Category Archives: Rogue Blades Entertainment

Neither Beg Nor Yield Up For Sale

I mentioned the Kickstarter for Neither Beg Nor Yield  a while back. If you missed it, here’s your chance to own a copy of the book. It goes on sale today. This is the ebook.

In his State of RBE post earlier today, Jason M. Waltz said there have been delays at the printer, so we’re going to have to wait a while on the hardcovers. Hopefully, those books will be ready next month.

I’ve been looking forward to this anthology for a while now. Most of my reading over the last couple of years has been mysteries and thrillers. It will be good to get back to some old fashioned sword and sorcery.

If you didn’t pledge the Kickstarter, now is your chance to get some brand new S&S by some name authors, both established and up and coming.

Neither Beg Nor Yield

Friend of the blog, publisher, editor, author,  and all around great guy, Jason M. Waltz, is launching a S&S Kickstarter for a new anthology entitled Neither Beg Nor Yield. Jason has published some great anthologies over the years. I’ve been privileged to appear in a few of them.

This will be Rogue Blades Entertainment’s final publication.

You’re gonna want to grab a copy of this one. Here’s the link to the Kickstarter page where you can be notified when the project goes live on August 22. It will run through September 19.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jmw/neither-beg-nor-yield-a-sword-and-sorcery-attitude-anthology

And here are Jason’s thoughts on what led him to pursue this project:

Background on NBNY: If you’ve had the opportunity to read the foreword to Perry’s Swords & Heroes that came out in May, that is my motivation to end my publishing career with a wallop of power. Writing, rewriting, and rereading that over a few weeks pumped me up to the extreme and essentially forced me to emphatically define my interpretation of S&S.

I have long felt a growing angst about the ongoing disputes of the definition of Sword & Sorcery – a definition that to me has grown far too convoluted and frankly cumbersome. Once, decades ago, I was of the restrictive mindset that S&S had to be a particular this or that, more in the mold of Conan than not. Yet even then, I did not recognize several prominent characters as truly S&S protagonists despite popular belief to the contrary. I felt right in my convictions yet also felt it somehow inconclusive, felt that something was absent, a missing link scratching at my thoughts for years. I have also totally believed that there is a direct line from the vast majority of today’s entertainment (of any variety) to S&S and thus Howard. Then a few years ago it hit me that S&S is purely — and simply — an attitude, an attitude of its author’s storytelling for certain, but specifically the attitude of its protagonist. Once I recognized that, everything clicked for me. Of course, a story that holds all of Jones’ 4 ingredients and Murphy’s 7 parameters should be a S&S tale — but it is not a guarantee, for there are many that are not. And I don’t think that’s purely opinion; it’s demonstrable truth to me. If the protagonist does not have the requisite Attitude — I don’t care how many of those items can be checked off, it ain’t a S&S tale. And that is not a negative: It can be a perfectly spectacular heroic fantasy story I won’t argue one whit about; label it S&S and I will. On the other hand, a story that on the surface barely touches upon the ‘sacred 11’ can be one of the best ever told S&S tales of all time so long as that protagonist holds true to the spirit, the Attitude, of S&S.

This is what I want to deliver, to emphatically declare, with NEITHER BEG NOR YIELD: the truest form of powerful S&S storytelling must be more than its atmosphere and accoutrements. It must be an attitude.

Once I knew what I wanted to say, all the names of the writers of my experience who could deliver exactly what I wanted myself and the world to read came instantly to mind. Seriously. Not a struggle. I loved my list, but to be certain, I poured over all the anthologies and magazines/zines of the last 20 years that I have or have access to, replayed dozens of conversations, communications, critiques, and characters I’ve loved; searched every written thing I could recall. I found many stories and names I recalled fondly…but my choices did not change. That is simply amazing to me. 23ish years of this publishing, reading, editing, and writing life and I clearly recalled everyone who wrote what I wanted — unintentionally and unknowingly retained for striking that just-right chord of my S&S soul.

Then came the most difficult challenge of all: getting all of them to join me. And they did. And so for me, this anthology is the winning epitome of my career whether another reader sees it or not.

Neither Beg Nor Yield will have 16 contributors. Possibly more if stretch goals are reached. Jason has asked me to reveal the names of two of the contributors.  They are:

Bill Ward (currently of Goodman Games & had RBE stories in RETURN OF THE SWORD, RAGE OF THE BEHEMOTH, and DEMONS)

William King, who will be returning with a Kormak tale!

Other contributors will be announced in other venues. Some have already been announced, such as in Black Gate. Still more names will be released as August 22 draws closer.

Again, here’s the link to sign up to be notified when the Kickstarter goes live.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jmw/neither-beg-nor-yield-a-sword-and-sorcery-attitude-anthology

I’d say this one is gonna be good, but it won’t. It’ll be great!

Robert E. Howard Days, 2021

(i. to r.) Your Intrepid Blogger, Jason M. Waltz, and James McGlothlin visit the Howard family plot.

