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Season 5
August 2018 – Present
The Year in Review & The Work Ahead
Episode 13
December 29, 2018
I close out the year by looking back at my creative doings, and identifying some of the issues that will be foremost in my mind as I strive to write in 2019.
Mundane Struggles
Episode 12
December 15, 2018
This week, on the anniversary of moving into my apartment, I write about some of the mundane struggles in life that have interfered with my writing in recent weeks.
Two-Way Relationships on the Guard of Galavar: The Captain-Lieutenant’s Relationships, Part 2
Episode 11
November 24, 2018
There are five Guard pairs involving the Captain of the Guard, Arderesh Valeran, and other original members of the Guard of Galavar. This week we look at the last three: Zirin, Gregor, and Jemis.
Two-Way Relationships on the Guard of Galavar: The Captain-Lieutenant’s Relationships, Part 1
Episode 10
November 3, 2018
There are five Guard pairs involving the Captain of the Guard, Arderesh Valeran, and other original members of the Guard of Galavar. This week we look at the first two: DeLatia and Silence.
Birthday Cavalcade: Multiple Major Announcements
Episode 9
October 27, 2018
In celebration of my Three-Twelfths Birthday today, I am making multiple major announcements, including two books. One of them is that book.
Eishiloni: Dwends of the Dead Light
Episode 8
September 22, 2018
An Equinox Special! A look at the mysterious, glowing Eishiloni, a race of dwends who dwell at the heart of the Melammorjur Greatforest and are connected to the fate of the world. Includes Curious Score music. This article has spoilers ranging from low to moderate. I've included a spoiler portal for the worst of them, but anyone spoiler-shy might want to give this one a pass entirely.
What Happens When They Want to Leave Gala?
Episode 7
September 15, 2018
It's no secret that I personally tend to align with Galan ideology. I also depict the City of Sele—which for all intents and purposes is Gala prior to the events of ATH—as being prosperous and mildly utopian. There's an unspoken problem here: If Galan society is really so great, no one would want to leave, right? Wrong! But there's a crucial problem: Gala has to remain a secret to the rest of the world.
The Not-So-Universal Translator
Episode 6
September 8, 2018
This week I talk about why I put language barriers in Relance, and what I do about them.
Reinventing the Wheel
Episode 5
September 1, 2018
Everyone has their formative experiences. Nor is it strictly a youth thing; formative experiences can continue throughout a person's life. By virtue of human nature and the definition of "formative," many people have an insatiable desire to take their formative experiences and relive them in some way, out of a fervent hope—though usually futile—to experience that magic again. For some people, this desire can come out as something more: a reflection of the source material in a new form.
Curious Tale Projects I Still Hope to Tackle
Episode 4
August 25, 2018
It's the future again, and you know what that means: With past events behind me, I've now got a new baseline to work with, it's time to look at which Curious Tale projects still interest me, and which I still hope to eventually undertake and finish.
The Mists of History Problem
Episode 3
August 18, 2018
How is such exceedingly ancient history known so widely and so clearly on Relance? And who is Fernando Lamas, anyway?
What Is a Spirubus?
Episode 2
August 11, 2018
Today I'll be looking at some real-world history behind the character Lilit DeLatia.
The Year of 36
Episode 1
August 4, 2018
Today I'll be looking at my thoughts for Season 5, talking about life, and making some announcements about my production schedule.
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Season 4
January 2018 – July 2018
The Economics of Ieik: Part 4
Episode 24
July 21, 2018
It's the end of the miniseries and the end of Season 4! This week we're finishing up our look at Ieik's economics by exploring entrepreneurship, business organization, and regulation.
The Economics of Ieik: Part 3
Episode 23
July 14, 2018
This week in our look at Ieik's economics we look at money, finance, and consumers.
The Economics of Ieik: Part 2
Episode 22
July 7, 2018
The "two-part" look at Ieik got bigger! This week we look at how the Ieikili regarded work.
The Economics of Ieik: Part 1
Episode 21
June 30, 2018
This week is the beginning of a new miniseries looking at the economic system and realities of Gala. We begin with a two-part look at Gala's main precursor, the Village of Ieik.
The Story of Mandolar
Episode 20
June 9, 2018
This week it's the story of Mandolar, Gala's most beloved composer. Yet he lived well before Gala's time, so how can that be? Enjoy this long and insightful article into art, culture, and ideas!
