Frank Frazetta died today. The man was a giant. I saw the documentary about his life, Painting with Fire a couple of years ago. But well before that, I knew about him. I had a book, Prisoner of the Horned Helmet, back when I was in High School that was directly inspired by his 'Death Dealer' art. Of the two, I reccomend the documentary. :)
Ah but he was truly great. Before Boris Vallejo, Julie Bell and who knows how many others, Frank Frazetta was creating muscular fantasy art. I know I'd buy books just because his art was on the cover. (see 'Prisoner of the Horned Helmet', I learned better, eventually) His work on Conan will always be the standard by which that, other, iconic hero willl be judged.
I could go on, I haven't even touched on the hotties he put in his artwork, thank you for that. But I think it all boils down to this: He did great things and he will be missed.
I almost hesitate to blog about anything else, after that news. But, a short update. Monday was gaming night, so I was busy doing IM roleplaying with my buddy. That normally takes away from writing time, but I actually managed to finish a chapter of one of my side projects (a book of erotic fantasy, sword and sorcery. Unpublishable, no doubt but fun to write). Now, even if that side project never does anything but entertain me and a few other debauched souls, I don't count that as time wasted.
There are a lot of reasons to write two books in parallel (I don't reccomend it for short stories). The most common and useful reason is to work around writer's block. I haven't been visited by that curse for a while, thankfully, but I know a lot of writers struggle with it. A side project will take the pressure of you and, most importantly, keep you writing.
I feel that writing has a momentum to it. Or maybe that's just me, if I get into the habit of doing something, be it working out, shooting or writing, it becomes part of my life and doesn't become a chore. So if I can keep writing, something, anything, every day, I'm feeding myself. And feeding my addiction. :) Ah writing, a cruel, odd drug. Or is it a disease? Well, anyway, hopefully it won't get cured anytime soon.
Final note: I'm going to a reading by Guy Gavriel Kay at the Issaquah library after work tonight. I'm pretty excited. I think Mr. Kay writes the most beautiful stories in fantasy.
Ah but he was truly great. Before Boris Vallejo, Julie Bell and who knows how many others, Frank Frazetta was creating muscular fantasy art. I know I'd buy books just because his art was on the cover. (see 'Prisoner of the Horned Helmet', I learned better, eventually) His work on Conan will always be the standard by which that, other, iconic hero willl be judged.
I could go on, I haven't even touched on the hotties he put in his artwork, thank you for that. But I think it all boils down to this: He did great things and he will be missed.
I almost hesitate to blog about anything else, after that news. But, a short update. Monday was gaming night, so I was busy doing IM roleplaying with my buddy. That normally takes away from writing time, but I actually managed to finish a chapter of one of my side projects (a book of erotic fantasy, sword and sorcery. Unpublishable, no doubt but fun to write). Now, even if that side project never does anything but entertain me and a few other debauched souls, I don't count that as time wasted.
There are a lot of reasons to write two books in parallel (I don't reccomend it for short stories). The most common and useful reason is to work around writer's block. I haven't been visited by that curse for a while, thankfully, but I know a lot of writers struggle with it. A side project will take the pressure of you and, most importantly, keep you writing.
I feel that writing has a momentum to it. Or maybe that's just me, if I get into the habit of doing something, be it working out, shooting or writing, it becomes part of my life and doesn't become a chore. So if I can keep writing, something, anything, every day, I'm feeding myself. And feeding my addiction. :) Ah writing, a cruel, odd drug. Or is it a disease? Well, anyway, hopefully it won't get cured anytime soon.
Final note: I'm going to a reading by Guy Gavriel Kay at the Issaquah library after work tonight. I'm pretty excited. I think Mr. Kay writes the most beautiful stories in fantasy.
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