…“It’s not OK to transform a forest into agriculture without understanding the impact that has on climate, carbon storage, disease emergence and flood risk,” said Jones. “You can’t do those things in isolation without thinking about what that does to humans.”
Read original post here: https://exposingthebiggame.wordpress.com/2020/04/08/bats-are-not-to-blame-for-coronavirus-humans-are/
My 2020 Blogging from A to Z Challenge revisits my best posts from the 2014 to 2019 Challenges.
G for Göta älv 1036 (2017)
Rewriting a new Kanata timeline threw up this turning point, which was a chance to solidify the dynastic ties around Northern Europe. Before the ‘our timeline’ revelation, will you recognise the real historical event or which crucial event in British history may never happen?
And all because I couldn’t stop constructing my Kanata alternative history. The initial trigger, Leif Eriksson’s permanent colonisation of Vinland, inspired me to rewrite other key episodes in history. I wanted the legacy forged from Vikings merging with the indigenous people to ripple down time. Kanata evolved into my vision of a 21st Century Viking Age.
Expect more alternative history ahead.
Links to my other A to Z posts can be found here: https://rolandclarke.com/blogging-from-a-to-z/blogging-from-a-to-z-challenge-2020/
To visit other participants see The OFFICIAL MASTER LIST: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YphbP47JyH_FuGPIIrFuJfAQiBBzacEkM7iBnq6DGDA/
My 2020 Blogging from A to Z Challenge revisits my best posts from the 2014 to 2019 Challenges.
F for Feeniks (2014)
My fascination with The Firebird and The Phoenix goes back decades, well before Feeniks the bird character and this post emerged. I must have a penchant for avian ‘totems/spirit guides’ since there are at least two more in other writings.
As I write this intro, I’m listening to the 1910 version of Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird suite, which I first encountered in its ballet form during my teens.
You can listen to the same powerful music too:
All the research nuggets unearthed while I was creating the game-world for my novel ‘Wyrm Bait’, evolved into my post-apocalyptic saga Gossamer Flames. And the research is ongoing.
Especially doing research into the Slavic Folklore surrounding the Firebird for my short ‘Feathered Fire’. My story appears in the IWSG anthology Voyagers: The Third Ghost. which is released on May 5th 2020. Read more about Zharptica here: https://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/2020/02/in-spotlight-roland-clarke-author-of.html
Links to my other A to Z posts can be found here: https://rolandclarke.com/blogging-from-a-to-z/blogging-from-a-to-z-challenge-2020/
To visit other participants see The OFFICIAL MASTER LIST: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YphbP47JyH_FuGPIIrFuJfAQiBBzacEkM7iBnq6DGDA/
My 2020 Blogging from A to Z Challenge revisits my best posts from the 2014 to 2019 Challenges.
D for Donibane 1914 (2017)
My Kanata alternative history triggered by Leif Eriksson colonising Vinland, inspired me to rewrite some key episodes in history. I wanted the legacy forged by a Viking alliance with the indigenous people rippled down time. A 21st Century Viking Age.
This episode is a crucial stage in the development of the airships at the heart of modern Kanata. Before the ‘our timeline’ revelation, will you recognise the real historical event? Expect more alternative history ahead.
Links to my other A to Z posts can be found here: https://rolandclarke.com/blogging-from-a-to-z/blogging-from-a-to-z-challenge-2020/
To visit other participants see The OFFICIAL MASTER LIST: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YphbP47JyH_FuGPIIrFuJfAQiBBzacEkM7iBnq6DGDA/
My 2020 Blogging from A to Z Challenge revisits my best posts from the 2014 to 2019 Challenges.
C for Corylus Avellana (2014)
Ogham and the characters it inspired stemmed from learning about the Tree of Wisdom and Knowledge, Hazel – Corylus avellana one of the ‘chieftain’ trees of the Irish Celtic tradition. From here sprouted a central character and a multi-faceted project.
All the research nuggets unearthed while I was creating the game-world for my novel ‘Wyrm Bait’, evolved into my post-apocalyptic saga Gossamer Flames. And the research is ongoing.
Links to my other A to Z posts can be found here: https://rolandclarke.com/blogging-from-a-to-z/blogging-from-a-to-z-challenge-2020/
As the first Wednesday of April approaches, I’m attempting to write my IWSG monthly blog post. But I’m more than Insecure.
First off though, I’m grateful the Ninja Captain himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh created the Insecure Writer’s Support Group as they do such amazing things for writers, from the annual Anthology to friendly advice for all us vacillating writers. Many thanks, Captain Alex, for keeping me inspired to keep scribbling. Even at this difficult time.
I’m attempting to focus on my short ‘Feathered Fire’ in the imminent IWSG anthology, Voyagers: The Third Ghost due out on May 5, 2020.
