NaNoWriMo I won! On November 29th, I cleared the 50,000 word finish line. For now, the novel is about half done. Out of the two main characters, only one has a complete story arc, which needs work. Overall, I'm happy with that performance. I learned a lot about my personal writing habits and pushed myself … Continue reading NaNo 2020 Lessons Learned and Review Previews
Books
Review: Domesticating Dragons
Domesticating Dragons is a fun ride through the science of bringing dragons to life, not as monsters but as pets. This book is highly recommended to fans of the scientific process, dragons, and genetics.
Quick Mid-November Update
NaNoWriMo Well, the month has flown by. It’s almost Thanksgiving! Work is slowing down; so, I can get back to a somewhat normal life. November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). During these 30 days, people attempt to write a 50,000 word novel from start to finish. That means a total daily word count of … Continue reading Quick Mid-November Update
Review: Ruin and Renewal
Ruin and Renewal by Dr. Paul Betts delivered a fascinating history of Cold War Europe as it sought to rebuild and defend its civilization. Ruin and Renewal is a must have for anyone interested in European or Cold War history. Highly recommended.
Coming Soon: Putting the Fact in Fantasy
Putting the Science in Fiction is getting a companion book! Putting the Fact in Fantasy been officially announced. In Putting the Fact in Fantasy Dan Koboldt gathered essays written by experts for his popular Fact in Fantasy blog series. Like Putting the Science in Fiction, I’m contributing an essay or two to the anthology. I … Continue reading Coming Soon: Putting the Fact in Fantasy
Review: An Event, Perhaps
Peter Salmon's An Event, Perhaps is a gateway book that will surely lead people to the dangers of deconstruction and post-modernism. This excellent biography is a wonderful introduction to a titan of French philosophy. Highly Recommended.
Review: The Folly and The Glory
The Folly and the Glory by Tim Weiner documents the political warfare between the U.S. and Russia from the start of the Cold War to today. This book documents how the U.S. failed to take Russia's electronic warfare tactics seriously and has put American democracy at risk. Highly Recommended.
Review: On the Judgment of History
Since 2016’s election, the number of times I’ve heard the phrase “history will not judge _______ well” (or some variation) has skyrocketed. It seems to come up once a week while scrolling through social media. The idea that history will provide comeuppance for crimes committed now is one that many people, including myself, cling to … Continue reading Review: On the Judgment of History
Review: The Seventh Perfection
As a reader, there's no better feeling than finding the right book at the right time. It's as if the world has aligned to let us experience a sublime moment that sadly is all too fleeting. Daniel Polansky's The Seventh Perfection found me at the right time. In short, I loved this book. TL;DR Daniel … Continue reading Review: The Seventh Perfection
Review: How to Argue with a Racist
How to Argue with a Racist by Adam Rutherford debunks common errors associated with genetics and race. This book is a welcome addition to my own anti-racism toolbox. Highly Recommended.