Novel Ideas

If being a "monster" is about survival, then being a villain is about power. Villains force us to ask what it means to bend the world toward our own desires, no matter the cost. Voldemort pursued pure-blood supremacy. Dr. Drakken wanted to eliminate a high school cheerleader before conquering the world. Cats—if memes are to be trusted—dream of humanity's eventual subservience. Whether absurd or terrifying, villainy exposes moral decay, unchecked ambition, and the dangerous belief that the world exists to satisfy one's own ends. If only such worlds remained safely imagined instead of becoming blueprints for reality. Enjoy the episode! BYYEEE!!!!

I find it hard to deny my own capacity to be monstrous. Push me far enough and I don't need claws to shred, fists to bruise, or powers to destroy. Life is worth enough to protect at all costs. My humanity? Well, there lies the question. Do monsters lack humanity? Humans are surprising, are we not? It seems childish to consider what we wouldn't do to keep ourselves alive, as long as your morals and ethics are guiding you. Shade Darby, Dekka Talent, and Cruz Rojas are just a few characters from today's episode asking what makes a monster, and what do we do with the power it affords us? I hope you enjoy. BYYEEE!!!!

Just as darkness can hide or permit the truth of our nature, light can obscure or highlight our greatest flaw. Behind the wishes for a return to society, it's hard to avoid the inevitability of judgment. Whether it be from the forces of darkness seeking the destruction of all in the FAYZ, or the external world ready to place their authority above the children, a truth will be hard to ignore: light reveals all, both and good and everything in-between. I hope you enjoy this final episode of the "GONE" series. BYYEEE!!!!

When life gives you lemons, imagine them squirting into your eyes, tripping on some steps and dying from the impact. Fear is a funny thing, isn't it? You live your life and the impossible confronts you, or at least what seems illogical. The FAYZ has been dangerous for a number of reasons, but the semblance of night and day has kept life in the dome "normal", until a growing black stain threatens an eternal darkness. Could you imagine anything as scary as not knowing whether your eyes are open or closed? Hopefully there's a star out there guiding our characters through the gloom. Enjoy this penultimate episode to the "GONE" series. BYYEEE!!!!

One could say the greatest challenge in life is to walk a road. Down and much further ahead, there is a horizon that supersedes our vision of life and our choices in love, in life, and in safety. We straddle a world of choices and just up above us, claimed and lost in our vision, a star. And as we gaze on to emblazon our hopes, our fears and dreams of a life made better, it's a call to a sweet fortune, to continue living better at the end of it all, in this moment and the next. I hope you enjoy the analysis and hope to have you next episode! BYYEEE!!!!

It's been a minute since I've gotten emotional and even more so talking about how an album has allowed me to reflect on life and Ryan Beatty's album did that for me. Life is full of contradictions and you must still live, flawed, insecure, and hopeful. I'm reading the lyrics in this part 1 of 2, spurring you to listen to the episode and album for the lyrics before my breakdown following this. It's a beautiful piece and one quite meaningful for anyone trying to find solace and gratitude in a life we are fortunate to live in spite of its contradictions. I hope you enjoy! BYYEEE!!!!

Plagues are notoriously difficult to manage. Could you imagine trying to exterminate a bunch of 5-foot tall gut-roaches? How about solving the case of a spreading cough that gives one the supernatural ability to break one's own neck and cough up your lungs? And has anyone figured out how to stop the incessant voices of doubt that plagues this or that choice? No solution is perfect, especially when there isn't anything to solve or fix. Sometimes, you can only try to survive doing your best, which if you're planning on listening to this episode from beginning to end, you deserve a medal. Please enjoy this episode whenever it finds you! BYYEEE!!!!

A boyfriend who cooks, a dream internship, and a spot on the varsity soccer team alongside new friends—Darius finally has everything he thought he wanted. So why doesn't he feel as happy as he expected? In this bonus episode, our brother Darius discovers that getting what you want isn't always the end of the story. Sometimes the hardest part begins after the choice is made.

Darius the Great is learning about life, personhood, and the importance of history to one's own journey. Unfortunately, a trip to Iran towards this self-actualization comes with a mentally-declining grandfather and a hard lesson about beginnings and endings. Get choked up with me as we watch a family try to figure out how to make it through when things aren't as okay as we say they are. Enjoy! BYYEEE!!!!

