Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Undead by Frank Delaney


Undead. Frank Delaney. Rosetta Books. June 2012. 29 Pages. 160 KB. Sold at all major E-Book Retailers. 


From where, when, and why does a story emerge? This short essay is a glimpse into some answers to those questions in reference to Bram Stoker on the 100th Anniversary of his novel, Dracula. 


 Delaney begins by examining the language sources of the word "vampire" and then what it meant to writers and average people in different time periods as well as different countries and cities throughout the world, a fascinating purview that belies the simplistic associations most average readers ascribe to the focus of this topic that has fascinated readers for centuries! 


 We then get a glimpse into the "place" where the famous story occurred, a debunking of the Transylvania myth for sure and a revealing analysis as well. The reader is then introduced to various other ideas, such as the fact that Lord Byron had nothing to do with this story as so many believe but a friend of his. 


 This and other ideas lead us to the author himself, a simple man who was actually rather dull in his  job and appearance, far from the type of person we might envisage creating this fearful and haunting tale that has sparked other stories, novels, movies, etc. than any other story in literary history. Yet he was the friend of literary giants who admired his talent.  Who knew how famous Bram Stoker would become and why?


 While this might be a different stretch for readers familiar with Frank Delaney's bard-like fictional creations, it is still a worthy read for both the average lover of fiction, horror stories, science fiction, vampire lit, etc. - and for those who create fiction of any kind. Everything, I repeat, everything, one realizes when one finishes Undead, is grist for the mill of great fiction! 


 Fascinating topic and treatment, Frank Delaney! 

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Pigsong by Frank Delaney

Storytellers: Pigsong, A Short Story. Frank Delaney. Meier Publisher. E-Book. 32 Pages. 244 KB. March 2012. Sold at all major e-book retailers.


Frank Delaney continues his Storyteller short story series with this tale that contains all of the elements of great storytelling that the author describes: "surprise...magic...notable, place-holding phrases...digression..homespun wisdom...hint of morality...and the suspension of belief and disbelief at one and the same time." Yes, it's all here in this very brief short story and what a story it is!


Yes, "once upon a time..." there was a very greedy and hard-hearted couple who wanted to get rich but knew they couldn't do it alone.  So they devise a scheme to obtain (something like that, ahem) the necessary help and create a horrific world for far too many people.  So far, nothing we haven't met in other tales, right? But now is where the magic begins! 


A young boy set to the task of taking care of pigs learns to truly listen to the song that will free him and make him a new man capable of so much more than one's limited imagination alone can dream!  No, no more here - you simply must read this wonderful story, written in impeccable and eloquent language, to fully appreciate the gift within it which will let your own heart listen and soar to new heights!


Frank Delaney has done it again - what a gem - a must read written by a true Bard!