Page 1
Note: Please observe that this is the first page of the drop-down menu for this department.
Clicking on the DRAGONOMICON main heading above opens a separate introductory page (if you didn't already know that).
This also applies to each of the other departments of ASTRONOMICON, NOUMENOMICON, and IMAGINOMICON.
Clicking on the DRAGONOMICON main heading above opens a separate introductory page (if you didn't already know that).
This also applies to each of the other departments of ASTRONOMICON, NOUMENOMICON, and IMAGINOMICON.
T A B E L A D e D R A G O N T E N T O
The above title is Portuguese for Table Of Contents. Well, almost; I tried to be clever by substituting Dragontento for Contento. By the way, I borrowed this from the DRAGONS AMONG US series where the three books' TOC headings are written in the same manner. Be that as it may, the following list describes what I have included on each page of DRAGONOMICON only. This is intended to be especially useful for returning guests or staff members who wish to revisit a specific page or gallery, but don't remember where they saw it.
Skywalks, Trams, Elevators, Stairs, and Escalators
The Art of Navigating DRAGONOPOLIS
As mentioned also in the Directory and Tour pages, it's actually very easy to navigate the many pages of DRAGONOMICON as well as all the other departments and galleries of DRAGONOPOLIS. Don't be put off by the seeming complexity of all these different sections and galleries. Almost every page has its own blue navigation buttons located either at the top or bottom of the page. Sometimes both. By clicking on these links you can jump to the next page, go back to the previous page, or return to the very top of the page where all the main menu items are again selectable. Additionally, the Table of Contents for each department contains separate buttons that jump to every page listed.
DRAGONOMICON MAIN
(main menu heading)
First Novels: A Personal Journey.
An Introduction to DRAGONOMICON.
Welcome. Any project that combines art and literature and has been ongoing for over two decades will invariably drag with it a lot of history (and luggage). The DRAGONOPOLIS website as a whole is dedicated to presenting (for better or worse) a large quantity of the writings and artworks accumulated over a span of many years, none the least of which are the numerous galleries on display. Accordingly only a portion of the illustrations and other renderings are intended for sale, while much of the art is either of historical significance (at least to me) or possesses some form of entertainment value (at least to me).
Thus when you find yourself reading (or not) the third (or more) synopsis of one book or another, please understand that multiple incarnations came and went over the decades. Among the pages of DRAGONOMICON, almost all of these overviews and summations have been included for your leisurely review and bemusement. When understood in the context of transitioning from pre-internet days to nearly all-internet times, it is easy, I think, to see how the writings and artworks needed to keep pace with constant, ever-changing circumstances -- both in the art field and the publishing world. This website itself represents one of the very end results of all those rapid changes over a long period of time.
Some of what I've so unashamedly paraded before my guests and visitors is very good. Often inventive, witty, even humorous, I've been doing it a long time; some of it better be memorable. That then brings me to confess that some (hopefully not a lot) of these materials might seem tame, lame, or short of my own standards of excellence. And my standards are set fairly low, I assure you. But with that admission (and acknowledgement) I think there's something here for everyone regardless of their personal tastes. This is especially true for the DRAGONS AMONG US series. But I digress; this cover page (and those that follow) will share my story and some of the things I think I've learned along the way. Take from it what you will. Or won't. Either way, thanks for making the trip.
Thus when you find yourself reading (or not) the third (or more) synopsis of one book or another, please understand that multiple incarnations came and went over the decades. Among the pages of DRAGONOMICON, almost all of these overviews and summations have been included for your leisurely review and bemusement. When understood in the context of transitioning from pre-internet days to nearly all-internet times, it is easy, I think, to see how the writings and artworks needed to keep pace with constant, ever-changing circumstances -- both in the art field and the publishing world. This website itself represents one of the very end results of all those rapid changes over a long period of time.
Some of what I've so unashamedly paraded before my guests and visitors is very good. Often inventive, witty, even humorous, I've been doing it a long time; some of it better be memorable. That then brings me to confess that some (hopefully not a lot) of these materials might seem tame, lame, or short of my own standards of excellence. And my standards are set fairly low, I assure you. But with that admission (and acknowledgement) I think there's something here for everyone regardless of their personal tastes. This is especially true for the DRAGONS AMONG US series. But I digress; this cover page (and those that follow) will share my story and some of the things I think I've learned along the way. Take from it what you will. Or won't. Either way, thanks for making the trip.
