Of Troubadours, Tinkers and Troupes of Performers

In the feudal days of Medieval drudgery, when families struggled for meager subsistence, the appearance of troubadours, tinkers and troupes afforded a miraculous respite from the mud and toil. These travelers were welcomed, whether at the Manor or Commons, for even then humanity craved such food for the soul. It was a time to gather, share news, and barter… a time to laugh and dream… the essence of community.

Today, in the face of technology’s siren and the digital waves cascading amidst the ether we inhabit, such “community” of old, so personal and alive, is of the highest relevance. This weekend, my family basked in its heartening light at the New Jersey Renaissance Faire - http://www.njrenfaire.com.

Adorned in our costumes, and filled with great expectations, we were not disappointed. My daughters (seven and eleven) and wife were greeted as Ladies of the Court or Princesses for a day… they met all manner of players and participants… all races and creeds. Some rode in chariots of steel – wheel chair bound – others on steeds. Many arrived as we did, in role and ready to be swept away in the enchantment. We visited each vendor in a meandering way, and received warm tidings from folk who clearly were doing something for the love of it. Let that phrase echo in your consciousness… for the love of it... FOR THE LOVE OF IT.

The merchants neither pushed, nor set prices too dear - there were treasures freely bestowed and those worth a fair penny. The conversations were rich and resplendent in goodwill. Games for the little ones, a quest for the brave, artisans plying their trade, warriors on the prowl, musicians piping, and actors performing – we drank deeply of the “community” of it all.

The performers commandeered the crowd in the tradition of live entertainment - clever, funny, bawdy (but clean), silly, spontaneous and simply delightful. Indeed, at one venue, Merlin placed the fate of his players in the audience’s hands with a popular vote at action cusps. One poor actress was not once, but twice catapulted to her doom by our heroes.

In our wanderings, we marveled at the magical folk of the village of Crossford. Rarely do I relax among a crowd, and yet there was a pervasive spirit of mirth and acceptance that set my radar at ease. It was infectious in the best way. My youngest boldly stopped a bearded berserker with two swords that made Little John look like a sprout… she calmly asked this giant where the chess game would occur. Later, she was drafted with glee into that living chess merriment (as were other children). I believe she was a bishop for Morgana la Fey’s team… perhaps she will be one of King Arthur’s opposing pieces next week. It doesn’t matter, for as she’s learning, evil is mostly in the eye of the beholder. Let what you carry in your heart define your world. Of course, there was a moment’s hesitation stumbling upon that fellow in the horned helmet, black leather armor array with many sharp things (say that ten times fast)… it seemed I was paying my regards to Frazetta’s Death Dealer in the flesh… but even he gave fair greeting to my girls, and was in return met by shy smiles. In my eldest’s face, I saw a dawning appreciation of the effort that it must have taken to assemble that fearsome guise.

Having attended last year’s NJ RenFaire, we knew somewhat of our fate as we embarked from our quiet home. Yet, this year’s revelry offered so much more… vendors, characters, performances, musicians, actors, jousts, archery, woodwork, glassworks, leather arts, potions, lotions, oils, clothes, fencing, antiques, bones, jewelry, flowers, flames, swordsmanship… the list is too long to do it justice. As a father, I’m obligated to enrich my children and provide guidance in this confusing world – well there’s time enough later for textbooks, computers and employment resumes – for now, let them embrace imagination and community.

I offer a rousing “HUZZAH” to the entire RenFaire tribe, with special thanks to TJ, Phil, John, Pete, Aileen, Mitch, Dan, Jim and Katie.

Breathe slowly, observe humbly, dream deeply and evolve.

W.L. Hoffman
Author
The Soulstealer War: The First Mother’s Fire
The Soulstealer War: The Splintering Realm (pending)
http://www.SoulstealerWar.com

New Fantasy and Sci-fi Author to Attend BookExpo America 2009

In these uncertain times, when digesting the daily serving of discouraging news, remember that there is no greater fountain of hope than that which lies in the deep waters of the human soul.

