Author: Bryan Kemler
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Definition Manichaean
An adjective used to describe a dualistic philosophy based on light and darkness. From the 3rd Century Persian philosopher, Mani.
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Savages in the Declaration of Independence
Evidence of colonial feelings about native peoples are apparent in the document that gave birth to the country: The Declaration of Independence. Notably, the natives are referred to as “Merciless Indian Savages.” You can almost hear Donald Trump in the room, petulantly demanding that this phrase be used in the document, or else. I don’t know…
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Understanding Old British Money
After the Norman Conquest in 1066, the pound was divided into twenty shillings or 240 pennies. It remained so until decimalization on 15 February 1971. Old money was divided into: pounds (£ or l ) shillings (s. or /-) and pennies (d.) There were twenty (20) shillings per pound. The shilling was subdivided into…
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Erotic Scene Tips 1
Spare The Rod The throbbing rod, that is, and all other coy euphemisms for body parts. Please don’t tell me about our hero’s member, or manhood, or hard hot tool or battering ram. Likewise, don’t refer to our heroine’s mound or tunnel or the center of her womanhood. Dispense With Cliches Don’t say that he…
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Historical Fiction Tips 1
Let the characters engage with the historical details. This goes along with that “show don’t tell” truism writers are told all the time. Rather than just dumping a bunch of facts on the poor reader, let your characters interact with these details with all these senses. Let them smell the offal dumped onto the cobblestone streets.…
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Def Bespoke
be·spoke (bĭ-spōk′)v. Past tense and a past participle of bespeak. adj. 1. Custom-made. Said especially of clothes. 2. Making or selling custom-made clothes: a bespoke tailor. American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved. bespoke…
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Def Rive
rive (rīv)v. rived, riv·en (rĭv′ən) also rived, riv·ing, rives v.tr. 1. To rend or tear apart. 2. To break into pieces, as by a blow; cleave or split asunder. 3. To break or distress (the spirit, for example). v.intr. To be or become split.