The Perse Hollows: The Curious Depths of Sele | Part 5: The Greatest Spelunk
Episode 19
June 2, 2018
It's the last week of my miniseries exploring the Perse Hollows beneath the City of Sele! This week we look at major points of interest within the Hollows. I've saved the best for last!
The Perse Hollows: The Curious Depths of Sele | Part 4: Population and Development Trends
Episode 18
May 26, 2018
This week, we go inside the Perse Hollows and look at population patterns and general development trends.
The Perse Hollows: The Curious Depths of Sele | Part 3: The Mears of Perse
Episode 17
May 19, 2018
This week, we explore the upper and lower entrances to the Perse Hollows. The upper entrance, Crawler's Mouth, is a center of culture and refinement and home to many Galans. Meanwhile, the lower entrance, Sand Maw, is a far more distant place, and serves as port to the mighty Galan Sand Fleet.
The Perse Hollows: The Curious Depths of Sele | Part 2: Anthropological History & Development
Episode 16
May 12, 2018
This week we look at the anthropological history of the Perse Hollows, and the beginnings of Galan development there.
The Perse Hollows: The Curious Depths of Sele | Part 1: An Introduction to Sele's Greatest Mystery
Episode 15
May 5, 2018
This week begins a miniseries exploring the subterranean realm of the Perse Hollows, a massive system of inhabited caverns underneath the Galan capital city of Sele. Also, judging by the size of that gold button, I think this is a contender for the longest Curious Tale Saturdays article title to date! =]
Appearances
Episode 14
April 28, 2018
Recently I had a dream about Silence, which has had lasting positive effects. This week I talk about the strange tale of her surprisingly limited screen time in The Curious Tale over the years.
Meta Politics in The Curious Tale: Part 3: Finally, Meta Politics
Episode 13
April 21, 2018
This week I conclude my three-part miniseries on meta politics in The Curious Tale by actually (at last!) getting to the topic of meta politics itself, and sharing my meta-political goals for the Tale. Check it out!
Meta Politics in The Curious Tale: Part 2: What Is Politics, Then?
Episode 12
April 14, 2018
This week it's time to learn what politics really is, in the second installment of a three-part miniseries, where, in turn, I'll be covering what politics isn't (Part 1), what it is (Part 2), and finally meta politics in The Curious Tale (Part 3).
Meta Politics in The Curious Tale: Part 1: Politics as Political Intrigue
Episode 11
April 7, 2018
What if I told you that "politics" as we know it—and especially as it is traditionally presented in fantasy and sci-fi—isn't actually politics at all? That real politics is something completely different? This week is the first of a three-part miniseries, where, in turn, I'll be covering what politics isn't, what it is, and finally meta politics in The Curious Tale.
Following Up on Kerrigan
Episode 10
March 31, 2018
I got some feedback on my Kerrigan article from earlier this month, and it has led me to more thoughts: on power, Silence, the Morrigan, and more.
Incomprehensible Gibberish
Episode 9
March 24, 2018
This week I talk about the consequence of the weakness of communication in the midst of true possibility!
The Green Scarves of Gala
Episode 8
March 17, 2018
This week it's St. Patrick's Day. I talk a little bit about the scarves of Gala, which encompass the Galan legal system, and then move on to talking about green scarves in particular. Go, green!
Revising the Production Schedule
Episode 7
March 10, 2018
I've taken a new job, and due to the mental load it is putting on me I need to make some changes to my creative production schedule.
The Sarah Kerrigan Who Never Was
Episode 6
March 3, 2018
Some heartfelt thoughts on a muse I never met. On the scale of "standard" articles to "very special episode" articles, let's grade this one "special."
Some Thoughts on Political Correctness
Episode 5
February 24, 2018
This week I discuss political correctness and its impact on my work. If you're looking for a yes-or-no kind of discussion, you'll be disappointed, as the reality for me is a lot less clear-cut.
The High-Resolution Sodaplains
Episode 4
February 17, 2018
What exactly is there in the Sodaplains besides just dirt? This week I look at my development of the Sodaplains over the years, and how those developments happen.
What Competes with The Curious Tale?
Episode 3
February 10, 2018
This week I discuss what it is that competes with The Curious Tale (and my Star Trek Ripoff) for my creative attentions and energies. I'm also making a large project announcement.
