Friday Link Pack 08/08/2014

It’s Friday! That mean it’s time to share a few interesting links I have found throughout the week. Some of these I mention on Twitter, if you’re not already following me there, please do! Have a link I should feature in the upcoming link pack? Let me know!

Writing:

On Writing Fantasy
So what is fantasy for? What good is it? I am in the thick of writing a fantasy myself. So this post from Dave Farland on the importance of fantasy and fable really resonated with me.

Do Not Despise These Small Beginnings
Loved this piece from composer Royal Teague on creation and the creative struggle. Very much worth a read.

The Two Most Powerful Behaviors Of Successful Writers
San Francisco writing coach Lauren Sapala discusses two behaviors—focus and boundaries—used by writers to get things done. Invaluable advice, both are tough to master but critical for success.

The Persistent Stigma Of Self-Publishing
Janice Hardy explores the stigma surrounding self-published works.

London’s Book Benches Highlight The Capital’s Great Literary Works
I thought these benches built in the shape of books were too charming not to share. My favorite has to be the Ian Fleming one. What’s yours?

Thug Note’s Covers At The Mountains of Madness
On Sunday I shared this excellent synopsis and analysis from Sparky Sweets, PhD. If you haven’t been exposed to Thug Notes, I’d encourage you to give it a watch. It’s not only educational it’s also quite entertaining.

Art:

Elliot Alfredius’ Three Blades
There something incredibly charming about this illustration series (featured above.) Each piece shows a different set of three sword-swinging warriors, from battle hardened barbarians to highfalutin aristocrats even wandering vagabonds. If you loves these as much as I do the good news is Alfredius has collected these pieces as a book! Sadly, there is bad news: it’s out of stock until September. I eagerly await the next edition.

How Do I Become A Full Time Illustrator
I debated putting this in the Writing category or here. Illustrator Ray Frenden shares his advice on how to succeed at art. I think this same advice could apply to writers or any creative. Good stuff. Also, go buy his pizza shirt.

Beautiful Architectural Alphabet Engravings Should Be Built For Real
Typography and architecture have a lot in common. So it’s no surprise that Italian artist Antonio Basoli created these beautiful drawings combining the two.

Random:

Octopus broods eggs for over four years—longer than any known animal
Pretty crazy story from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute about one devoted cephalopodic mother.

Photographic Inventories of British Soldiers’ Kits From 1066 to 2014
I really like it when someone takes the time to do this. Seeing the evolution of something throughout the years is always a fascination. It’s amazing to see the amount of stuff a soldier carries into battle these days.

Pepper and Salt — Hunter S. Thompson: Huevos Rancheros
So, Pepper and Salt might be my new favorite blog. As the author Nicole says, it’s: “Part historical discussion, part food and recipe blog, part literary fangirl-ing, Paper and Salt attempts to recreate and reinterpret the dishes that iconic authors discuss in their letters, diaries, essays, and fiction.” This article, tackles Hunter S. Thompson’s love of Huevos Rancheros. I know what I am making for breakfast tomorrow.

Lovecraft Story of the Week:

The Phantom ‘Rickshaw by Rudyard Kipling
Okay, so it’s not a Lovecraft story. However, I highly encourage you to check out this tale, when you’re done, make sure you head over to the H.P. Lovecraft Literary Podcast at HPPodcraft.com and check this months free episode (which I sponsored.) Chris Lackey and Chad Fifer are great hosts and really enjoyable to listen to as they analyze and analyze and discuss of some of weird fictions greatest stories. Very much worth a subscription.