If I had a choice, I'd prefer truth or a lie. At least then, I'd know how much of an idiot I was, or am, for making the same decision. Lies are much more finicky. Loose and untethered. Dangerous. Just ask Orsay, or Hank, or Mary, rest her soul. To believe a lie is truth is to uproot yourself, and dangle on the whims of reality, whomever you're viewing it from. I wish I could say watch out for them, but it wouldn't be much help. Lies are deceptive, capable of fooling anyone. Hopefully you enjoy today's episode and are just as excited for Plague next week! BYYEEE!!!!

Happy 30th to me-and anyone else who is lucky to be born at this time. Summer is warm, alive, and provoking, touching all who rests underneath the sun at its peak until everything is laid bare. Perhaps that's why "Obsession" offers the perfect story through which to review what may be one of life's greatest lessons. As with most truths worth learning, this one reveals itself only in time. To live honestly and earnestly-for yourself and for others-you must eventually understand a simple but difficult truth: Know when to let go. I hope you enjoy this episode! BYYEEE!!!!

It's one thing to be gone; it's another to go hungry. Anything is possible if the ache and pang that touches your backside, or those around you, can be quelled for one everlasting moment. So if that means stealing, scapegoating, or sacrificing those around you for such a gift, line up the sacrificial lambs, or "freaks", whichever you prefer. As long as I get mine. I hope you enjoy today's episode! BYYEEE!!!!

For the next couple of weeks, it's everything gay, queer, and complicated. This episode features conversations about projection, childhood, and accepting the tides of change amidst mid-life crises as a 30-something. Enjoy this bonus episode. BYYEEE!!!!

Between everyone 15+ disappearing, not knowing where your family has gone, and trying to fight off a malicious influence corrupting the world around you for it's own benefit, it makes looking for a new job feel like a walk in the park. Sam, Quinn, and Astrid have a lot ahead of them as their world of Perdido Beach becomes much more interesting than any of them could've imagined. I hope you enjoy today's episode, with the complete file uploaded, about danger around every corner, reluctant heroes, and my aging skin. BYYEEE!!!!

We've followed Josh and Sophie to the literal end of the Earth, or maybe the beginning depending on where you stand. Nicholas and Perenelle are one their final day of life trying to ensure that San Francisco is safe from the beasties on Alcatraz, and Virginia Dare stands at the forefront of humanity rebellion towards a brighter future as "The Enchantress". I hope you enjoy this final episode of the series, "The Secrets of Immortal Nicholas Flamel". BYYEEE!!!!

To become waerloga, a warlock, is to betray your word, name, and value as they once were for who you are now. Machiavelli and Billy the Kid can't see the destruction and chaos put upon humanity, Josh can no longer stand the sight of his sister, and many will sacrifice anything to save those they love. Betrayal has its purposes for selfish and gallant intents. But where does your heart lie when you make a decision that defines everything that follows you upon your path? Enjoy this episode, lest you betray me and the story that is soon to end. BYYEEE!!!!

What is one to do when the world feels against you? Trusting someone who's tried time and again to kill you and your companions for the last week, or so that's Josh's lot in life. Nicholas has proven himself to be untrustworthy, but feels backed into a corner with no choice but to follow in Flamel's footsteps. Unfortunately, Josh has made his own decisions that will put him in trouble and have him fall at the feet of a goddess or monster in disguise. With friends like John Dee, who could've expected anything less? I hope you enjoy Josh's transition to "Necromancer" and all that befalls one who casts his family aside. BYYEEE!!!!

Standing in the shoes of Perenelle Flamel is difficult, least of all because she resides in the place of a High Priestess; enigmatic and self-possessed with great intuition matched by a repository of knowledge and skill that makes her dangerous to many who know of her reputation. Meeting with The Sphinx and coming out alive, she will befriend Elders and make more enemies as she finds her way off of Alcatraz, proving why those of overlook "The Sorceress" will leave worse than they came. Enjoy this episode! BYYEEE!!!!

Magicians serve as a bridge to the divine; firm conduits of learned knowledge that proves insightful and dangerous, mentors and guides to the uninducted, and Josh has yet to be Awakened. He's gullible and angry enough at Nick to fit right into John's hands as he works on helping his masters achieve their goal. I t remains to be seen whether John will be able to satisfy their request. Enjoy the new recording! BYYEEE!!!!

