A Couple of Mid Summer Yard Pics

The sunflowers got planted a little later than expected due to frosts in the spring. Originally, in this spot I planted three, but our cat decided only two were necessary. This is the first bloom of the summer.

Some purple morning glories among the stalks of glass gem corn. There are a few pink blooms about as well. Once you plant morning glories, expect to have them forever.

The Passing of C Dean Andersson (Asa Drake)

I recently learned of the passing of C. Dean Andersson.

I am truly saddened. Dean really helped my writing get a boost with his blurb of Flank Hawk. We communicated off and on over the years and I really enjoyed (among other things) the sharing of his interactions and anecdotal stories with some of the big name authors in the 1980s and early 1990s.

I had the opportunity to interview him twice for this blog:
Interview with Fantasy & Horror Writer C Dean Andersson (2013)
Return Interview with Fantasy & Horror Writer C Dean Andersson (2020)

Many years ago I came across his Bloodsong Series through the recommendation of a bookseller at a convention. 

The Bloodsong Series really caught my imagination. 

When Flank Hawk had been accepted by Gryphonwood Press, Dean was one of the authors I contacted, to see if he would read my novel and, if he enjoyed it, would offer a blurb for the book. Obviously, he replied and enjoyed my debut novel enough to put his name behind it.

Dean remained kind and supportive over the years as we talked about writing and the changing landscape of being an author, and more.

I know I will miss him, and I only knew him in a small way. Certainly those who loved and knew him better will miss his presence in their lives far, far more.

Here is a link where you can learn more about C Dean Andersson and his passing:
Rest in Peace Dean Andersson (at Realms of Night)

Here is C Dean Andersson's website:
C. Dean Andersson Fantasy and Horror

Wikipedia Page:
C. Dean Andersson

C Dean Andersson's Amazon Page:

C Dean Andersson (on Amazon) where you can find access to all of his works, fantasy and horror. If you already haven't, consider picking up one or more of his works, if any pique your interest. As an author Dean's goal had been to share tales readers would enjoy, and I know he'd love for his works to continue doing just that.

Pawn now Available via Audiobook

 

Hey Folks,

Monsters, Maces and Magic: Pawn is now available via audiobook, narrated by Jonathan Waters.

Below are the links and novel description. If you already haven't, this book as a good place to jump into the series.

Links:
Audiobook via Audible
Audiobook via iTunes

Ebook vendors
Print via Amazon

Description:

Higslaff the Pawnshop Owner needs a job done, but the Guild War has taken a toll. Those he’d normally call upon are engaged in some other vital assignment, or dead.

He decides to hire Gurk, Jax, Marigold, Lysine and Kalgore instead. The adventuring party has proven themselves resourceful and effective on previous jobs, not only for himself, but for the local silversmith, and the Church of Apollo. This particular assignment shouldn’t be a problem.

What Higslaff doesn’t know is that details of his job have been compromised. Agents of the Riven Rock Thieves’ Guild are on the move, ready to wrest control of the enchanted item that could tip the balance in the Guild War.

===

If you enjoy Fantasy and/or RPGs, especially tabletop, this series might be just right for you.

Visiting the New Myles' Pizza Pub

One of my and my wife's favorite places to eat, Myles' Pizza Pub in Bowling Green, Ohio closed back in 2016, due to the owner retiring. A places dined at pretty much every Friday night while attending BGSU, and visited regularly when I lived in Toledo, and on occasion when I moved to Piqua and then St. Paris, Ohio.

16" Pizza (with Bacon Strips and Pepperoni) ready to eat

Well, a few years later, Chip Myles came out of retirement to open a new Myles' Pizza Pub in Greenville, SC. On the way back from the Atlanta area, visiting my wife's sister and brother-in-law, we swung a little out of our way to stop and dine at the new Myles'.

Kathy and Myself at Myles'

It was super-busy (not unexpected). And there were both local folks and fans from the previous establishment eating a meal there. They even ship frozen pizzas, which I think says something. Of course we brought the leftovers home in a cooler.

Chip Myles working the Oven

The pizza and garlic bread tastes exactly the same--not a surprise. And as can be seen from the pics, the owner (Chip Myles) is still at it. Watching him work, he looked both serious but often smiled and joked a little with the workers there.

Hope to make another visit someday, hopefully in the not too distant future. Eight hours is a long drive for pizza, but ultimately worth it. If you live in the region, give it a try.

What's left of the Pizza & Small Open-Faced Garlic Bread w/ Cheese