Bringing you stories, book and game reviews, writing tips, and updates from author S.G. Baker.
While passing a farmhouse late one summer evening, I overheard the weather forecast through an open window, the local meteorologist calling for light showers very soon. Though I saw no clouds in the sky, I took shelter beneath an overhang out in the field behind the house, making myself comfortable as the sun finished passing … Continue reading The Hopeful Wanderer – A Chance of Light Showers
Word Nerd Scribbles tends to feature only books that I liked enough to review (unless it's one that truly pissed me off), so I think it'll be fun to, for once, look at some books that I really don't recommend.
When I stopped at a well in the woods, I found within not water but a wretched waif. A pale figure curled up on a bed of grass and crushed flowers, the hands cupped over their head the picture of abject sorrow. Their voice bounced off the stone walls up to me, distorted and muffled. … Continue reading The Hopeful Wanderer – The Wretched Well
I recommend Sabriel for readers who like somewhat dark things with a bright twist and who like intelligent, capable female characters.
When the moon drew too close, we retreated indoors and barred the windows shut. Mystified, I helped with the task of preparing for a siege, but once the work was done, I tried to be on my way. The townsfolk would have none of it. "It's just a lunar eclipse," I argued. I was standing … Continue reading The Hopeful Wanderer – A Silent Eclipse
I would recommend The Traitor's Game for readers who like quick romances, enemies-to-lovers paradigms, and spy thrillers in a fantasy setting.
One evening, the stars looked down at me and asked, "Wanderer, you have traveled so far. What do you seek?" I sat below them on an open, grassy hill. Points of light blazed overhead, like colorful jewels set in a black velvet cloth, twinkling expectantly. "Hope, I think," I replied. For a moment, they said … Continue reading The Hopeful Wanderer – The Bravest Thing
Fairy tales have a tradition of presenting moral conclusions and this collection sticks to that tradition, but with a modern spin.
I came upon the rusting ruins of an ancient amusement park far, far away from civilization. Its Ferris wheel soared into the clear sky, the broken spokes and missing seats like the popped blood vessels in a drunkard's eyeball. Next to this, a single roller coaster loop made another eye, and there, a dry water … Continue reading The Hopeful Wanderer – When the Park Slept
In my wanderings, I often find myself traipsing a barren land. From horizon to horizon the ground stretches dry and cracked, riddled like puzzle pieces with the long-gone memory of water. Gray haze blows across the sky, blocking out the sunlight like smoke from an unseen fire. But I smell no ash, only empty heat. … Continue reading The Hopeful Wanderer – A Barren Heart
Word Nerd Scribbles 