To be an alchemist is to understand what is fundamental about life: everything is subject to change. To initiate the twins into their destiny, it is functional that the truths of life are recognized. That danger is present where we least imagine it, and power protects as much as we determine it can. Enjoy the episode following Nicholas Flamel as our titular "Alchemyst". BYYEEE!!!!

In today's bonus episode, I'm speaking on a spoiler-free review for the movie and its conversation about names and titles, my love for "Killing Eve" and the "Toy Story 5" trailer, and re-uploads for the "Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel" episodes so far. I hope you enjoy tears, laughter, and a ultimate celebration of change. BYYEEE!!!!

It's so hard to say goodbye when twenty things piss you off about the ending of a series. Me and Bobby's "Uncle" have beef much bigger than the literal protagonist and antagonist. It's wild. If y'all listen close enough, I'll sound like a volcano erupting as Bobby and the other Travelers give it their last go at figure this issue balance and leaving the rest of it in the hands of the people of the universe. Good or evil? Who knows when all that matters is balance. Please enough my rant and farewell to one of my favorite book series! BYYEEE!!!!

It's bad enough we have to contend with politics in the real world; I can't even escape it in a fictional world, too? Saint Dane's out of the whole kit and caboodle this time. I was gonna say fascism has makeover, but there's always a suit, poor sociological skills, and a lackey to take the fall when the good gets going. And by good I mean getting rid of anyone who opposes the regime. Bobby's back in the game, but hopefully it's not too late. Enjoy the penultimate book of our series finale. Hobey-ho, let's go! BYYEEE!!!!

To say I've been an advocate for Bobby shirking the vague rules of Travelerdom for what seems a pointless endeavor protecting Halla speaks to the farcical nature of saving that which already seems lost. Ibara faces a threat of decimation unseen and Bobby is given the impossible: let the fate of thousands fall upholding the arbitrary value of "no trespasses" or choose survival at all costs and create chaos in the first place. Choice speaks loudly in this episode and personal decisions rarely avoid the inevitable. I hope you enjoy today's episode and tune in next Wednesday of "Raven's Rise". BYYEEE!!!!

Welcome to Quillan, a land of grey landscapes, tall buildings, and average citizens wagering their lives against bets in the hopes of improving their station. Kinda sounds like betting for the PowerBall, doesn't? Saint Dane's looking to prove himself, Mark and Courtney are trying to find a way through their own tragedy, and it's apparently been three years since Bobby went through that flume. Let's hope Bobby finds him way through sadistic games and another loss that's seemingly written in the stars. I hope you enjoy! BYYEEE!!!!

Water is a privilege for our world and many fictional lands and nations lucky to not have to deal with its general absence. So when Loor's home, XhaXhu, has found its riverbeds, reservoirs, and fountains bone dry, tensions naturally rise to such a crisis in the desert lands of Zadaa. And with the Rokador, the underground dwellers of XhaXhu who control the flow and access to this resource missing, the Batu on the surface must find a way to ensure their survival. It's a conversation about privilege, access, and the sins of the fallen in today's episode. I hope you enjoy! BYYEEE!!!!

Eelong, here we come! Veelox was a loss. Saint Dane stayed around to give the final deathblow to the soul sucking entrapment perfect fantasies offer; now Eelong is caught between differing ideas of evolution, particularly the one who a species is decimated from chemical warfare or legal consumption. There is such a thing as right and wrong, after all. The grey reminds there's multiple ways towards your desired outcome. Choose wisely! BYYEEE!!!!

Fight against the truth and see a reality reflected back that fails to account for a world in dire need of change and rehabiliation. Aja and Bobby are seeking to defend Veelox form the machinations of Saint Dane, but what is doing the right thing? Bobby has questions about courage, sacrifice, discernment, and the ultimate regret for not knowing where your actions lead you or others to. Enjoy the journey and happy flaming! BYYEEE!!!!

It's 1937 in New York City on First Earth and Saint Dane's back for another round of causing chaos and havoc while Bobby learns how to navigate his Traveler duties after the unfortunate death of Uncle Press. The Hindenburg is pulling up and the thought of allowing history to play out seems to contradict the duties of making sure tragedies don't happen that could be prevented; the plot thickens for the complexity of what is and isn't supposed to happen and its effect on our existence as we know it. Please enjoy today's episode and tune in next week for "The Reality Bug"! BYYEEE!!!!

