The Pageturning Report: December 2023
Movie Review: Godzilla Minus One. A special Silmarillion podcast. And more!
December was a busy month filled with writing and podcasting. Let’s get right down to the recap!
Ongoing Projects
Accountability group
I just wrapped up my last 2023 writing accountability meeting with book coach Katelin Cummins. I’m glad to report that I accomplished my goal for this year!! My new children’s book manuscript is ready to be pitched to a publisher at the 2024 Catholic Writer’s Guild online conference. These accountability meetings have really been a game-changer in my writing life. I have so much more confidence and drive to finish big and complex book projects.
Epic fantasy novel!
In the meantime, I’ve also been working hard to outline an epic fantasy novel. I hope to write the first draft of this book in 2024. I’m thinking about sharing some of the behind-the-scenes worldbuilding stuff with my paid subscribers next year! So if you’d like to consider upgrading your subscription to get special sneak peeks into my creative process, now is the perfect time.
Articles
Word on Fire
The Powerful Human Drama of Godzilla Minus One
Godzilla Minus One is an extraordinarily human story. It is a story about men and the monsters we make. It is about grief, guilt, trauma, and the stark horror of total war. But it is also a story that speaks to hope in the midst of heartrending tragedy, to courage in the face of near-certain defeat, to solidarity in spite of insurmountable odds, to forgiveness regardless of wounds that may never fully heal, and to life triumphant in defiance of death.
Podcast life
The Secrets of Middle-Earth
Tolkien's Silmarillion begins with the Ainulindalë and Valaquenta. In the latest episode of The Secrets of Middle-Earth, I’m joined by Jeff Haecker and Patrick Mason for the first part of a multipart exploration of the entire Silmarillion. We discuss Arda's creation, the balance of good and evil, immortality and free will, and more!
The Secrets of Star Wars
Have you ever wondered why it was so important that Anakin Skywalker be born of a virgin — according to prophesy — and given the title “The Chosen One”? I join Robert King and Patrick Mason to discuss it all in this Christmas-themed Star Wars conversation.
The Secrets of Movies & TV Shows
Tora! Tora! Tora! is a groundbreaking war movie made by both sides in the conflict. I’m joined by Dom Bettinelli and Patrick Mason to discuss this story of the attack on Pearl Harbor, its epic scale, and the moral and ethical dimensions of the attack. We also discuss how Pearl Harbor has shaped the American psyche and worldview.
The Secrets of Sacred Art
In this crossover episode of Secrets of Sacred Art and Secrets of Movies and TV Shows, I join art experts Kathryn Laffrey and Alix Murray, to discuss the 2014 film Monuments Men and the true story of the daring WWII effort to rescue great works of art from the Nazis.
Reading Life
Fairy Tale by Stephen King
I don’t read many books by Stephen King, but whenever he returns to dark fantasy I sit up and take notice. I loved The Eyes of the Dragon and I’ve enjoyed the first three books of the Dark Tower cycle. The first few chapters of Fairy Tale had me hooked and I’m excited to find out where this story goes next.
The Great Book of King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table by John Matthews
I’ve been wanting to do a deep-dive into the King Arthur mythos as a way to research ideas for my Arthurian-inspired fantasy novel. This wonderful collection, illustrated by the famed fantasy artist John Howe, was just the starting point I needed.
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux: Story of a Life by Guy Gaucher
I read Story of a Soul a few years ago and was deeply moved by the “Little Way” spirituality of St. Thérèse. This insightful biography makes the perfect companion to that great work. After I finished reading, I felt much closer to the Little Flower of Lisieux and felt a keen desire to foster a deeper devotion to this saint.
The Soul’s Upward Yearning: Clues to Our Transcendent Nature from Experience and Reason by Robert Spitzer
The second volume in Fr. Spitzer’s Happiness, Suffering, and Transcendence quartet. Spitzer’s work is always so rich and full of fascinating information. This particular volume focuses on new lines of evidence for a transcendent Creator-God. Definitely recommended for anyone looking for some deep scientific, philosophical, and theological explorations.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I can’t thank you enough for your support over the last twelve months. 2023 has been a whirlwind year and I’m certain that 2024 will be even more exciting.
Make sure to share this newsletter with whoever might be interested in my work and musings. And be on the lookout for a special post in January where I’ll make some exciting announcements and share my plans for the new year.
Happy Holidays and God bless!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too!
Great to get an update!