As an English Literature scholar-in-training, I’ve found a love for the earliest of the English language tales. Medieval literature (including and ESPECIALLY the Old English stuff) is becoming a fast favorite era of mine. And, to a degree, it has been for a while. Back in my undergraduate days at Baylor University, my favorite classes …
Best Minnesota Vikings Content
Football is back, and I couldn’t be more excited! In case you’re new around here, I am a huge Minnesota Vikings fan. Naturally, when I’m not reading fantasy novels, I’m often engaging in content related to my favorite NFL team (both during the season and in the off-season). To celebrate the kickoff of the new …
Facing My Writing Demons: Upon Rereading Our Company of Fools
For the first time since it was published in early 2021, I reread Our Company of Fools—with a Book Club. And yes, it was as intimidating as it sounds, even though it was with a few friends. And yet, I was pleasantly surprised by how reading my own novel, now removed from an author’s protective …
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Reading Recap 2023 – Part 2: From Ancient Epics to Modern Fantasy
The fantasy trend of 2023 continues! I finished one trilogy, read another, took a break with some middle grade, and dove into some old classic epic poetry. Let’s dive into the mini-reviews! The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black (3.5/5 Stars): As I mentioned in Part 1 of this year’s Reading Recap, I was a …
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Thor’s Failed Marvel Cinematic Universe Character Arc
I’ve expressed in passing that the post-Endgame MCU films have been misses or mediocre for me. While there’s still some fun in going to see the latest Marvel movie, I’ve been less-than-impressed with multiple of the recent MCU films. The Spider-man movies after Endgame were great, I really liked Shang-Chi, and I’d agree that Guardians …
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May 2023 Writing Update: A Finished Draft, A Started Sequel, and A Rut
Welcome to a rambly writing update! There’s a lot to cover, so let’s dive right in. A Finished Draft Finishing a draft is a quiet affair, though it feels like it shouldn’t be. While publishing is certainly a big deal, I almost feel like finishing the rough draft is more worthy of celebrating. Finishing a …
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My Top 10 Stories Of All Time
As a writer, I love good stories. There are some books, movies, and TV shows that continue to stick with me over the years, as well as excellent tales I’ve only recently discovered. Some I appreciate for their impact on my writing; others, I love simply because they excite me and move me. Trying to …
Why Critics Are Wrong About The Super Mario Bros. Movie (And Other Thoughts)
Note: Possible spoilers ahead for The Super Mario Bros. Movie. You’ve been warned. Let’s-a go! I’m a Nintendo fan. And while The Legend of Zelda and Xenoblade Chronicles are my go-to Nintendo franchises, I’ve been looking forward to The Super Mario Bros. Movie ever since it was announced. I went into the film with expectations …
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Reading Recap 2023 – Part 1: Mistborn, Princess Bride, Norse Mythology, & More!
Welcome to the first Reading Recap of the year! I’ve decided to split my reading recap posts into three parts this year, as the first few months of 2023 were full of many great books, both fiction and nonfiction. So far, the year has a strong fantasy bent, which will likely continue through the rest …
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Easter 2023: On Death
This past year has brought some significant encounters with death in my own life. Up until last year, my experiences with death were somewhat distanced. My maternal grandfather died before I was born, and while the shadow of his loss has affected me in a way, it has lacked the same personal sting that my …
By Madelynn Orion 