A revised and enlarged edition of this book has been published in 2014. The author informs me the new edition addresses some of the issues I raised. (This does not mean the author agrees with or endorses my review.) … Continue reading →

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Review: Seanan McGuire, Midnight Blue-Light Special

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Brian Bixby

It’s time for another review of a recent book from a prospective author’s perspective. Today’s subject is Midnight Blue-Light Special, which despite its title is not about shopping, but an “urban fantasy” (according to the publisher) written by Seanan McGuire, a … Continue reading →

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Review: Timepiece by Heather Albano

Posted on January 27, 2013 by Brian Bixby

It’s time for another book review, and like the last one, this one will tackle the book from a prospective author’s perspective. Like the book in the previous review, I picked this one up almost by chance. I was at … Continue reading →

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After the convention, a prospective writer’s report

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Brian Bixby

Yours truly went to Boston’s four-day sci-fi/fantasy convention, Arisia, this weekend. I did it partly as a fan, but mostly as a prospective writer (i.e., someone who wants to actually make some money and get some recognition for writing). My … Continue reading →

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Clark Ashton Smith influenced me, but I don’t write like him!

Posted on January 13, 2013 by Brian Bixby

As I write, it’s the birthday of Clark Ashton Smith (January 13, 1893 – August 14, 1961), a horror and fantasy writer who might best be described as “almost famous.” He’s most often remembered as a member of the triumvirate … Continue reading →

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Query to readers: criticizing the writing of others

Posted on December 16, 2012 by Brian Bixby

I’ve run into an issue, and need help. I’m reading the blogs of several writers. Their experiences are varied, the quality of their writing more so. What kind of criticism should I offer them? My difficulty can be boiled down … Continue reading →

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Review – Magic: An Anthology of the Esoteric and Arcane

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Brian Bixby

Instead of reviewing a new book from a reader’s perspective, I’m going to review one from as aspiring writer’s perspective. Reading new material is problematic for aspiring writers. Why not just stick to the old classics? Well, I hear there have … Continue reading →

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