The Random Update

Wow!  Last week was the proverbial week from hell. I’m glad it’s over.

I’ve tried to make up for lost time as I could (in evening free time and this weekend), so I’m well in to Chapter Four on Loss of Innocence. I also have some scenes beyond that I simply couldn’t wait to write that are in a near-complete form, so work is proceeding rapidly.  It takes forever for me to format the text to an HTML friendly format, so I’ve been concentrating my efforts on writing, rather than taking the time to format.  I may get some assistance in the posting department, just so that all of you don’t have to wait so long between updates.

In other news, Neverwinter Nights 2 captures all of the spirit of the original Neverwinter Nights, blending elements of the original, Star Wars:  Knights of the Old Republic, and Oblivion.  The only real issue that I have with the game is that the game engine is so poorly optimized that it doesn’t run well on any system.  I also am a bit disappointed with the modular design of the world, forcing long load times in transition periods.  When a game such as Oblivion (or even World of Warcraft) can maintain a graphically rich, seamless world, it certainly makes me wonder why I would put up with such a dated design.  However, the story is well done, the D&D 3.5 Edition Rules are implemented well, the character creation process is a joy, and the use of NPC party members has been drastically streamlined from the first game.  Pathfinding can be a bit of an issue in tight places, but this is easily remedied by a few mouse clicks.

I’ve continued to give BF2142 a chance, and have continually been disappointed.  I think that I’m done trying to make it be something it’s not:  Fun.

I’m well into book six of my Wheel of Time re-read (Lord of Chaos).  I am once again amazed at Robert Jordan’s brilliance, although as I get into the ninth through eleventh book, I know that I will be frustrated by the stagnation of the series. 

I will be busy the next two weekends…next weekend I will be going on a fall camping trip to the Kiamichi mountains of Southeastern Oklahoma.  It may seem like an odd camping destination, but I can promise you that the rugged beauty of the area is unsurpassed in the Southern Great Plains area.  The forests are heavy with pine and oak, the rivers and creeks are spring fed, and best of all, the nearest paved road to our traditional camp site is twelve (12!) miles away and about 35 minutes of travel time.  I use this time as a valuable retreat; a time of fellowship with close friends and my father, spent swapping stories, shooting firearms, hunting, and enjoying God’s bountiful creation. 

The following weekend I will be spending time in Austin at a writer’s conference.  This is a rare opportunity for me to hone my craft through professional workshops.  Hopefully, I’ll make a few critical connections (and maybe I’ll have some good news regarding Loss).

That’s all for now.  Most of my evenings this week will be spent in creative panic as I try to reach the goal of 150,000 words by December 1.  Stay tuned, dear readers!