Month: July 2014

Wednesday Wanderings: Your Brain When Writing, 3200 Year Old Tree Photographed, Rules of Alcohol, and Beautiful Doors

~ M.A. Kropp

This is what happens in your brain when you write. The interesting thing is there is a difference in seasoned writers versus amateurs: http://sciencealert.com.au/features/20141107-25864.html It took 126 photos, but this image of a 3200 year old tree is amazing: http://bit.ly/1o5oUZq On the amusing side, Top Ten Rules of Alcohol, and there is some good advice … Continue reading Wednesday Wanderings: Your Brain When Writing, 3200 Year Old Tree Photographed, Rules of Alcohol, and Beautiful Doors

Friday Review: Caterpillar by Ashlyn Forge

~ M.A. Kropp

Caterpillar by Ashlyn Forge My rating: 4 of 5 stars Caterpillar is a short science fiction story set on a desolate planet with two suns. It was invaded by Earth and the native society was torn apart in the aftermath. All of the natives go through several stages of development, and can only mate and … Continue reading Friday Review: Caterpillar by Ashlyn Forge

Monday Musings: Us or Them? Is That the Only Way?

~ M.A. Kropp

There has been a lot of attention lately around the issues of traditional versus independent publishing. Between the Amazon-Hachette battle, and now Amazon's announcement of their Unlimited service, which is essentially a subscription-based lending library for Amazon titles, the argument of which is the best way to go has been a hot topic on several … Continue reading Monday Musings: Us or Them? Is That the Only Way?

Wednesday Wanderings: Things Learned Growing Up With Books, Scenic PA, Awesome Lightning Photos, and Steampunk Girl Video

~ M.A. Kropp

All of these are (or were at one time) me. All of them: http://www.epicstream.com/list.asp?articleid=1266&id=147&name=17+Things+You+Learn+From+Growing+Up+On+Books And a plug for the pretty that exists in my home state: http://www.pennlive.com/projects/2014/pennsylvanias-best-views/ If you like lightning, you will like these photos: http://bit.ly/1ntgXe7 And, finally, for your amusement- a really nicely done video for the song "Steampunk Girl" by John Anealio: … Continue reading Wednesday Wanderings: Things Learned Growing Up With Books, Scenic PA, Awesome Lightning Photos, and Steampunk Girl Video

Wednesday Wanderings: Real Life Moby Dick, MCU Timeline, and Surreal Natural Beauty,

~ M.A. Kropp

Nature's own Moby Dick, photographed off the Australian coast: http://themetapicture.com/what-a-camera-caught-in-australia-is-almost-unbelievable/   For fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, here is a quite detailed timeline of all the significant developments, and comic tie-ins where appropriate. I found it fascinating: http://www.tiki-toki.com/timeline/entry/5395/A-Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Timeline#vars!date=2362 BC-09-11_14:44:00!   These naturally occurring phenomena are beautiful, even if they look like they couldn't possibly … Continue reading Wednesday Wanderings: Real Life Moby Dick, MCU Timeline, and Surreal Natural Beauty,

Monday Musings: The Long and Short of It

~ M.A. Kropp

I have had The Novelette out to readers for the past couple weeks. Feedback has been positive for the most part, and I have gotten some good suggestions for improvements. One thing mentioned by several was that it could (should?) be longer. It is sitting at just around 16K words right now. The suggestions have … Continue reading Monday Musings: The Long and Short of It

Wednesday Wanderings: Americans Label Map of Canada, Demon Kitty, and Simon’s Cat

~ M.A. Kropp

We've seen what happens when Canadians try to label a map of the US. Now, let's return the favor: http://www.buzzfeed.com/tanyachen/americans-fail-canada-again Okay, so he didn't actually break Japan's internet, but this is one demonic looking kitty: http://io9.com/grumpy-cat-im-soooooo-sick-of-grumpy-cats-precious-fa-1598867025 If you are a cat lover, and do not know about Simon's Cat, you can thank me later: http://www.simonscat.com/Films/Pawtrait/