About
Welcome!
I write fantasy and space opera (a sub-genre of science fiction), and whatever else strikes my fancy, but when it comes to editing, I’m the curmudgeonly sort. (Just sayin’.)
The Lost Sword (a terribly unimaginative title, but apt nonetheless) is an epic fantasy duology including Dragon’s Rook (2015) and Dragon’s Bane (2016?), and it just might be bookended by a sequel and a prequel, but there are many other stories I long to tell.
Thieves’ Honor is a space opera serial that first saw life as a NaNoWriMo novel back in 2007, then became a regular series for Ray Gun Revival. When the magazine went into hiatus in 2012, Thieves’ Honor wasn’t yet complete, so I returned to the beginning, made edits and additions, and am posting the SF series here, a couple thousand words at a time.
A short story prequel to the series was recently published in Raygun Chronicles, a space opera anthology available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and elsewhere.
In addition to adding new episodes, I’ll be addressing the writing craft, engaging in the occasional editorial rant, and rambling about life in general.
So, come close to the fire, my friends, and listen to my tale.
Adventures In Fiction 
Professor VJ Duke
September 5, 2013 at 5:38 pm
The professor shall join the journey. 🙂
Keanan
December 3, 2013 at 4:32 pm
Why, thank you!
Peter R Stone
December 3, 2013 at 8:26 am
Hey,
I tried watching ‘I miss you,’ and found the ‘teenage’ episodes riveting, until ‘that’ particular scene, where the male protagonist just sat there and watched and cried?! I mean, his arms were tied, but not his legs! And then, when they became adults, ah, the absurdities of the characters’ behavior were just too much.
One Kdrama I absolutely loved was ‘Sungkyunkwan Scandal.’ That was a work of art.
Regards
Peter
Keanan
December 3, 2013 at 4:31 pm
Yeah, I thought the contrivance (on the part of the writer or director) of the whole he-watches-and-does-nothing thing difficult to believe. And yet, when he finally does stand after sitting for hours on the concrete floor, he does so with difficulty — as he should, because muscles would ache or be numb after all that time. So why could they get something small correct, and yet not do so for such a big catalyst event?
Also, the premise that he was so afraid that he escaped by himself — difficult to believe, because the character was so strong in other ways. He’s even shown coming back to the scene after it’s much too late; she’s already escaped by herself.
I know what the writer and/or the director was trying to do: set up a big flaw and an insurmountable obstacle to motivate later events in the story. However, I think it could have benefitted from better handling.
I own the DVD set of Sungkyunkwan Scandal. That one’s a lotta fun.
Peter R Stone
December 3, 2013 at 9:12 pm
I agree, I didn’t think it fitted his character either. Another thing that particularly irked me was the when he grows up, he actually dates his ‘step-mother’ after being raised by her. Ewww.
Have you seen the movie ‘Secret’ with Jay Chou – I bought it a few weeks ago and shared it with my whole family, they all loved it too. Though ‘Cyborg She’ remains my favorite Asian film.
Keanan
December 3, 2013 at 9:19 pm
Peter, that whole “girlfriend” schtick was a joke between the two characters — they weren’t really dating. He viewed her as a mother figure, and just used the “hey, girlfriend” routine to make her laugh.
Nope, haven’t seen Secret, but will add it to my list. Thanks for the recommendation!
Peter
December 4, 2013 at 6:13 am
Hi Keanan,
Right, that makes more sense and takes away the ‘ick’ factor.
Have you seen the Japanese NHK yearly drama ‘Ryomaden?’ That was awesome. I watched it the first time in Japanese, so didn’t understand much of it at all, but now I’m watching it again with English subs. Much more enjoyable this time.
And question, would you be interested in reading and writing a review of my novel, Forager? I can send you a pdf or mobi file if you are.
Keanan
December 5, 2013 at 2:28 am
Nope, haven’t seen Ryomaden, but I’m always expanding my viewing and reading circle.
As for reading and reviewing a novel, gimme a month or so. I’m deep into writing a novel, as well as critiquing a manuscript for a client, and then possibly taking on an editing project for a publisher (waiting to see if a contract will be signed with a particular author), all during December, which means there will be holiday stuff going on, too. I’m too prone to saying yes to projects, ’cause I know what they mean to my fellow writers, but sometimes I gotta turn ’em down or delay them to a more convenient time. Contact me in January (KeananBrand@yahoo.com), and let’s talk then. Sound good?
Peter
December 5, 2013 at 6:58 am
Hi Keanan
You certainly have your month booked up. I’ll pop you an email in January and see if your work load has lightened up a bit.
Regards
Peter