I have another blog post I need to write, which means procrastin — I mean, “waiting for inspiration”. So why I don’t I just get out the ol’ lasso here and round up a few of the more interesting links I’ve stumbled across through this here internet.

First, I hope you all had the chance to at least download a copy of the latest Marvellous Adventure. In case you missed it you can just click here and go ahead.

An article I read awhile back talked about the results of a psychological study analyzing the impact fictional characters can have on readers’ lives. Of course, good writers have always known to emphasize character in their novels. This just gives one more good reason.

They say to never judge a book by its cover. But a good cover for a good book is worth a thousand words — literally. Here are some covers that some people think are some of the best ever. Their tastes and mine differ a bit, but I like the sentiment. And on the same subject, check out this article which examines how modern publishers are brushing up the covers on some classic titles to attract a new generation.

As you may have heard the next and last Batman movie from director Christopher Nolan is coming up in just a couple of weekends, and every geek is all Batman Batman Batman. Among the devotees are Geoff Boucher from the Los Angeles Times’ Hero Complex website, where he writes about visiting the set of the upcoming The Dark Knight Rises and talks to some of the people involved. Also getting into act, but with a more retrospective twist, is my good friend Dan Marcus. On his blog he takes a couple trips down memory lane and remembers being an eager fan waiting for the previous two installments of the trilogy: here’s Waiting For Batman, all about the buildup to Batman Begins, and Before The Dawn, an account of how he followed the production of The Dark Knight while it filmed in his own city of Chicago.

A couple of inspirational motivators. From blogger and author K.M. Weiland is the Wordplayer’s Manifesto. I liked pretty much everything it said. And even for all of you who aren’t writers, did you know that your dream is not dead? Now you do. Finally, here’s a nice little chart that made me smile (but as they warn, it should be taken with a pinch of salt).

Lastly, it was a sad thing to learn of actor Andy Griffith’s passing recently. He was a fine comic actor and I have fond memories of watching him in both The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock. This article in The New York Times studied a little-thought-of aspect of his role as the Sheriff of Mayberry.

And to leave on this note, let me pay tribute by sharing a funny and favourite bit of his stand up comedy. Ladies and gentlemen, Andy Griffith’s version of Romeo And Juliet…