Month: November 2018

Stop trying to justify “political correctness” by bashing fantasy classics

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I wasn’t sure what I was going to write this week, then I heard about an American science fiction author bashing J.R.R. Tolkien as racist. When I read the article, it became even more laughable because he claimed that he was racist because of the way he portrayed Orcs as an “inferior” race.

Yes, you read that right. The greatest fantasy author of all times is a racist and a bigot because he made a make-believe race that were considered inferior by most people, i.e. those who read Tolkien and the author himself. Never in my life have I heard anything so ridiculous and self-serving. These comments seem to be coming from a man trying to sell his own books, because he sure doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

Now, before I go any further, I want to inform you that I hate political correctness. I am “old school” for lack of a better word. I don’t agree with changing words just because you don’t like them. To me, free speech is everything. If you don’t like it, then don’t read it, watch it, or listen to it. However, I hate stupidity and he’s just downright stupid.

The author (who will remain unnamed as I will not promote him in any way, shape or form) said Tolkien “depicted evil creatures such as Orcs as ‘worse than others’ and said this had ‘dire consequences for society.'” Sorry, what? Is President Trump planning to turn away immigrants because he’s afraid they’ll join the dark lord Sauron to destroy America? Gimme a break!

Okay, first you have to understand what Orcs are… They’re mostly evil. Some like Warcraft depict Orcs as neutral or evil–like some do in D&D–but most portray them as evil. It’s part of what Orcs were meant to be.

Remember, Tolkien created Orcs, so all of us fantasy authors go by his writings for reference. Beyond that, it is well known that Tolkien was one of the most staunch critics of racism, fascism, and Nazism. It is well documented in his writings.

Now, here is where he gets really, really wierd. The author says, “I can easily imagine that a lot of these people that were doing the dark lord’s bidding were doing so out of simple self preservation and so forth.” Really? I guess they killed all the humans because they were afraid of Sauron, not because humans tasted good. This quote shows me that this man never read Tolkien, and if he did, he’s trying to use today’s “PC bullshit” to justify his opinion.

Why? Why do we have to do that? Why do we need to take one of the Top 5 novels in America (as per The Great American Read) and trash it because you want to be politically correct. If you want to do that, write your own damn book about Orcs being the downtrodden of society, but to me, it’s pretty insulting comparing Orcs to South American migrants (yes, this idiot did that too!)

There is a place for criticism. I have negative reviews on my own novels, and I take them to improve myself as an author. It just seems that for this author to go after a literary legend like Tolkien is more about bringing attention to himself.

You can read the article about this author and his comments here and decide for yourself. I, for one, don’t plan on reading any of his books anytime soon.

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Mark Piggott is the author of the Forever Avalon book series. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon. The Dark Tides is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iUniverse publishing. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is coming soon from Austin Macauley Publishing.

The Man, the Myth, the Legend… Rest in Peace Stan Lee

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I have been reading comics since the 60s. I can honestly say I was there at the rise of Marvel, thanks to men like Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko and countless others. I even remember writing a letter to Stan, hoping it would get added to the letters page and collect an infamous “no-prize” for my efforts.

The death of Stan Lee was not a surprise. His health had been failing and it was inevitable after the death of his wife, Joan, last year. But it does sadden me that a man, whom I never met but considered a mentor, is gone from my life.

Stan Lee was one of the reasons I became interested in fantasy, writing, and creating my own characters. My first original superhero was called Vulcan, a boy who found a meteor that imbued him with energy-based powers. Very cool! I even wanted to be a comic book artist, but I went the writing route because I wasn’t the best artist. My skills just never really improved.

I became a writer because of people like Stan Lee. He created some of the most iconic characters that are known around the world. The 60’s Spiderman cartoon theme song can be hummed by anyone who calls themself a nerd. That’s why it pisses me off when asshats like Bill Mahr dis the accomplishments of someone like Stan Lee.

As much as he inspired writers like me, he equally inspired scientists even more. I mean, think about it. Geeks who read comic books studied science and math to be like Iron Man, Mr. Fantastic, or in a worse case scenario, Doctor Doom. He inspired the generations of scientists, doctors, physicists, and chemists who will take us to the future.

That’s the importance of someone like Stan Lee. It’s not just about comic books. It’s about the characters, the stories, the magic, and the science behind it. He gave us it all.

I will cry when I see his last cameo in Avengers 4. It will mean the end of an era for many of us who were with Stan from the very beginning. God bless you, Stan Lee, and, always and forever… Excelsior!

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Mark Piggott is the author of the Forever Avalon book series. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon. The Dark Tides is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iUniverse publishing. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is coming soon from Austin Macauley Publishing.

Let’s talk about what’s right, and wrong, with the new Doctor Who

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So, we’re five episodes into the new season, and a new Doctor, of Doctor Who. I thought I’d take the time to give my opinion on what’s right, and what’s wrong, with the new season. I know that a few of you out there will have your own opinions, so please leave them in the comments and let’s discuss.