To say my appreciation for this poetry collection limitless, I'll let the episode say everything I want or need to. Enjoy this critical review of the book and don't forget to tune in to our next episode this Wednesday and Happy Life Filled With Black History! BYYEEE!!!!

Enjoy a reading of the poetry collection as Part 1 of our last episode for Black History Month.

Turns out I was so annoyed with Uncle Press and his secrecy in the second book, I didn't even give the song that best fits the book. Cloral is a land of water and unforeseen consequence as Bobby attempts to follow in the footsteps of his uncle with few tips on how to best be the Traveler that the territories will eventually need. But it's a part of the plan, apparently, not that I'm convinced. Bobby's doing what he can; better than what I could say for myself. See why Press would be tired of me in today's episode, LOL!  BYYEEE!!!!

By building a new restaurant in Savannah with Mashama Bailey, Johno Moriano embarks on a journey of introspection that challenges his notions on Blackness, racism, and the historical intersection his and Mashama'a restaurant lays on. The Grey is the incumbent space in which to experience food and its living history as we continue to live and find ways to better ourselves in the communities we build. Please enjoy today's episode and tune in tomorrow for tomorrow's continuation of the "Pendragon" series. BYYEEE!!!!

Bobby Pendragon discovers he's a "traveler" and embarks on a journey upholding the balance of Halla as Saint Dane, our primary antagonist, seeks to upend that balance. But amongst the conversation of imperialism, colonialism, and enslavement lies a truth about complicity in systems that maintain the status quo and not always preparing the next generation to handle such immense responsibilities when concerning the fate of others' lives. Enjoy the commentary and keep a watch out for Saturday's episode on Mashama Bailey's "Black, White, and The Grey". BYYEEE!!!!

"107 Days" is a short time relative to our perspective of work and commitment. There's a range of seconds and minutes detailing doubts and dedications without much to account for the endings of things. There is future behind any timeframe where desires propel us forward amidst the strife and change of life. And what could stand such a test except a bid for presidency in such a time of great tumult as these? Please enjoy this episode as we are entering the third week of Black History Month! BYYEEE!!!!

Shane and Ilya are in the throes of their relationship and it's disgusting! Love-dovey kisses, heart-wrenching proclamations, declarations of passions? Check, check, check! Ignore my jealousy; it isn't all guns and roses. Relationships take work and we must decide how we are going to move into the next stages of life and commitment. Shane and Ilya are exclusive, Ilya's going through major changes, and Shane's finding happiness in his career while maintaining the secrecy of their relationship that Ilya is changing his opinion on. He wants Shane now, and he doesn't really care about what everybody else has to say. On top of growing mental health concerns and fears about the future, will honesty change everything? Or will it bring him and Shane closer than ever. Find out in today's episode! BYYEEE!!!!

Enjoy a light-hearted recap where I revisit Season 1 and remind you of the most important details before tomorrow's episode! BYYEEE!!!!

Who knew Bob the Drag Queen writing in the voice of Harriet Tubman was everything I needed? Bringing a historical figure to life is a great undertaking, greater with a legacy that has redefined the lengths one has taken to ensure freedom is weighted for all its worth. We live in our expression and this book stands to offer history in a way textbooks should aspire to. Enjoy this episode as much as I did! BYYEEE!!!!

Troy is having issues confronting the recent loss of his ex-boyfriend, ex-teammates, and ex-best friend in the span of a week. Throw in a trade to what is considered one of the worst teams in the Hockey League, there isn't much in the world that could distract him from what feels to be the worst time of his life except for the cute redhead with a smile and cheerful disposition that’s hard to ignore. Enjoy another episode in the series asking us whose love matters most and what’s worth standing up for. BYYEEE!!!!

Apparently, your 30s are the new 20s and when you hit 40, you're basically dead. I hope my knees make it out of this transition okay, maybe even better than Eric Bennet, a 41-year old soon-to-be retiree, and Kyle Swift, a 25- year old grad student, who end up falling in love with each other. If only mutual interests in just about everything else made the characters realize how good they are for each other, the book wouldn't be as long. But then I wouldn't have a podcast anymore. Don't read that part anymore! Enjoy tonight's episode! BYYEEE!!!!

