Category: Blog
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Wonderbook by Jeff Vandermeer – A Book Review
This book touts itself as “The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction,” and that’s an accurate statement. In fact, the illustrations were really what set this book apart. Vandermeer offers great advice concerning fiction writing, but to be honest, it’s fairly standard if you read many books concerning the topic. The illustrations, however, were weird,…
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My Initial Impression Of the Affleck As Batman Photograph
Today Zack Snyder released the first image depicting Ben Affleck as Batman for the upcoming Man of Steel sequel, tentatively titled Batman Vs. Superman. Though the movie does come out until May 6, 2016, it’s never too early to get the fans worked into a frenzy, and this photograph has apparently done just that. You…
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Graduation Day
Today is rather special for me because it’s Illinois State University’s graduation day. On this day I officially earned my Master’s in Reading, a journey that lasted four years. There are many people who supported this venture, but I particularly wanted to thank my wife and in-laws for the role they played in my success. My…
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My Long Lie and J.R.R. Tolkien
When Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings finished, I made up my mind to finally read the books. I was but a few years out of college in 2001 when the adaptations began, and never previously enjoyed the occasion to read the source material. But, I fully intended to rectify that oversight. Thus, I…
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Do Me a Solid and Show Some Love To a Teacher
I’ve taught high school English for twelve years. I happen to work in a great district, my pay is nice, my hours are good, my benefits are adequate, and the vacations are ample. Best of all? I get to have a positive impact upon the world on a daily basis. I have the opportunity to…
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A Few Words About Troy Marcy Photography
I’ve had the honor of following Troy Marcy’s work for several years now, and I can, without hesitation, attest to the fact that this man is a true artist, a student of the craft, and an ethical person. Furthermore, he’s a good friend. Troy’s passion for photography is evident with each and every photograph he…
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Check out “Hey Oscar Wilde! It’s Clobberin’ Time”
Two of my favorite things in this world, art and literature, come together in a perfect union surpassed only by chocolate and peanut butter. “Hey Oscar Wilde! It’s Clobberin’ Time” is a website compiling several renowned artists’ renderings of beloved literary characters and authors. There’s even an occasional excursion into nonliterary pop culture (such as Howard Stern). …