Explanation of Explanation

on July 10, 2012

Okay, folks, I need to get this off my chest. My latest strip seems to have sparked the most comments that I’ve received in a long time, and these comments need to be addressed.

There is a reason I don’t explain a lot of the things in Bardsworth, and the explosion in the comments section is a big part of that. No matter how intricately I explain something, there will always be people who will A.) have more questions, B.) Find something wrong with my explanation, or C.) have a “better” explanation. It’s just the nature of the internet I guess.

Firstly, I’m fallible and I’ll be the first to admit it. Heck, there are numerous plot holes in Bardsworth. Things are going to slip through the cracks; it’s inevitable when you’re the sole creator of something like a webcomic. But I do the best I can for writing a story over a number of years while still maintaining other projects and a family life.

And I also know what to explain and what not to. A handful of people have further questions about the translation enchantment, and here’s the cover-all answer: If it’s not pertinent to the story, it won’t be explained. I’m sorry if there’s something about it that you want to know, but I don’t have the time to explain every little detail, especially when there’s a story at hand (and especially when I only have once a week to tell that story).

I’m not trying to chastise anyone or vent my frustrations. I just want you guys to know where I’m coming from. If I’m not explaining something down to the most minute detail, it’s for a good reason.

Besides, magic should never be explained down to the bones; it would strip away what makes it magical.

EDIT:  I should take a moment to say that I am happy that such discussion is taking place over my comic.  It means that you people care enough about the comic to really dig into it and analyze.  So thank you for that.  Just don’t go crazy.  😉

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Book Release: Blood of the Mother

on July 6, 2012

As some of you may know, I do a lot of things outside of Bardsworth.  One of those things is writing.  In the past year I released two novellas of the urban fantasy genre (although I refer to them as “fantasy noir”).  They’re a bit different from my usual fare, and didn’t sit well with some of my established fan base.  However, as of today, I have released a full length novel that will probably resonate a little bit better with you folks.

Blood of the Mother is the first book in a planned series called The Godblood Chronicles.  I had been working on this novel for years and am excited that it’s available in ebook format, and soon to be available in paperback.

Here’s the official description:

Two centuries have passed since the Ulons had been banished from the face of the world for their crimes against their cousins, the Aiellans. Their existence had become myth, their atrocities nothing more than campfire tales. Now, a mysterious pair has emerged on a quest given to them by the All-Father to restore His children to their rightful place in the world.

But the once-beloved of Ulos has Her own plans.

Quentis, a young seminary student with a tenuous faith in his goddess, finds himself guided by Her hands into a journey of danger and of self-discovery. Accompanying him are a young woman with a love of things mechanical, a thief on the run from his own people, an assassin exiled from her home, and a bluebird.

If you’re interested in getting it for your favorite ebook reader (or even to read on your computer, as it’s available in several compatible formats), you can get it at Smashwords in multiple digital formats, or you can get it at Amazon for your Kindle (I’d prefer if you get it from Smashwords if you can, because they give me a bigger cut of the royalty).

And if you get it, read it, and like it, please give me a review! Word of mouth is the best way to sell!

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ConnectiCon and Beyond

on June 15, 2012

Ever since I switched the site over to ComicPress I’ve been really bad about housekeeping. One of the things I neglected was a spot for appearances. Heck, I haven’t even really blogged about them. And it won’t really matter in the long run (more on that in a moment), but I wanted to at least take the time now to say that I’m returning to ConnectiCon for a fifth year. I will have a few new items for sale, including the Bardsworth perfume oils, the first three of my My Little Pony pin-ups, and hopefully at least one other surprise. So if you’re in the area, or if you feel like making a trip to the area, please stop and visit. ConnectiCon is a good time. Plus, it’s my birthday on that Friday. If you wish me a happy birthday I might just reciprocate with a little something.

Wait, that sounded dirtier than I meant it to…

Anyway, I won’t be posting up a list of appearances anytime soon. After the last few years of experimenting with conventions and outdoor festivals, Katie and I have decided that it’s too much of a financial risk at this point to be fronting the money for such things. So as of right now, I will not be doing any conventions of shows after ConnectiCon, with one exception to the rule. If I’m INVITED to a convention that helps with the costs of travel or gives me a booth/table for free, then I’m totally all for it. I know that makes me sound like a cheapskate, but I’d like to think that after almost eight years of working on Bardsworth I’m somewhat entitled to that. So if you have any conventions near you that you’d want to see me at, please contact the appropriate parties and let them know.

In the meantime, I’m going to focus on other things.

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Bardsworth Perfume Oils Available!

on June 7, 2012

Anyone here a fan of Black Phoenix Alchemy Labs? Or just perfume oils in general? Now you can get two Bardsworth characters as scents! The first is “Mike“, which – as you might have suspected – smells of cookies. What kind of cookies? ALL THE COOKIES! You’ve got chocolate chip, gingersnap, and oatmeal in there. You will smell delicious.

The second is “Fawn“. Fawn is a complex scent, including whiffs of pink raspberry, tangerine zest, guava nectar, pikaki, blood orange, tart green apple, sweet pea, freesia, pink sugar, and a little bubbly effervescence. You’ll smell as good as a fairy!

Both can be purchased in the Bardsworth section of our Fairy Magik Etsy store. Bardsworth never smelled this amazing!

The perfume oils are provided by our good friend Rhi at The Misery/Love Co.!

(And, if the demand is high enough, we’ll have more characters available soon!)

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More Ponies

on May 25, 2012

A long time reader of mine – I’d venture to guess that he’s probably one of the first to read and stick with Bardsworth – has put an enormous amount of effort into something pretty incredible. VozDeSuenos (I won’t use his real name unless he says it’s all right) has a regular My Little Pony themed podcast on YouTube called “Pastel Pony Podcast”. He recently did me a solid by giving my ponyfic a nice review and a link on his show, and I wanted to return the favor.

The project in question is called An Equestrian Invasion. It’s based on the infamous 1938 War of the Worlds radio broadcast starring Orson Wells (if you don’t know about the broadcast, War of the Worlds, or Orson Wells, get your butt over to Wikipedia), and has been “ponified”. It’s almost an hour long, but it’s entertaining. Check it out if you’re so inclined, and also check out the rest of his podcasts.

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