DRA1
Table Of Contents
You are here (a favorite theme of mine). This is the page you're currently on. If you didn't know that, we're both in trouble. Otherwise this page can serve as a general guide to what's inside DRAGONOMICON and where it's at. Including the galleries which are listed by name. The section (department) of ASTRONOMICON has its own TOC as well, as do NOUMENOMICON and IMAGINOMICON. Please note that this TOC is for DRAGONOMICON only.
DRA2
Galleria is a Synonym for Mall
An Introduction to the ART of POD
The Art Of Limited Editions
Bonfire of the Vain
Dragons of a Different Color
This page presents (among other things) an important discussion about my art and how I intend to sell it. Well, important that is, if one is in the market or mood to sooner or later obtain one or more of the many pieces on display. I think there's some good information here about the differences between various kinds of art and the reproductions of it that are available from a variety of sources. More today than ever in history. Interestingly the computer has done as much for art, literature, and music, as it has for science and industry. But you probably already knew that (or suspected it).
I hope you'll find the information on this page to be provocative and interesting even if you never buy a single thing from me. There is some material here, however, to keep in mind when you buy stuff from somebody else. I'll be hurt when you do, but I've developed a thick dragon skin over the years.
I hope you'll find the information on this page to be provocative and interesting even if you never buy a single thing from me. There is some material here, however, to keep in mind when you buy stuff from somebody else. I'll be hurt when you do, but I've developed a thick dragon skin over the years.
DRA3
Dragonia: Tales Of The Golden Talon
A Perfunctory Introduction and Overview
Found here is our first real introduction to the DRAGONIA Trilogy, what it entails, who it's about, and why my wife and I bothered with it in the first place. A more detailed explanation about the real history behind DRAGONIA can be found in Del's Lair which is listed separately under the main Directory heading.
And now for something completely different . . .
DRAGONS AMONG US The Series
Also presented on this page is a visitor's first glimpse at and into my latest trilogy of books. Designed for an older, more mature Young Adult readership, the three entries in the series are: The Ghosts Of Walker Pines, The Lost City Of The Dead, and DRAGONS AMONG US: The Preliminary Outlines. Part Adventure tale, part coming-of-age for sixteen-year-old Katie Baxter, part love story and all sci-fi fantasy, DRAGONS AMONG US introduces readers to a modern-day world where intelligent dragons have remained underground and undiscovered for fifty-thousand years. With Katie's help, all of that is about to change.
I've included the complete Prelude to the story, for which I substitute the Portuguese word Preludio, plus an excerpt that details the discovery of an ancient and highly unusual scroll. The full text of this scroll is provided on page DRA11 and not only makes for a fascinating read, but establishes the back story upon which the entire series is based. No spoilers are provided and for those who take the time, the scroll document smooths the transition from our world to the bizarre reality of another. It's a big help if you're really into dragons, but even if your interest is casual at best, I think you'll be surprised. Many innovative twists and spins have revisited and revised what are old (if not tired) themes that saturate this particular genre. In other words, you won't feel like you're reading just another dragon story. The addition of strong sci-fi elements elevate the series, I believe, to a level that should satisfy the most critical among us.
Not readily apparent, a subtle connection also exists between the DRAGONIA Trilogy and the DRAGONS AMONG US series. Though not ready for prime time as yet, plus I don't want to give too much away too soon, all things (as is said often in NOUMENOMICON) are connected. Thus my oft reiterated aphorism: One Part Of All, All Part Of One. In the meantime, hop on over to page three (DRA3) and check out the teaser material that's there. Oh, and by the way, please keep in mind that all the books can be found on Amazon in the Kindle Store. Cheap. Especially considering the amount of art that's in them. Thanks.