Avoiding Fantasy Stereotypes—And Sometimes Not (Part 3)
Episode 2
February 3, 2018
This week is the conclusion to my high-concept essay about stereotypes in fantasy and how The Curious Tale intersects with them.
Avoiding Fantasy Stereotypes—And Sometimes Not (Part 2)
Episode 1
January 27, 2018
Season 4 opens late—all the way out on my half birthday!—with a continuation of my now-three-part grand essay about how I avoid, and sometimes do not avoid, stereotypes in The Curious Tale. A scintillating read, if you like scholastic analysis. =]
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Season 3
February 2017 – July 2017
Avoiding Fantasy Stereotypes—And Sometimes Not (Part 1)
Episode 14
July 8, 2017
Season 3 draws to a close with this first installment of a two-part grand essay about how I avoid, and sometimes do not avoid, stereotypes in The Curious Tale. A scintillating read! Well, if you like scholastic analysis. =]
Obscure Words: A New Social Media Feature
Episode 13
July 1, 2017
Over the years I've compiled my own dictionary of interesting words. This week I'm premiering a new social media feature that takes a look at these words and why I find them interesting.
Wordplay
Episode 12
June 24, 2017
Do you like alliteration?! Chicanery?! Unbearable cleverness?! Well, then do I have the Curious Tale Saturdays article for you! This week’s article is all about wordplay in The Curious Tale.
Sex Quota
Episode 11
June 17, 2017
This week, in the conclusion to the miniseries, I discuss a system that I use in my writing to counterbalance my own male gaze, again as a way of guiding reader perceptions. Work-safe unless your colleagues are prudes!
Sex Hazards
Episode 10
June 10, 2017
This week, in the first installment of a two-part miniseries, I write about some of the problems that I have to anticipate when it comes to guiding readers’ perceptions of and attitudes around sex and sexuality. Work-safe!
New Curious Score Music
Episode 9
June 3, 2017
This week, listen to one of the musical themes for Grieve Black!
The Music Pages Are Updated
Episode 8
May 27, 2017
It's a short article this week. The site's music pages are updated! Going forward, you'll be readily able to access all the Curious Tale music I publish.
The Seven Meals: Sodish Food Ways (Part 2)
Episode 7
May 20, 2017
This week we're finishing our look at the seven meals in Sodish culture, and the customs surrounding them.
The Seven Meals: Sodish Food Ways (Part 1)
Episode 6
May 13, 2017
In the the great desert metropolis of Soda Fountain, there are typically seven meals in the day. Here's a look at those meals, and the customs surrounding them.
Weddings
Episode 5
March 4, 2017
This week's article is about putting different things together.
Marketing Update
Episode 4
February 25, 2017
An exciting update on my marketing efforts, including the (pseudo-)completion a major website update!
Undemocratic Gala
Episode 3
February 18, 2017
This week I explore the fact that I am a meritocrat rather than a democrat, and I discuss the autocratic meritocracy in Gala and compare it to fascism.
Afiach on the Mountain: What It Means to Mellow Out
Episode 2
February 11, 2017
In this special episode, I write about a fundamental evolution in my worldview, and how the character of Afiach Bard encapsulates this change. Join me as we delve into my philosophy, history, and very nature.
Welcome to Year 3! The Year of the Audience
Episode 1
February 4, 2017
Here I talk about my grand project for 2017: building the Curious Tale fan community and breaking even financially.
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Season 2
September 2015 – February 2016
What the Characters Think of Themselves
Episode 23
February 27, 2016
A series of short interviews with a number of characters on the subject of their self-images, preambled by a little anthropology.
A Non-Pep-Talk & The Curious Score No. 4
Episode 22
February 20, 2016
I muse freely for a bit on my current artistic woes, then give the second half of the article to Entry No. 4 in The Curious Score. That's right: a new piece of music!
An Exploration of Sexual Self-Expression on the Occasion of Deploying Nonbinary Gendered Pronouns
Episode 21
February 13, 2016
This week, on the occasion of integrating nonbinary gendered pronouns into The Curious Tale, I explore my practice of occasionally indicating a character's sex for purely sexually self-expressive purposes.
