Collection
August 2018
The Word-Hoard: Disport
Disport v. Enjoy oneself unrestrainedly; frolic. n. 1. Diversion from work or serious matters; recreation or amusement. 1.1 A pastime, game, or sport. “Disport” is an…
The Word-Hoard: Sententious
Sententious adj. Trying to appear wise, intelligent, and important, in a way that is annoying. An arrogant, annoying individual may have an inflated sense of self or…
(Belated) Happy Birthday, Jack Vance!
John “Jack” Holbrook Vance was born on 8/28/1916, just a little over one hundred years ago yesterday. “Who is Jack Holbrook Vance?” you may ask. Come, I will…
New Release: “Antares”
Back in the early summer of 2017, I wrote up what I’d describe as a weird reptileman-centric sword and planet tale and submitted to Cirsova magazine. Alex wound…
Rudyard Kipling Does Scifi: The Secret of the Machines
I recently found another SF/F podcast that I’ve been digging – Reading, Short and Deep, by SFFAudio. Each episode (available online or through the Apple Podcasts app) consists…
The Word-Hoard: Tableau
Tableau n. 1. A picture, as of a scene. 2. A picturesque grouping of persons or objects; a striking scene. 3. A representation of a picture, state, scene, etc., by one or more persons suitably costumed and posed. Not…
Leigh Brackett on Pessimism
If you spend a lot of time reading/watching the news or plumbing the depths of social media, you may feel like everything is going to crap. You may…
Introduction to the Weird Clark Ashton Smith
When you think “Weird Tales,” H.P. Lovecraft should spring immediately to mind. Even if you’re new to scifi/fantasy, or if you don’t read much horror, you’ve no doubt…
The Word-Hoard: Lapidary
Lapidary: n. Someone whose job is cutting and polishing stones, especially precious stones. adj. 1: Relating to the work of cutting and polishing stones, especially precious stones.…
The Word-Hoard: Sybaritic
Sybaritic adj. Fond of sensuous luxury or pleasure; self-indulgent. The Emperor , of the Emperor’s Notepad, suggested that it might be interesting to explore the origins of…