Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Welcome, to the Arena!

After a rather enjoyable weekend of family fun and time spent watching the recent UFC match between Silva and Okami, I've pondered an idea of gladiatorial proportions. Quite literally, gladiatorial. I've loved the story of the gladiator, both tragic and epic. From the pride and downfall of Spartacus to the redemption and prominent rise of Pomponius Hylas, gladiators have served as the typical and proto-athlete of modern sports. I know the Greek Olympics were the beginnings of friendli-ish competition in the arena, but it is the gladiator that gave rise to sports as we know it today. There were popular and unpopular gladiators, some were used to advertise brothels, whilst others served as a warning to those unhappy with the affairs of State. Nevertheless, the story of the gladiator has been tried and tested over the years in both print and film. Some stories were executed well, whilst many were shallow attempts. I am hoping to add my name to the short list of those who succussfully told stories worthy of audience of gladiators. Sooooooooooooo, this is all leading to a novella of original grid iron athletes. So hold on tight and stay tuned!

10 comments:

  1. I liked Gladiator and Spartacus. Good stories with lots of conflict. Good luck on yet another adventure. :)

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  2. I liked them also. Gladiator was a good remake based on Commodus' cruelty toward Roman citizens and the conquered tribes of Greater Germania. Spartacus has been remade several times, though I feel Kirk Douglas was the best version (I'm a purist).

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  3. This could be a fantastic short story! I, as you well know after reading my book, enjoy action within a story. It must, however, be well written action - otherwise it's mostly confusing. After reading your prologue, which introduces the story in the aftermath of some serious action, I think you'll 'nail-it'.

    By the by....I should have that second chapter read by tomorrow. Vacation stole me away for awhile! ~ Nadja

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  4. Thank you so much, Nadja! I know what you mean about vacations!

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  5. I watched the same event… I love the UFC.
    Can’t wait to read what you’ve got.

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  6. My nephew introduced me to the UFC a couple of months ago. I'm likin' it.

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  7. Oooh, how cool, Spartacus is my favorite show on cable! I love gladiator stories of all kinds. My book even has references to it near the end.

    Jeff King said today that you were "an avid writer, awesome blogger and superb follower..." so I decided to check you out and am now following you. I look forward to trolling through your past posts!

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  8. Good luck with it! I love stories about gladiators-- they're something so inherently tragic about people forced to fight for the death.

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