This past weekend was the 2021 Robert E. Howard Days. After last year’s cancellation, it was a much needed gathering. And while many of the regulars weren’t able to attend, the number of first time attendees made up the difference. The gift shop sold out of almost all the books they had in stock.

Roy Thomas was the Guest of Honor. The schedule was a little different this year, with a fewer panels and later starting times.

Mark Finn did the Fists at the Ice House panel solo after the banquet on Friday night. That panel is different every year and depends on who is there. Mark listed his ten favorite Howard boxing stories and read excerpts of  each one. If you’ve not read Howard’s boxing stories, you’ve missed a major portion of his output. Howard’s send of humor really comes through in his humorous boxing stories. The four volumes of the collected boxing stories are almost our of print, so move quickly if you want to get copies of the first printings. They are available from the Robert E.Howard Foundation Press. Continue reading

The West Gets Weird

Reach for the Sky
Jason M. Waltz, ed.
Rogue Blades Entertainment
ebook preorder $4.00
ebook available November 30, 2020

There’s been a resurgence of interest in weird westerns in recent years. I think cross-genre pollination is a good thing, and I’m in favor of this interest.  That’s why I quickly said yes to reviewing an ARC of Reach for the Sky, a new anthology from Rogue Blades Entertainment. Continue reading

As You Wish! Is Now Available

I’m going to engage in a bit of shameless self-promotion. My latest publication is now available. It’s a story entitled “The Head of St. Brandon”. It’s in the latest volume from Rogue Blades Entertainment, As You Wish!. The stories are in the vein of The Princess Bride.  This isn’t Princess Bride fan fiction.

Here’s what RBE has to say about it:

Classical romantic adventures in homage to William Goldman’s THE PRINCESS BRIDE. This omnibus includes SOMEBODY KILL THE PRINCE! – diabolical machinations defeated – and MOSTLY DEAD! – diabolical tortures defeated – by all the mostly ‘good parts’ of heroic family entertainment with true love and loyalty. Fun stories to share with all the family, stories that put a smile on readers’ faces! Authors include: Hayley Reese Chow, Carrie L. Clickard, Christopher Degni, Sarina Dorie, Gabriel Ertsgaard, Livia Finucci, Jalyn Renae Fiske, M T Ingoldby, Jessica Lévai, T. A. Markitan, Sarah Murray, Meghan K. O’Neill, Henry Ram, Emily Martha Sorensen, Jeff Stewart, J. B. Toner, and Keith West. Cover art by Bill Cavalier. Foreword by Fred Durbin. Edited by Jason M Waltz and Ty Johnston.

I’m proud to have a story in this volume, and I’m looking forward to the other stories. As You Wish! is available in print for $14 and in ebook for $4.

Latest Publication in Death’s Sting

My latest short story, “Ghosts of the Staked Plains”, is now available in Death’s Sting.  It’s from Rogue Blades Entertainment and is available in print and electronic formats. The theme of the anthology is immortals.  The print version is $13, and the ebook is $4.

G. W. Thomas is hosting a series of posts on his blog this week. I’ve got an essay that went up earlier today.  There’s also an interview with Jason M. Waltz and a review of the book by G. W. Thomas.

 

Brief Report on Howard Days 2019

Robert E. Howard Days has come and gone for another year.  This one was a little different, but it was very good.

I got there early.  Jason M. Waltz and I shared a room in Eastland, which is about half an hour from Cross Plains.  (Most people don’t stay in Cross Plains.  There simply aren’t enough rooms.)  We got there Wednesday afternoon.  Those who arrived on Wednesday were invite to a fajita dinner at the home of Jack and Barbara Baum.  It was a great evening of food and fellowship, and I’d like to thank the Baums for their hospitality.

(r. to l.) James McGlothlin, Jason M. Waltz, Your Intrepid Blogger

Thursday morning we helped set up for the banquet on Friday then headed for the Pavilion to help set up there.  That was where I met Black Gate blogger James McGlothlin for the first time.  He and I and James Reasoner went to the local Mexican food restaurant for lunch and ended up talking for a couple of hours (in the air conditioning).  That evening a large number of us skipped the fish fry and the parade and went to Cisco for drinks and dinner.

Friday I went on the first part of the tour, but I jumped ship when the second part, to the nearby towns of Burkett and Crosscut, where the Howards lived before moving to Cross Plains.  I had an opportunity to join a group hitting a used book store in Abilene.  I came back with a grocery sack of paperbacks for $15.  Sadly, the owner of the store died last month, and her husband is trying to sell the store.

Baseball signed by Babe Ruth.

After we got back, I skipped the panels and went to the Post Office to get this year’s cancellation.  There is a new museum in Cross Plains that has a number of classic cars and baseball memorabilia.  Also good air conditioning.  I joined friends over there, then went back to the Pavilion and hung out with friends.

The Guest of Honor was David C. Smith, who spoke at the banquet.  As usual The Staghorn Cafe catered the meal (chicken fired steak), and as usual it was delicious.