Since my prior Blog entry, my author labors have consisted of marketing Book I, working on Book II, and preparing for BookExpo America 2009 (BEA). Trust me… that triumvirate speaks volumes. There are not enough hours in the day. BEA, held in New York City this week, is touted as the largest North American publishing industry event. I have an exhibit booth and will be autographing The Soulstealer War during the Sci-Fi Salute on Saturday.

While my next entry will recap tales of BEA, here’s a recent Press Release for those who aren’t familiar with either my background or the Realm of Weir.

PRINCETON, New Jersey – March 2009 – Released in January 2008, The Soulstealer War: The First Mother’s Fire, is the first book in an epic fantasy series of magic and mysticism by debut author W.L. Hoffman. Despite the risks and challenges inherent with small press/self-publishing, the novel’s critically acclaimed content has propelled Hoffman from relative obscurity to placement on Barnes & Noble’s shelves. In August 2008, due to demand, a second printing of the novel was completed in traditional offset lithography format. Ingram is the distributor. For a new author, the learning curve has been steep - and a dream come true - but one replete with trials and tribulations. There's a story in that journey in addition to the novel’s unique fantasy vision that touches upon philosophy, the universe and true magic. The novel also features dazzling original cover art by the esteemed Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell. BookExpo America 2009 held in New York City is the next career step for Hoffman who knows that beyond talent, it takes perseverance and luck to succeed as a writer. While he hopes this opportunity will bring heightened access to readers and mainstream publishers, Hoffman is thrilled to participate in this milestone.

“This is one of the best fantasy books… within the past couple of years.” Roundtable Reviews

“Indeed, it is the mark of good genre fiction that it is able to transcend its foundations and shake the very rafters of existence. Douglas Adams did it with his Hitchhiker's Guide series, Tolkien did it with his Middle Earth, and now W. L. Hoffman has done it with the beginning of The Soulstealer War series.” Front Street Reviews

“Highly recommended for community library fantasy collections and for fantasy lovers in general…” Midwest Book Review, Small Press Bookwatch Vol. 7, No. 5

About the Book: Unemployed after graduation, Kenneth McNary seeks inspiration on the Appalachian Trail. He never suspected that it would find him first. Ken is transported to a fairytale world by a god-like sentience and is tasked with uniting its denizens for a coming war—a war with eternal consequences for every soul consumed by the Enemy. While grappling with his strange surroundings, Ken learns that humans are slaves to near-immortal beings who have lost their magic. Complicating this situation is a mysterious new race of magic wielders and the reappearance of subterranean, flesh-eating creatures long thought extinct. To survive and embrace his destiny in a land hostile to humanity, Ken must discover the Fire within. But he faces two problems: he is a novice pitted against masters, and the magic may kill him before the masters do!

About the Author: W.L. Hoffman was born in the 1960’s in Atlantic City. Hoffman’s interest in reading fantasy and science fiction was voracious from an early age. He took advanced English curricula through high school, received his BA in English from Duke University and attended English literature classes at New College at Oxford University in England. Following his introduction to legislative drafting while serving in the Duke University student government, Hoffman obtained his JD from Cornell Law School. While there, his dreams wandered into strange realms as he quested for life’s higher meaning. Thus was born the foundation for The Soulstealer War. Ultimately, Hoffman left his law practice to pursue his writing career. He currently resides in central NJ with his wife and daughters. He enjoys spending time with his family in their organic vegetable garden, exploring the Sourland Mountains, and telling tales on the front porch to the next generation of dreamers and writers.

The Soulstealer War: The First Mother’s Fire
By W.L. Hoffman, http://www.soulstealerwar.com/
ISBN-13 (Paperback): 978-1598-585-391
Price: $14.95 – 284 Pages
BookExpo America 2009, Booth 5049, May 29-June 1, Javits Center, NY

For more information: WLHoffman@SoulstealerWar.com