What each quote means to me [PART 2]
Welcome to the second — and final part — of this off-the-cuff email series where I not only share the six LOTR quotes that gave me a pulse, but more importantly… WHY THEY DID. If you didn’t read Part 1 yet, then I suggest you do. If you’re new around here and weren't able to […]
What each quote means to me [PART 1]
Yesterday, I shared six of my favourite, most poignant quotes from The Lord of the Rings. One thing absent, however, was my reasons as to why they mean so much to me. As I stated, each quote will mean something different to different people, so I didn’t want to pollute their potency… UNTIL TODAY, THAT […]
6 Lord of the Rings quotes that still give me chills
I don’t care what anyone says… If it weren’t for The Lord of the Rings, the fantasy genre as we know it would cease to exist. Bold claim? Not quite. It has been synonymous with fantasy for decades, and it rightfully deserves to be. Tolkien gave us a living, breathing world — filled to the […]
A spin-off series that won’t leave me alone
Last week, I spoke about the numerous spin-off series I have for The Divided Region. One in particular that won’t leave me alone, and I have Elder Scrolls to blame for it. For those wondering what in Mordor Elder Scrolls is, I’m referring to the hugely popular fantasy video game franchise. Arguably, the best one […]
The Rain King: A micro story
It has rained quite a bit here in the UK, which not only depresses me but has also become fertile ground for my microfiction, so I can’t complain too much. One day, in particular, was especially miserable, and it got me thinking… Wouldn’t it be interesting if there were a world where the rain never […]
What this deranged doctor and I have in common
Just when I thought I’d seen it all when it comes to the human race, I came across this zinger of a story: In 2023, a vascular surgeon in the UK decided it was a good idea to amputate his own legs with one of two goals in mind (we’ll get to the second shortly). […]
Why I ignored Brandon Sanderson
A book I’m thoroughly enjoying right now is George Lucas: A Life. While I've never been much of a Star Wars fan, I can't help but admire the franchise he built and his fight to keep Hollywood’s greedy mitts as far away from his IP as he could. Anyway, one thing he says that really […]
Reader praises my take on classic fantasy
I wasn’t jesting when I said we do things differently around these parts. Not just here in the Legion, but in my books as well. Take this recent comment by a fan of The Divided Region: I'm really enjoying this series. Although I see a lot of similarities to other, more classical novels, I feel […]
The world’s most awkward funeral
Lady Laura recently told me a story that she happened across that can only be described as… The most devastatingly awkward funeral ever. Basically, some poor lady died and, as per our customs, her husband — along with her family — organised her funeral. Fast forward to the day, and mourners from far and wide […]
Missed me?
Legionnaires who are paying the most attention would have noticed my absence yesterday in their inbox. I heard the weeps and the sombre prayers. I did. So, what in Mordor brought about this silent sermon? Did Master Liam’s baby brother take his first breath? Nope. Was there a technical hiccup that prevented me […]
“I really hope nobody replied to you”
I am quietly relieved by this, as there was a growing part of me that suspected there could be a contingent of Satanists lurking here in the Legion, given how pervasive they seem to be on social media. Luckily, there are none here. Or at least none brave enough to step forward. I’ve always been […]
My $30,000 hangover
I’m not one for regrets. I’m a firm believer that we make the best decisions we can at the time, with the knowledge we have available. But that doesn’t mean we don’t make mistakes. (Yes, even I, your most gracious, grounded, and always-humble daily host, am not immune from this.) And one of […]
A sad day indeed
I write this in a sombre mood. I’ve always maintained that the Legion is not a place where politics and social affairs should seep in, but what happened yesterday in Utah to Charlie Kirk is not merely a partisan issue. It’s one about basic humanity. I didn’t agree with all of Charlie’s points. […]
Exiled went under the knife
Not satisfied with merely rebranding The Divided Region covers only weeks ago, nor my recent paperback unveiling… I’ve now given Exiled something of a “Blurb Lift.” There was nothing wrong with the former synopsis, in case you’re wondering. I just felt it needed a little tightening here and there to be in keeping with TDR’s […]
What are you reading?
Once in an emerald moon, I like to do a little… reconnaissance. It helps to keep my finger on the pulse, but most importantly, well-informed as to what my lords and ladies of the Legion are currently enjoying. So with that: What books are you reading or listening to?(if not your daily host’s work) DJJW […]
I need to stop watching wildlife videos
Last week, while Master Liam slept peacefully in his cot, I sifted through YouTube on my TV for something not too noisy or intellectually thought-provoking to watch. That usually means one of two things: Football or wildlife clips. Both are short(ish) in length and can be watched with the volume low. However, given my club, […]
D.J.J. Watson the… hypocrite?
Yesterday, I shared five predictions for where I believe fantasy is heading, with #5 being the one I harbour most of my mixed feelings towards. Here, I predicted there will be a boom of films being made from our favourite indie books in the coming years, thanks to a two-letter acronym that inspires fear and […]
My 5 fantasy predictions
The following are five things I see heading downstream in the world of fantasy. Take what you want, leave what you don’t, but this is where my nose is pointing… Prediction #1:Big books will take a backseat I believe the days of 1000+ page weapons of mass literature are going to phase out in the […]
Khaleesi banned from owning a UK passport
A subreddit I often frequent is /todayilearned, which, to those unfamiliar, is a thread based on interesting and, oftentimes, bizarre real-life stories. Today’s one firmly falls in the bizarre category. Take a gander: TIL [today I learned] the UK passport office declined to issue a 6-yr-old British girl a passport because the child's name Khaleesi […]
The #1 thing I stole from the Royal Family
I know Lady Laura has — and I’m her knight in unshiny armour. What I am saying is the Legion will forever be the first and last place where exclusive information is distributed here from the very palace grounds of Watson HQ. Call it propaganda or a privilege. That’s for you to decide. Speaking of […]