The Return of the Sword - now available

This gorgeous anthology features 20 sword-and-sorcery and heroic fantasy tales by some of the most exciting authors in the genres and includes a thorough article on writing by E.E. Knight and a classic tale by Harold Lamb. Highly recommended for readers of high school age and beyond. To order it, click the button above--strike now!--or visit amazon.com.

Of course, I'm delighted that my story "To Be A Man" is featured in it. A few words about it: the thief Vasili has enjoyed a rich and ribald life with his partner, the notorious Titania Brashnova. But when Titania finally goes too far, Vasili must attempt his greatest con yet: ending their partnership ... without ending himself.

Why am I here?

At long last, I've done it. I've broken down and started a web-log.

I confess this isn't something I've wanted to do. I believe it was Guy Gavriel Kay--a fantasy author I admire greatly--who had no web-based presence for a long time because (to paraphrase) he was inclined to take after a Roman emperor and let people wonder why there was not a website (or statue) dedicated to him, as opposed to wondering why there was. (Since then, fans have developed an excellent site, brightweavings.com.)

In the spirit of that sentiment, and the simple fact that I'm all but unknown as a writer, let me be clear that starting a blog isn't a testament to my greatness, but rather a means of (I hope) forming friendships and becoming part of a community of people who believe that words and stories-- especially those that value goodness, beauty, and truth--can still enlighten, entertain, and encourage. (And what better day for a beginning than this glorious Easter Sunday?)

Thank you for walking with me on my writer's journey. Cheers, Rob