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Michael Erasmus posted a new activity comment 5 years ago
@kristianne-hassman Nice! Vanderbijlpark is about 50 minutes from Johannesburg. Potchefstroom is in the North-West Province, well-known for its university. 🙂
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Michael Erasmus replied to the topic Depicting God in Fantasy in the forum Fantasy Writers 5 years ago
Thank you for your input. I agree with using the same God and Holy Spirit; my issue is more how to portay Jesus. I don’t agree with neglecting the death and resurrection, as that is what redeems us.
Now, while my tale isn’t about the death and resurrection, if I want it to have Christianity, at some point the “Jesus figure” would’ve had…[Read more]
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Michael Erasmus replied to the topic Popping in to Say Hi 😉 in the forum Introduce Yourself 5 years ago
Oh, that’s cool! Seven years is quite some time. How have you been finding it here?
Don’t worry about Afrikaans; I basically said that I can’t speak it well (and I’ve been here my whole life!). I learned only enough to get through school. My family is mostly English.
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Michael Erasmus posted a new activity comment 5 years ago
@kristianne-hassman I’m from Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, but I’m spending lockdown on a relative’s farm near Potch. What about you?
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I have no idea where those places are, but that’s cool! I live in Primrose, Johannesburg. 🙂
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@kristianne-hassman Nice! Vanderbijlpark is about 50 minutes from Johannesburg. Potchefstroom is in the North-West Province, well-known for its university. 🙂
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Michael Erasmus replied to the topic Popping in to Say Hi 😉 in the forum Introduce Yourself 5 years ago
@kristianne-hassman Woohoo, another South African! And a writer of fantasy and historical fiction. Awesome! I write mainly fantasy, but I’m often inspired by our world’s history, which I think is just so interesting.
Ek’s ook van Suid Afrika, en my Afrikaans is so sleg soos ‘n pantoffel(?), want ek’s uitlink Engels. Wat van jy?
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Michael Erasmus replied to the topic I drastically need help actually writing in the forum General Writing Discussions 5 years, 1 month ago
For what it’s worth, my daily goal is 1,000. With full-time work, other responsibilities, and exercising (which also helps having a clearer mind for creative work, I might add), I have neither the time nor the energy for more. On some days I squeeze in 1,500 or more, but then others I barely do 500. So don’t feel bad about that. Start…[Read more]
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Michael Erasmus replied to the topic I drastically need help actually writing in the forum General Writing Discussions 5 years, 1 month ago
This might sound abstract or even cheesy, but it’s what helped me in such a time, so hear me out. For me, the key to overcoming these obstacles is . . . LOVE! (This doesn’t just apply to writing, but I’ll explain it in a writing context.)
When you fan the flames of love for something, and embrace that love, then your focus will shift…[Read more]
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Michael Erasmus replied to the topic Hello World in the forum Introduce Yourself 5 years, 1 month ago
That makes sense, yes. Unless it doesn’t and I just think I understand…
Hmm, maybe that “nuh uh” feeling is good, like humility? Either way, you’ll figure it out. Maybe.
Those all sound very cool, but you got me at archery. I love it! Always used to do compound bows, but the bells and whistles make it too easy. This year I…[Read more]
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Michael Erasmus replied to the topic Hello World in the forum Introduce Yourself 5 years, 1 month ago
Hello there!
I get the “wide and picky taste” thing, though to me that comes in different forms. I love classical/orchestral pieces, but also love the heavier, more symphonic, metal genres (though I am very careful when it comes to lyrics). It may seem like two extremes, but they’re really not that different. Every other type of…[Read more]
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Michael Erasmus replied to the topic Favorite Fantasy Christian book? in the forum Fantasy Writers 5 years, 1 month ago
And someone’s read the Space Trilogy! I haven’t reached That Hideous Strength yet; I just finished Out of the Silent Planet and started Perelandra. So far, so good.