Expect great stories – the weekly interviews have demonstrated the wealth collected. I’ve already pre-ordered my copy, and if you are tempted, these are the purchase links:
Amazon:
Print https://www.amazon.com/dp/193984472X/
Kindle https://www.amazon.com/Voyagers-Third-Ghost-Yvonne-Ventresca-ebook/dp/B083C4WPR5/
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/voyagers-yvonne-ventresca/1135912991?ean=2940163430857
ITunes: https://books.apple.com/ca/book/voyagers-the-third-ghost/id1493413956
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/voyagers-the-third-ghost
https://twitter.com/DancingLemurPre/status/1230480335625969666
Anyway, on to the monthly question which I wanted to evade this time. Too much backlog? Yes, so as usual apologies in advance for the slow visits on my part – I’m still wading through earlier IWSG-day posts, including last year’s. And now there’s the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge posts and fear…
April 1 question – The IWSG’s focus is on our writers. Each month, from all over the globe, we are a united group sharing our insecurities, our troubles, and our pain. So, in this time when our world is in crisis with the covid-19 pandemic, our optional question this month is: how are things in your world?
‘Stay safe, sensible and positive’ are my words of encouragement – to others. But some days they sound false when I absorb too much news.
Safe
My wife and I are safe in the sense of being in self-isolation. However, we’ve hardly been out since we arrived here in Boise, Idaho, USA on October 1st, 2016. Primarily, we went for medical visits – when we could afford those. We’ve only had one weekend away – last September to a cabin. The biggest drawback is getting me and my wheelchair out. So, it’s easier to escape into other realities – reading, writing, and gaming.
Some family members did visit, which helped. Great until the kids sneeze around us, forgetting that grandma and grandpa are vulnerable with chronic illnesses. We’ve both got seasonal colds, contracted six weeks ago from sick kids who recovered in a few days. Now, we are keeping them away, although it’s taken far too long.
Sensible
We’re trying to be ‘sensible’ in everything we do. When the family held a birthday party for my wife and a grand-daughter on March 7th, I was already concerned about the spread of Covid-19. Except almost everyone thought I was paranoid. Forget even flu-precautions like hand washing or hand sanitiser.
And as Covid-19 spread, the lax approach continued.
Then one of my wife’s son was diagnosed as having Covid-19 symptoms. He went into isolation. But not all the family were concerned or willing to take precautions, even when Idaho’s governor announced a lock-down. Sense finally prevailed a few days ago, and measures adopted by laxer family members.
In time? Too late?
Positive
There are glimmers of light everywhere amidst the tragedy unfolding. Places where the virus is being checked by what is called ‘social distancing’ but should be called’ physical distancing’. You are being social reading this rant and when you comment.
There are amazing people – doctors, nurses, scientists, first-responders, volunteers etc – essential fighters in this struggle. They are keeping the ‘positive’ alive. They are the front-line fighters, we need to focus on.
I was worried about my family back in England and further afield, searching for a positive there. I was relieved when I discovered they were safe, when I got to speak to one precious niece – uplifting news.
And yesterday, we heard my wife’s son was clear – his test results a false positive.
That’s positive news though.
Every day, I’m reluctant to check the news. Will the chaos overwhelm the positive?
Outlook
How we respond is crucial.
Sometimes, I read an article that makes me realise the ‘sensible and safe’ approach is the only way forward – as in this Smithsonian piece: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/what-we-know-so-far-about-how-covid-19-pandemic-could-end-180974533/?fbclid=IwAR0c13624gYmJni9WWh5uS6Z9ZkZX4FPzqeKMtr79lpFZWXfZIBgw0y-3PQ#.XoJ28Ru72Rs.facebook
The closing statement was powerful and close to home:
“…But letting up too soon would only worsen the consequences, Lilian Alessa, director for the Center for Resilient Communities at the University of Idaho, tells Nicoletta Lanese at Live Science.
“We literally have to have absolute compliance,” Alessa says. “Without that, this is our new normal.”
So, I must be ‘positive’, even as a person more at risk due to my chronic condition, Multiple Sclerosis – and Leukemia. One MS blogger I follow, Dave Bexfield posted an inspiring article – The World Needs Our Help.
“So, I am calling on all of my friends with multiple sclerosis and other disabling conditions to unfurl your capes. More than ever, the world needs more superheroes. The world needs us–the world needs you.”
His words remind me that I’m an MS Warrior who has learnt about adversity and illness – and survival.
My fight pre-dates my MS too.
As a campaigning green for decades, I learnt to never give up. In many ways, this crisis is probably Gaia/Mother Earth defending herself. Take heed humanity. My politics don’t grant immunity, but they give me hope that people might learn from this.
Stay sensible, safe and inspired, please
*
The awesome co-hosts for the April 1 posting of the IWSG are Diane Burton, JH Moncrieff, Anna @ Emaginette, Karen @ Reprobate Typewriter, Erika Beebe, and Lisa Buie-Collard!
(As always, you must agree these guys are the best. Especially as they all have concerns, fear and insecurities. But they fight on, so ticker-tape applause for all of them – plus toasts with the best brew available.)
Purpose of IWSG: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Writing Wings 