Saturday morning John Bullard joined me in Eastland for an excursion to the local cemetery.  Doc Scurlock rode with Billy the Kid during the Lincoln County War.  After it was over, he decided he was tired of being shot at and moved to Eastland to open a candy store.  He died there in 1929.  John wanted to see the grave, and since I had visited it a few years ago, I showed him where it was.

John and I hit the morning panel (which character of Howard’s was the first sword and sorcery hero), then joined his sister, her husband, and James McGlothlin for lunch.  Mexican food again.  Good chili rellenos are hard to find, and I eat them every chance I get.

(l. to r.) Shanks, Louinet, Gruber

There were two afternoon panels.  The first was a celebration of Sailor Steve Costigan, hero of a series of boxing stories.  Jeff Shanks, Patrice Louinet, and Chris Gruber led the discussion.  Chris presented a championship belt to the Howard house to put on display.

The second panel was what is coming in Howardiana.  The Dark Man journal is being revived.  The Foundation Press will be republishing some OOP titles, starting with the poetry and letters, then moving on to some of the collected fiction, such as the weird menace and spicies.  These will be POD trade paperbacks.  The first will be available sometime during the next year.  A representative from the company that owns the rights (the name has changed and I don’t recall what it is now) talked about the comics. (Conan a part of the regular Marvel universe and a member of the Avengers? Shoot me now.)  He wouldn’t say much about any film projects.

The day ended with the barbeque at the Pavilion followed by poetry reading on the steps of the Howard House, including the poem “Cimmeria” in eight languages.

My father had had a kidney stone flair-up while I was there, so I skipped the informal breakfast Sunday morning and went and had breakfast with my parents.

I enjoyed the weekend a lot, and I think that was more because I was reconnecting with friends more than anything.  There were some good books there.  Jason M. Waltz, publisher of Rogue Blades, had a number of his books available, including his latest, Crossbones and Crosses.  David C. Smith signed my copies of his Red Sonja novels as well as copies of some of his other books.  The Robert E. Howard Foundation Press had their collection of Howard’s autobiographical writings, Post Oaks and Sand Roughs, for sale.  I picked up a copy for me.  I also bought a few items for friends, which I will be getting in the mail later this week.

Howard Days 2019 might be over, but I had a great time and am looking forward to next year.  Attendance was down a bit, and some of the regulars weren’t able to make it.  Guys, you were missed.  Hopefully, I’ll see you next year, along with some others who have been trying to make it for a while.

Crossbones and Crosses Debuts at Howard Days

Crossbones and Crosses
Jason M Waltz, ed.
Rogue Blades Entertainment
trade paper $17.00
ebook $5.00

Jason M. Waltz, publisher of Rogue Blades Entertainment, has just published a new anthology, and it’s one you’re going to want to get.  The hardcopy has been available for a few days now, and the electronic version has just gone live in time for Howard Days.  Crossbones and Crosses harkens back to the days of Raphael Sabatini, Talbot Mundy, Robert E. Howard, and Harold Lamb. These are the adventure stories we’ve needed. When too many anthologies are full of message fiction, RBE has given us something different. Adventure, Excitement, and most importantly, fun.  Make that Fun with a capital “F”. Continue reading

Rogue Blades Entertainment is Back!

Rogue Blades Entertainment published some great anthologies but went on hiatus a few years ago.  See my reviews here.  Other than Writing Fantasy Heroes (reviewed here), we’ve not heard much from RBE.

Well, I’m glad to say the silence has been broken.  One of the projects RBE was working on before it went on hiatus was a challenge anthology.  The premise was simple writers were to write a story around both a piece of cover art and a theme.  Kind of like the habit some editors had of commissioning stories based on a finished piece of cover art. Authors contributed their work, which was evaluated blind by a panel of judges.  The top ten stories were selected.

The first Challenge anthology, entitled Discovery, is now available.  The ebook edition is on sale for $5.00.   The print edition will be available within a couple of weeks for $11.00.  I had bought a bundle from RBE, sort of a preorder, but I don’t recall if there are any titles left or if I’ve gotten them all.  No matter.  I’ve bought the electronic version.  Readers of this blog will see some familiar names on the ToC.  (No, I’m not one of them.)

And a personal note to Jason M. Waltz, the publisher of RBE:  It’s good to have you back, brother.  You’ve been missed.  I hope you’re around for a long time, and I wish you all the best.

Rogue Blades Entertainment is Back

Writing-Fantasy-HeroesIt’s not often I get to announce really great news, or at least it doesn’t feel like it much lately.  However, I’m thrilled to let you know that the Rogue Blades Entertainment has returned.  Publisher Jason M. Waltz made the announcement over at Black Gate earlier today.  The small S&S publisher went on hiatus a few years ago.  Fortunately RBE is back with a whole new website (just click the above link).  If you aren’t familiar with them, RBE published Writing Fantasy Heroes recently (reviewed here).  Now all of their previously published books are available.  My review of them is available here.  Stop by and check them out.

Adventures Fantastic would like to congratulate Jason and RBE on their comeback and wish them the best of success.