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Michael Erasmus replied to the topic Favorite Fantasy Christian book? in the forum Fantasy Writers 5 years, 1 month ago
@naiya-dyani Y E S! Don’t listen to those reviews saying that The Wingfeather Saga is just for children. Kids do love it, but the depth and messages it holds for adults are amazing.
If Tolkien’s Middle Earth works count as Christian, though, then I’d probably go with The Children of Hurin. It’s tragic but so beautiful!
Ted Dekker’s Circle Series…[Read more]
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Michael Erasmus replied to the topic YA vs Adult fiction? in the forum General Writing Discussions 5 years, 1 month ago
When a story leans more towards young adult or teenage characters and themes, fewer older adults will enjoy it. Similarly, complicated and mature characters and themes may bore teenagers.
However, I would say that fiction doesn’t always have an age. There are works that can be equally enjoyed by both young and old readers. Take Lord of…[Read more]
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Michael Erasmus replied to the topic Depicting God in Fantasy in the forum Fantasy Writers 5 years, 1 month ago
Thanks; it helps to get feedback like this. I reached a point where I was utterly stumped, not for lack of ideas, but doubt as to whether they were good ideas.
As for the pagan gods being demons, I actually have something similar in the section I’m on. The “gods” show a religious group that the Dreamer will be their downfall, so they…[Read more]
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Michael Erasmus replied to the topic Strength in Numbers in the forum General Writing Discussions 5 years, 1 month ago
@deeprun Who needs geography when you can write your own world? And yes, I think I shall do that. Maybe I should take some time first getting a feel for the community as I’ve only just joined.
@daeus-lamb Good idea. I hadn’t noticed the “users online” section!
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Michael Erasmus replied to the topic Depicting God in Fantasy in the forum Fantasy Writers 5 years, 2 months ago
@daeus-lamb Thank you for the detailed reply. It helps a lot.
This is a good point. From a writing perspective, Jesus’ life story is amazing–the perfect hero stands strong and fearless, teaching, leading, working wonders. He faces temptation, rejection, betrayal. Falsely accused, He is put to death. But that’s just the climax, not the end. He…[Read more]
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Michael Erasmus replied to the topic Depicting God in Fantasy in the forum Fantasy Writers 5 years, 2 months ago
@daeus-lamb Thank you for the detailed reply. It helps a lot.
This is a good point. From a writing perspective, Jesus’ life story is amazing–the perfect hero stands strong and fearless, teaching, leading, working wonders. He faces temptation, rejection, betrayal, and pain to the point where all seems lost. Falsely accused, He is put to death.…[Read more]
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Michael Erasmus replied to the topic Strength in Numbers in the forum General Writing Discussions 5 years, 2 months ago
@naiya-dyani @deeprun Australia’s time zone is 9 hours ahead of mine, while New Zealand’s is 11 hours ahead. What would work is Western European time zones. For example, UK is only 2 hours behind.
Alternatively (and perhaps this would be better) I should look for critique partners/groups that don’t have sessions but rather pass a piece around for…[Read more]
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Michael Erasmus replied to the topic Strength in Numbers in the forum General Writing Discussions 5 years, 2 months ago
I’m in the same boat. Two things bother me:
- I can’t do physical writing conferences. I live in a small South African town far away from such lofty things, and there’s nothing in my local community (I’ve investigated). Though I’d prefer physical meetups, I recognize my solution HAS to be an online one.
- As I haven’t been able to interact much…
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Michael Erasmus replied to the topic How do YOU begin a fantasy story? in the forum Fantasy Writers 5 years, 2 months ago
Wow, I love how the responses vary. It shows how unique we all are, and different methods work for different people.
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Michael Erasmus replied to the topic How do YOU begin a fantasy story? in the forum Fantasy Writers 5 years, 2 months ago
It’s about time someone published a novel that opens with, “Once upon a time they lived happily ever after,” followed by 200 blank pages.
Also, that’s different but cool! What sort of images? People, places, events? A combination?
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