Musings Upon My Stylistic Limitations
Episode 20
February 6, 2016
This week in my plot development miniseries I muse upon a couple of my deliberate but unfortunate stylistic limitations in The Curious Tale: comedy and energy.
My Plot Development Process (Part 6)
Episode 19
January 30, 2016
This week in my plot development miniseries I look at the various story "drivers," such as "plot-driven" stories, "character-driven" stories, and so forth.
Let's Talk About Accessibility
Episode 18
January 23, 2016
This week I talk about the accessibility of my work and solicit your opinions. Do you think Book I could take a little more challenge than the Prelude had?
My Plot Development Process (Part 5)
Episode 17
January 16, 2016
The common idea of "plot" is not very useful. This week I explain my own definition.
Post-Prelude Thoughts / 2016 Features Outlook / Big Announcement / Special Plea
Episode 16
January 2, 2016
I ring in the new year with some thoughts on the commercial publication of the Prelude. Then I issue my 2016 outlook for features and projects. Then I announce a new book! Finally I conclude with a special plea for support. This week's article is a must-read!
My Plot Development Process (Part 4)
Episode 15
December 26, 2015
This week I continue the miniseries about my plot development process by discussing plot conceptualization. Here we're finally starting to get into the meat and potatoes of plot development.
Prelude Week!
Episode 14
December 19, 2015
This week the Prelude to After The Hero goes on sale in e-book format, and I discuss Prelude feedback from my readers.
My Plot Development Process (Part 3)
Episode 13
December 12, 2015
This week I continue the miniseries about my plot development process by discussing other sources of plot conception: cold design and plot-stealing.
My Plot Development Process (Part 2)
Episode 12
November 28, 2015
This week I continue the miniseries about my plot development process by discussing a weird-sounding process that I call the decompression of simultaneity, which is the effort of interpreting a point of inspiration by identifying and assembling its elements.
My Plot Development Process (Part 1)
Episode 11
November 21, 2015
This week I begin a miniseries about my plot development process. A long-awaited, much-anticipated read! This week I introduce the series and discuss points of inspiration.
The Writer and the Spade (Part 2)
Episode 10
November 14, 2015
This is Part 2 of a two-part repost of a journal entry I wrote in 2012, to serve as a case study for an upcoming series of articles on my plot development process. This week I describe my creative process for the character Celithemis, and discuss her relationship with Spade.
The Writer and the Spade (Part 1)
Episode 9
November 7, 2015
This is Part 1 of a two-part repost of a journal entry I wrote in 2012. I'm posting it here not only because it's interesting in itself, but it'll serve as a case study for an upcoming series of articles on plot development. This week I describe my creative process for the character Spade.
Swift, the Arkend (Part 2)
Episode 8
October 31, 2015
This is the second of a two-part series about Swift, Silence's legendary sword.
Swift, the Arkend (Part 1)
Episode 7
October 24, 2015
This is the first of a two-part series about Swift, Silence's legendary sword.
Usage Note on God (Plus Updates!)
Episode 6
October 17, 2015
Why do characters sometimes say "God" and other times "the God"? All is told herein! Also: An update on The Great Galavar.
The Great Galavar and Other Updates
Episode 5
October 10, 2015
This week an update on The Great Galavar, which is just about to start Season 2, and an update on things in general.
The Lullaby Vignette
Episode 4
October 3, 2015
In recent weeks I dealt with a debilitating illness, enjoyed a lovely visit by my sister, and moved from Texas to California. This week I talk about some of those experiences, with the context of their impact (or lack thereof) on The Curious Tale.
Lessons a Writer Learns Along the Way
Episode 3
September 19, 2015
I've been a writer my whole adult life, and, for that matter, much of my childhood too. Here are a few things I've learned along the way.
Season 2, Episode 2: Figures of Legend
Episode 2
September 12, 2015
When it comes to mystery and legend, we have Santa Claus. But who are some of the legendary figures on Relance?
Looking Out at the Rest of 2015
Episode 1
September 5, 2015
As Season 2 premieres, I look ahead at some of my plans for the remainder of 2015.
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Seasons 0 & 1
2013 – 2015
Farther down the line, I'll get Seasons 0 and 1 posted here as well, but it won't be anytime soon due to other parts of this site that need attention first. In the meantime, you can read older entries at my Live Journal using the tag Curious Tale Saturdays.
O day and night, but this is wondrous strange!