I've included the complete Prelude to the story, for which I substitute the Portuguese word Preludio, plus an excerpt that details the discovery of an ancient and highly unusual scroll. The full text of this scroll is provided on page DRA11 and not only makes for a fascinating read, but establishes the back story upon which the entire series is based. No spoilers are provided and for those who take the time, the scroll document smooths the transition from our world to the bizarre reality of another. It's a big help if you're really into dragons, but even if your interest is casual at best, I think you'll be surprised. Many innovative twists and spins have revisited and revised what are old (if not tired) themes that saturate this particular genre. In other words, you won't feel like you're reading just another dragon story. The addition of strong sci-fi elements elevate the series, I believe, to a level that should satisfy the most critical among us.
Not readily apparent, a subtle connection also exists between the DRAGONIA Trilogy and the DRAGONS AMONG US series. Though not ready for prime time as yet, plus I don't want to give too much away too soon, all things (as is said often in NOUMENOMICON) are connected. Thus my oft reiterated aphorism: One Part Of All, All Part Of One. In the meantime, hop on over to page three (DRA3) and check out the teaser material that's there. Oh, and by the way, please keep in mind that all the books can be found on Amazon in the Kindle Store. Cheap. Especially considering the amount of art that's in them. Thanks.
DRA4A
Professional Reviews
Bowker Books-In-Print and Writers Digest
Here are some reviews of the DRAGONIA Trilogy made early on. When an author ventures into this arena, the various potentials for obtaining reviews and the process of wading through individuals and companies who, for a fee, will happily oblige an author's desire to be reviewed, can be daunting. Once I discovered that most paid reviews are essentially meaningless (if not totally worthless), obtaining a true professional review for free from a reputable, well known source takes on a whole new value and significance. And is accordingly ultra-difficult if not impossible for most new authors to acquire. And that was many years ago. I can't imagine how things must be presently. Ultra impossible in need of a miracle? Probably. Don't get involved in the process, don't get out of the jungle boat, so to speak, unless you're willing to go all out and all the way.
For what it's worth, reviews are a lot like professional editors. If the people involved are not already somebody, the chances are you'll never be. That being said, however, you should go for it. I always did. Just keep your eyes open, a tight grip on your pocketbook, and realize that most quality reviews are free. I suppose that any review looks good, and it seems no matter how many times we're fooled by them, we let ourselves get hooked by the next one we see. I watch a lot of DVDs and it's gotten to the point that those with the most slobbering, complimentary reviews are almost certainly a total loser. Not always, but often enough. I hope DRAGONIA is rare exception.
For what it's worth, reviews are a lot like professional editors. If the people involved are not already somebody, the chances are you'll never be. That being said, however, you should go for it. I always did. Just keep your eyes open, a tight grip on your pocketbook, and realize that most quality reviews are free. I suppose that any review looks good, and it seems no matter how many times we're fooled by them, we let ourselves get hooked by the next one we see. I watch a lot of DVDs and it's gotten to the point that those with the most slobbering, complimentary reviews are almost certainly a total loser. Not always, but often enough. I hope DRAGONIA is rare exception.
The DRAGONIA synopses
Promoting a Mini-Saga
Gleaned from query letters, drafts of book jacket promos and other advertising notions, all books and especially long ones, trilogies even more so, are in constant need of explanatory blurbs intended to evoke interest that ultimately results in the sale of one's book. Writing these highly condensed versions of full length novels is surprisingly difficult for most authors. It certainly was for me. And still is, as I endeavor to make this website comprehensible.
Whether a one-liner, a single paragraph, or a full page or two, not only describing your story, but making it so exciting that somebody actually wants to read it, is a real art in and of itself. I think it's a whole science where people-of-letters sit around and determine what people are buying (literally and figuratively). I did my best, see what you think.
Whether a one-liner, a single paragraph, or a full page or two, not only describing your story, but making it so exciting that somebody actually wants to read it, is a real art in and of itself. I think it's a whole science where people-of-letters sit around and determine what people are buying (literally and figuratively). I did my best, see what you think.
Deleted Scenes, Outtakes & Alternate Realities
Speaking of trying to figure out what works and what doesn't, illustrations, adornments, illuminations, and other devices are their own nightmare when it comes to picking and choosing the "best". I gave up on finding the best a long time ago, and I don't really mean to use the word "nightmare". Panic-attack may be more suitable. Whereas there might be half a dozen different ways of saying the same thing using words, how do we select from half a thousand different choices, with a palette of thousands of different colors, when creating artistic themes and designs for a lavishly adorned literary work? As I come across more of my experiments in this area, I'll add them to this section.
