Brian Stansell

@obrian-of-the-surface-world

My favorite quote is this from Hamlet, Act 5, Scene 2, lines 211-16:

HAMLET

Not a whit. We defy augury. There’s a

special providence in the fall of a sparrow.

If it be now, ’tis not to come. If it be not to

come, it will be now. If it be not now, yet it

will come—the readiness is all. Since no

man of aught…[Read more]

@obrian-of-the-surface-world

Brian,

Thank you for the response, it was most interesting to read your thoughts. I’m glad I have found someone else who also thinks that Hamlet genuinely loves Ophelia.

I think that Hamlet is disillusioned with marriage and women in general, after being so hurt by his mother’s actions and, also, since his overtures…[Read more]

@obrian-of-the-surface-world

With all the desire to portray Hamlet in a new and interesting light which (I assume) runs rampant through the minds of actors and critics alike, do you know why most, if not every, “get thee to a nunnery” scene is portrayed with violence?

I should like to see it differently done.

@obrian-of-the-surface-world

I really love this one, from the end of Julius Caesar:

His life was gentle, and the elements
So mixed in him that Nature might stand up
80And say to all the world, “This was a man.”

Why? partly because it’s a praise of Brutus, whom I liked, but mostly because I think it a very high compliment; not that he was ric…[Read more]

@obrian-of-the-surface-world

That is precisely why I loved Hamlet’s speech. It also reminded me of the lyrics/message of one of my favorite bands. I love the way his speech is used in Brave New World, which I had actually read before Hamlet.

@obrian-of-the-surface-world

That’s very impressive! Your characters sound very… human. Aren’t we all “flawed, wounded, and guilty, yet seeking”? If that doesn’t describe humanity, nothing would. It’s important to have characters like that, as it’s the most real thing you could have in a story. Best of luck with your journey, Brian, and…[Read more]

@obrian-of-the-surface-world

Hey, thank you for subscribing!

“first 31 chapters” I totally did not roll my eyes at that… FIRST 31 I mean come on! XD That’s really good lol

@rose-colored-fancy

Hi… my mom was wondering why Roasted Vegetables hadn’t subscribed to my newsletter yet. I wouldn’t ever force someone to deal with my, but since…[Read more]

@obrian-of-the-surface-world

We live in challenging times prophetically, but as writers, we know that God is still in control even when it looks like all things that bring us comfort in life are stripped away.

Amen.

There will always be those claiming that times are worse than ever or that the end of the world is coming, but when one studies…[Read more]

@obrian-of-the-surface-world

I’m sorry to hear about your mom, Brian. It’s hard losing a parent, I know, but it will get easier as time passes. After a while the pain fades away and you focus more on the good moments you had with her. Is there a memory you have of her that makes you laugh?

I agree that 2022 needs to be the year for comedy! All…[Read more]

@obrian-of-the-surface-world

Hey brother, I’ve got one word for you: Banter

Other than that, I love having a character who is always up to shenanigans, or is flippant in behavior. Juxtapose this character’s facetious mind or actions with a serious situation, and humor abounds.

@obrian-of-the-surface-world

Hey Brian, nice to see you around again. Hope 2022 will be an easier year for you 🙂

Would any of you be willing to share a book title of something funny you have read, or a passage in something you wrote that you found comical?

So, I do my best to be funny in my writing, and there are several comedic techniques I…[Read more]

@obrian-of-the-surface-world

Hey Brian!! Good to see you around!

Whew! The last two years have been… (behemoth understatement) rough!

I’m sorry to hear that. Whether you mean in everyday life or with writing (I’m sure it’s both) I hope 2022 gives you a better time! I think we could all use a break. Or at least some comic to relieve the te…[Read more]