Jots Beyond the Margin
Author of Historic Dark Fantasy
Do You Know the History of Trolls?
In Old Norse, the word troll translates to "fiend" and I think that this definition most accurately translates with Norse mythology and Scandinavian folklore--each of which describe trolls a little differently from one another. Even still, this lumbering giant was...
Grow Your Brain
I work out at the Library If you like to build up a sweat, read my Tales of Malstria series. A Part Of The Funny Friday Series
Descended from Dragons
This was a fast paced, very original story. So much fun to read. Characters are likable and eclectic and you really care for them. Ms. Owens book pulls you in from the first page and by the end your glad she hints about more to come 🙂 Anne Moody (even though she has...
A Massive Mayan Discovery Underway
Image courtesy of PACUNAM/Marcello Canuto & Luke Auld-Thomas Archaeologists have long traipsed through the dense Guatemalan jungle in search of lost ancient Maya civilizations. But a new technology has made exploring vast jungles a much quicker and...
4 Ways Art Inspires Writing
This weekend you have an assignment. Grab a pen and notebook, go to your local art museum, and soak in the inspiration. How could you not, right? After all, museums are a reservoir of works from nationally renowned painters, sculptors, and artists, as well as pieces...
In the Eyes of a Son
I looked past Sethre to the sweeping storm as Velthr began our liturgy. The words passed through my lips without thought or feeling. In cadence and tone, flawless, they were wasted breath. “Ati lies dying,” was my singular thought. Excerpt from Gates the Hours...
Researching the High Middle Ages
At this time I'm researching my next novel Risen: Tales of Malstria. One of the books I'm reading right now is The High Middle Ages: 1000-1300. It's an interesting book that illustrates how political and economic life changed in the 11th Century, and how...
The Truth About Gargoyles
When you think of gargoyles you might imagine gothic cathedrals from medieval Europe. And you wouldn't be wrong. Gargoyles, having often times been built of stone, adorned many medieval structures and perhaps the most famous of all of them is Notre Dame de Paris....
Adopt a Book
I don't buy books I adopt and love them If you're looking for a book to adopt, you should look at my Tales of Malstria series. A Part Of The Funny Friday Series
Selot’s Tale
I found this book to be very original in the genre of fantasy; really well written; great setting; unpredictable. I'm curious to know where the story takes us after this. Not the usual fantasy drivel. In a small marquisate, on the untouched peak of its highest...
A 4,000 Year-Old Love Poem
On this Valentines Day I'd love to share with you the oldest love poem over found. Take notes if you want to impress! Bridegroom, dear to my heart, Goodly is your beauty, honeysweet, Lion, dear to my heart, Goodly is your beauty, honeysweet, ...
4 Ways Travel Inspires Writing
Pack you bags and join me on an adventure of a lifetime! To combat the "writer's block blues" splurge a little and experience something new and exciting. Don't worry though . . . inspiration through travel doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. You can customize...
A Look at Etruscan Religion
Raising the egg above his head, Velthr presented it to the east, the north, the west, the south. Over the altar he towered, his conical cap stretching his broad silhouette to a giant’s. His size seemed a joke of the gods, for he was in all other respects a...
Thrilled to Join a Book Club
I've never joined a book club before, and I've got to tell you, I couldn't be more excited. At this time, the book club is limited to my co-workers (Sara and Katie). They are ideal people to talk about books because, like me, they're not too serious. To say we laugh a...
The Unfortunate Life of Medusa
Medusa was once a priestess, serving the goddess Athena. Because of her striking beauty and golden hair, she was the envy of many men--but none could have her as she was sworn to celibacy. Unfortunately for Medusa, her immense beauty caught the eye of Poseidon. After...
The Hidden Dangers of Reading
I just can't fall asleep, and I've tried everything Except close my book You won't be able to stop turning pages when you read my Tales of Malstria series. A Part Of The Funny Friday Series
Free the Darkness
I really enjoyed reading "Free the Darkness." Never knowing what Rezkin was going to do next pretty much kept the pages turning for me ... he was my favorite. The storyline was well written and descriptive that I could picture every scene in my mind while reading this...
Medieval Times in Technicolor
Walk down any street, look at any magazine, or flip on your TV and you'll be dazzled by a multitude of brightly lit colors. You almost can't escape it, but why would you want to. Such amazing colors help our senses pop with delight. Yet, when most people...
Thank you so much for visiting Jots Beyond the Margin!
I hope that you found something to gnaw on for a while – something that sparked your imagination or curiosity.
Come again soon,
Traci Robison
