"To maintain creativity as an adult can be difficult, especially I feel as though, for someone in the helping profession. I am currently being asked to use a 'side' of my brain that is more analytical. I usually use my "creative" side of my brain the most. Once I use the analytical, I find it pretty difficult to turn the imagination switch on. Stay creative, even if you feel like you're not, or not the best at what you are trying to do. Create for yourself, there is no need to please others. Have a child-like imagination and fascination." - my friend Lindsay ..read more

Today one of my students said that when he tried to imagine where I live he pictured "a castle in a jungle" to which another student responded thoughtfully, "I can see that." Then, in a completely separate instance, a different student said, with a big grin on her face, "I like you, Mr. Adler, but you're evil." Naturally riddles had been the topic of that second conversation ..read more

I have started Prophecy, book two of Elizabeth Haydon's Symphony of Ages.   "Three shall come, leaving early, arriving late. The lifestages of all men: Child of Blood, Child of Earth, Child of Sky." So speaks the Prophecy of the Three, but there are three other prophecies all of which speak of trouble. Cryptically, of course. Thus the questions are: Can two soulmates find a Dragon's lair on this side of Time? Can the Assassin-king and Sergeant-Major find the F'dor demon who threatens all? Can Time be successfully edited to save the world from flames? Let the harmony continue ..read more

I just finished Rhapsody, book one of Elizabeth Haydon's Symphony of Ages. Three left early and arrived late, according to prophecy, across Time itself up into a world riven by the unfamiliar, and an unfamiliar history, yet threatened by a familiar foe born out of primal flames. Truly in all my vast reading this is one of the most unique – in plot, characters, and world – I have ever come across! For the two who met and loved on the other side of Time have, souls ravaged by it, met again. But who truly is Meridion the Time Editor ..read more

My father and I just finished Mysteries of Thorn Manor by Margaret Rogerson. A novella that is in effect an extended epilogue to Sorcery of Thorns, it is like few things we have ever read. Romance-driven wards that cause cyclones, a great great aunt's homicidal kickers and evil pajamas, dance lessons with a demonic servant, and three impossible tasks that include non-lethal breakfast in bed. Elisabeth, Nathaniel, Silas and now Mercy certainly know how to get themselves in odd situations and this book put the novel in novella beyond all doubt. Twas a delight seeing them all again ..read more

It may not be the remakes of the originals or sequel to Dark Dawn, but this is the next best thing, for now the Game Boy Advance games Golden Sun and Golden Sun: The Lost Age are making their debuts on the Nintendo Switch system, available for everyone with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. The Golden Sun series is, in my mind, the pinnacle of handheld RPG games, and not only because it was the first I ever played. Indeed, the game has a very special place in my heart and memories. When I was little I loved watching my older cousin playing video games as a rule, but my ea ..read more

"You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope." - Thomas Merton ..read more

My father and I just finished All Our Hidden Gifts by Caroline O'Donoghue. They say the fault is not in our stars but in ourselves, and this book certainly certainly proves it when young Maeve of St. Bernadette’s Catholic school accidentally draws The Housekeeper card from a tarot deck. A card which does not exist from a deck that follows her, a card which grants her impulsive wish for her ex–best friend Lily to vanish. But as the Church's power wanes in Ireland the true evil is revealed to be something far more human, yet still wrapped tightly around olden magics. A puzzle which Maeve, her n ..read more

Today I accomplished one of those rare decades long goals, that being reaching at least level 99 in every RuneScape Skill and thus earning the right to wear the Max Cape and enter the Max Guild in Prifddinas (city of the elves and the capital city of Tirannwn). I have reached and posted similar goals before – such as when I earned the combat-related Five Capes of Accomplishment – but getting to 99 in all Skills a dream of every Scaper. I am wearing the red cape, which is naturally the Max Cape, and am standing in the Max Guild. A dream we can relive for, truth me told, I first earned ..read more

Point of order, I was again told not to smile for this photo. Want to see your own writing published online? I am listening. In short, I have gotten some emails addressed to "the Stars Uncounted team" asking about Content Writing and I respond by saying that the team consists of me, myself, and I, and that all one of us is willing to post your content. The only rule is that such a Guest Post would have to be within the context of the blog – meaning that it must relate to the Fantasy genre or be about self-publishing Fantasy. If you are interested, feel free to send me one for approval ..read more