And lo, I have randomly selected the two winners from the Crossing the Streams contest.  These two showed their grit and mettle on Otherearth by pulping their opponents with a bologna-filled tube sock.  Kudos to you both.

So, the winners are:

1.  Logan Moline, a/k/a “The Goresoaked Reaver,” who won a copy of A Discourse in Steel; and

2.  Meagan, a/k/a “The Merciless Lady M,” who won a copy of Deceived.… Read the rest

So, in about two weeks, on April 3rd, I’ll turn 45. As most of you know, the Numenorean blood in my veins grants me extraordinary longevity, which means I’m about 1/5 of the way through my lifespan. I think when I’m about 230 or so I’ll consume the souls of my enemies and become an immortal lich. I may also buy an RV at that time (Silverfish, mofos!). But all that’s neither here nor there.… Read the rest

As is my habit with all releases, I’m doing a signing for the paperback release The Godborn, which hits shelves on Tuesday, March 4th.

If you’d like an autographed copy of the paperback version of the book and live in the United States, then just Paypal me $14.50 (and I can still do signings for the hardcover, too, though that has an all-in cost of $32.00 to U.S. addresses).  Include your shipping address, to … Read the rest

Oh, it’s on like Donkey Kong!  Streams will be crossed and Giant Stay Puft Marshmallowmen will tremble in their weird marshmallowman…sailor hats?  Yes, their weird sailor hats!

Sez you, “You blather, man!  What in the Hell are you on about?”

Sez I: “LOLWut? Oh. Uh, well, let me tell you!”

Crossing the Streams is a huge, multi-author, multi-book giveaway. Over a dozen speculative fiction writers have come together to create something very cool.  Some of … Read the rest

Inspired by a thread on Reddit, I thought I’d write down my thoughts on some of the things that I think define sword and sorcery.  Probably lots of folks have done this, but I’m going to go ahead and do it anyway.

So Paul, tell us in a paragraph what you think characterizes sword and sorcery?

Let me first take  a moment to point out that this all just my opinion and isn’t necessarily meant … Read the rest

My post about Why I Write Masculine Stories generated a lot of commentary. I didn’t (and won’t) participate in it beyond this follow-up post because I find the whole thing silly.

I did find it an interesting study of internet outrage culture, though.  I’ve been a spectator to other writers on the receiving end of the internet’s outrage, but experiencing it myself was both enlightening and, I daresay, kind of fun.  I won’t draw conclusions … Read the rest

Heated seats?  Swords? Sorcery?  Witty dialog? All standard.  🙂

Anyway, The Hammer and the Blade (the first Tale of Egil and Nix), which Library Journal called, “sword and sorcery at its rollicking best, after the fashion of Fritz Leiber’s Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser,” is available for Nook and Kindle for a mere $1.99.

So, if you’e been waiting to get in on the action with Egil and Nix, now’s a great time to take … Read the rest

A parable of the D&D Table and, indirectly, life and the internet:

The ancient, heavily wounded red dragon has gathered almost all of the downed party members in his enormous claws and is about to take wing with them, carrying them off to who-knows-what dire fate.

Player playing the paladin: “I’m at zero hit points so I’m still barely conscious. I mouth a prayer to Tyr, put healing energy into my hands, and touch my … Read the rest