With this third installment of the "Game Changer" series, the Toronto Guardians' defenseman, Ryan Price, carries the weight of conflict externally on the ice, and internally in his heart, as he questions whether hockey's truly meant for him. Pair that with a recent anxiety diagnosis, an unfurnished apartment, and 12 year-old crush that reignites after walking into a drugstore, Ryan has a lot of decisions to make. Some things change, others stay the same, and we have to ask ourselves whether the sacrifices asked of us sometimes is worth it all. Enjoy today's episode, especially if you are at your own crossroad in life. BYYEEE!!!!

Who knew love could be so healing in a world that seeks to define and restrict its access to those it considers delinquent? Being gay, or queer, shouldn't be sentencing for isolation and abstinence; a culling of the mind and body for what is possible for us all, if that is what we desire. Shane and Ilya are in love, with the sport that has defined their drive and passion to live a life constituted of fulfillment and acknowledgment of that which matters most, what we want in life and how dedicated we are to seeing it come to life. So why shouldn't they be able to love each other? Enjoy today's episode with open ears and heart longing for understanding and recognition. BYYEEE!!!!

In what I lovingly describe as Challengers if Art and Patrick actually ended up in a relationship, both surprisingly come psychosexual drama, complicated feelings about championship prizes, and an impact that leaves me considering the nature of humanity and its fixation on romance. Love and desire are wonderful things, if you so happen to choose it for the better. Enjoy the episode and don't forget to tune in this Wednesday for our second book of the series, Heated Rivalry! BYYEEE!!!!

Who knew I needed the love story between two great men to instill a greater love for life and the many ways it can surprise and teach and remind us that romance for life brings love and enjoyment to us. Hopefully you'll like the story of Silas and Dino, love the name, as much as I do! Happy New Year! Enjoy the episode! BYYEEE!!!!

Happy Holidays, everyone! Enjoy this episode on Christmas, capitalism, and the timelessness of a great holiday soundtrack. Tune in this Wednesday for Faux Ho Ho by Nathan Burgoine. I can't believe I didn't read a holiday romance with the classic "Let's lie to my family about who I'm bringing home to destroy my brother's political career" or something like that. I haven't read it yet, lol. BYYEEE!!!!

On this Christmas Eve, a little boy and girl are visited by their creepy Godfather with a gift like no other. Turns out Christmas stories made in the 1800s had to include some creep factor lest it not be published. And a fantastical twist or two, vain princesses, and a Nutcracker with some cracked teeth set to eventually kill a seven-headed Mouse King, and this story gives you just about everything you're looking for this holiday. Enjoy this classic story and don't forget to watch over your dolls. We should all remember Little Soldiers. BYYEEE!!!!

Whoever said a movie had to be the exact copy of the book has never seen this movie. Where parts agree wholeheartedly with the ethos of the novel, independent changes creates a new story where our protagonist figure seems to be more defined by the influences of men rather than venturing into a world that remains ever-changed from her perspective. Both rebellious and staunch in its comment to the realities of girlhood and womanhood, I am reminded that every woman has their own life to live. I hope you watch and enjoy my commentary on the topic. BYYEEE!!!!

While I may not be happy that young girls are referred to as "little women", there is something unavoidable about it all. That girls live as future women, and the learning comes daily in life, blurring the line between the present time and a future obligation. Sobering and delightfully written, enjoy this week's episode of The Novel Ideas Podcast. You won't regret it! BYYEEE!!!!

I never thought I'd be willing to abduct a kid to save them from their horrible family, yet hear I stand after watching "Home Alone" again. Neglectful parents egging on an eight-year old, snotty siblings, AND robbers trying to burglarize your home in the guise of a cop? Sounds like the holidays to me if I've ever had it told. Enjoy me truly screaming in the microphone that everybody except Kevin can suck a mean at the end of it all. I hope you enjoy the holiday cheer oozing from this episode of another classic. BYYEEE!!!!

Has your Dad ever manipulated the Joy market to ensure the longevity and reach of Christmas? Shouldn't surprise you that Kris and Coal's Dad, Santa is heavily invested in such a thing. Tough enough to have your Mom leave you and your brother behind, or later in life have your Dad force you into an arranged marriage with best friend to gain a cut of Easter's Joy shares; now this? Join in on a discussion of writing, overconsumption, and the thing that matters most this holiday, sex. Enjoy this week's episode! BYYEEE!!!!