RIGHT — Jodie Whitaker — The casting of Jodie Whitaker as the Doctor was spot on. She has the right spunk, sarcasm, honesty, and inspiration of the past actors who have portrayed the Timelord. She is brilliant and has made the role her own. Watching her is like the series never left off. I like how she really gets into explaining things to her companions, not expecting them to get it like past Doctors. Again, RIGHT casting by Chris Chibnal, however…

WRONG — Writing — The current writers of Doctor Who are not keeping things up to the standards we Whovians expect. I think part of the problem is Chibal’s edict not to use classic Doctor Who villains. We like something new to be afraid of, but we also like the hits. I want to see Jodie take on the Daleks, the Cybermen, the Weeping Angel’s, and more! In addition, the plot holes in these episodes are big enough for a Mack Truck to drive through. I mean, what alien travels back in time to stop black people from getting equal rights? It was a powerful statement, but full of holes. Sorry.

RIGHT — Companions — These three companions work, enough said! I love the interaction between them, from the fawning romance between Yaz and Ryan, as well as Graham trying to get Ryan to “fist bump” with him every episode so far. The dynamic between them is great and I hope they can keep it up. Just watching two men be birthing coaches to another man is hilarious to watch. More please!

WRONG — No Christmas Episode — The best gift I get, each and every Christmas, is the Doctor Who Christmas special. After a long day of presents, food, and obnoxious family members, I always looked forward to a great night of television… But not anymore. They have decided to end the holiday specials because “they’ve run out of ideas.” I doubt that. I just think they’re being lazy. We love our Doctor Who Christmas Special and I hope they change their minds.

RIGHT — Everything Whovian — We are seeing the crazy banter between the Doctor and companions, talk about past exploits of previous Doctors, great use of the sonic screwdriver, the awesome new Tardis and theme song, even curious parents about why their daughter is with the Doctor. We are getting a lot of great stuff that is prime Whovian fare.

And finally, WRONG — Showrunner — I am going to give Chris Chibnal the benefit of the doubt for the rest of the season, but as of right now, I really think he’s the wrong fit for the show. I loved Broadchurch but a crime drama is not Doctor Who. He’s trying to be political, a little controversial, and emotional… Which is okay for Doctor Who, but he needs a better ratio in the mix.

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Mark Piggott is the author of the Forever Avalon book series. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon. The Dark Tides is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iUniverse publishing. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is coming soon from Austin Macauley Publishing.

Does controversy make for a good story?

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Who doesn’t like a juicy sex scandal, messy Hollywood break-up, or a political witch hunt? It makes for good theater and a good story. There have been books, movies, and TV shows based around any one of those themes. The question is, does it add or take away from a story?

I think most authors will say “it depends on how it progresses the story,” which I tend to agree with. But, to be honest, I didnt always think that way.

When I wrote my first book, Forever Avalon, I wanted to stay away from controversial issues. I just focused on a fantasy story, nothing for shock value or out there for a fantasy story. I had teenagers at the time and I wanted them to be able to read my novel.

Now, 10 years later, I’m working on my fifth book, and I am looking at more adult themes. I’m adding a little more sex into my stories, some controversial issues (rape, murder, etc.) and I don’t feel bad about it. I thought I would. I question myself with every chapter I write, but I’m sticking with it.

Currently, I’m almost done with the first book of a new fantasy series called The Last Magus about a man who discovers his magical power and the journey he goes on, from apprentice to adventurer. I have plenty of things going on, including a beating and attempted rape of a young woman. I didn’t know how to write that. I was afraid I was being sexist and a misogynist as I wrote that scene, but it was an important part of the story. More recently, I wrote a group sex scene between a male and female magic caster and three Naiads, not for shock value but to fill a hole in the story. In the end, it all worked for my storytelling.

I think watching anime has affected my rationale a little bit. One of the new anime’s I’m watching, Goblin Slayer, started off its first episode with a rape and murder of two female adventurers, and was quite graphic and controversial. It shocked me a bit too, but it did seem more real to me than other anime I’ve watched previously. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve watched some pretty vivid anime (Tokyo Ghoul, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress) in my time. It’s just, Goblin Slayer started out like a regular adventuring-style anime and went to left field. But in doing so, I understood the story and the characters a lot more.

Does that make me a bad person? Am I a pervert deep down inside and venting that through my own stories. Well… maybe that last one a bit, but to be honest, you wouldn’t know it if you met me. I’m quite “old fashion” in many ways, but I love to tell stories. Sometimes, you have to be a little naughty, a little gritty, and sometimes controversial to make it real for the reader. Is that so bad?

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Mark Piggott is the author of the Forever Avalon book series. Forever Avalon is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon. The Dark Tides is available for purchase as a paperback/ebook at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iUniverse publishing. The Outlander War, Book Three of the Forever Avalon series is coming soon from Austin Macauley Publishing.