Included in many of the galleries among all the departments of DRAGONOPOLIS (and elsewhere) are experimental pieces that arose from the process I describe. I've tried to identify each as much as possible. Sometimes you just know them when you see them. Then again, if you like it, make me a best offer.
Included in many of the galleries among all the departments of DRAGONOPOLIS (and elsewhere) are experimental pieces that arose from the process I describe. I've tried to identify each as much as possible. Sometimes you just know them when you see them. Then again, if you like it, make me a best offer.
DRA4B
DRAGONS AMONG US Continued
The Preliminary Outlines
DRA5
DRAGONIA
A New Literature for the Classic Tales of Ancient and Modern Lore
Still more background information that adds to the wealth (or poverty) of what has already been provided. Again, much of these writings were as experimental as the artworks when it came to fleshing (and flushing) out the stories behind the story.
Quickie Poster Quips
Slogans, Mottos, Snips, Snorts, Gags, and Wisecracks
A large, occasionally humorous collection of "one-liners" that were deemed suitable for use on prints, posters, calendars, a wide assortment of garments and so forth. It quickly became obvious that dragons lend themselves to a near endless trove of witty and sometimes clever jokes. Maybe a few of which are included in the list I created. If you have one of your own, please send it to me so I can steal it and add it to my collection. Thanks.
DRAGONIA: About The Original Single Volume First Printing
DRAGONIA: Tales Of The Golden Talon was not always a trilogy. It started out as a hefty, one volume beast that included illustrations which were only half complete at the time. Here's the story of that first, very unofficial printing.
DRAGONIA: The Synopses
Novel by Novel (my personal favorites)
The last set of encapsulations designed to stand alone or accompany other materials, the purpose of which was (is) to spark the interest of a publisher, a literary agent, or a single reader. These synopses would be my last sojourn into the realm of trying to convey the DRAGONIA story in as few words as possible. Some of you may celebrate this event; I think I did.
DRA6
DRAGONIA: Tales Of The Golden Talon
Presenting: The DRAGONOPOLIS Coloring Story Books
Now available for public sale until all remaining books are sold out, the DRAGONOPOLIS Coloring Story Books were originally designed to augment the DRAGONIA Trilogy itself. Requests for a coloring book series were numerous enough to warrant a small trial run and the results were considered promising. When the decision was made not to print a third edition of the main trilogy, additional coloring books were cancelled also. As of this writing, only about a dozen or so of the original coloring book trilogies (each a set of three volumes that match with their novel counterparts) remain unsold. Except for a couple sets held back, when these are gone, they're history.
DRAGONEERS
The Club
Coming in 2K17-20
Move over Scouts of America, make room for DRAGONEERS, a secular, all-faiths community-service oriented club for kids of all ages. What could be more natural than a service organization designed around dragons? I ask you: what's been the hold-up until now? Well, before someone else beats me to the fire, so to speak, I'd like to see a group of kids brought together under a common banner of good will, community improvement, and last but not least, fire safety. Actually safety of all kinds where children can learn to avoid accidents, make the world a little brighter, and aspire to attainable goals, all while having fun in the process.
I envision the DRAGONEERS as a broad-based, international organization whose membership is enjoyed largely over the internet. Composed at first of children and adults who love dragons, and for whom dragons might be a common conduit for associating socially, the community service aspect of such a "club" would focus on acts-of-kindness, so-called good deeds, a strong understanding of right and wrong, and the personal rewards derived from human decency that is acceptably selfish in nature. Sort of like Ayn Rand meets Ronald Reagan meets Martin Luther King.
I envision the DRAGONEERS as a broad-based, international organization whose membership is enjoyed largely over the internet. Composed at first of children and adults who love dragons, and for whom dragons might be a common conduit for associating socially, the community service aspect of such a "club" would focus on acts-of-kindness, so-called good deeds, a strong understanding of right and wrong, and the personal rewards derived from human decency that is acceptably selfish in nature. Sort of like Ayn Rand meets Ronald Reagan meets Martin Luther King.
DRAGONIA
A Look Back: Original Promo Blurbs and Miscellaneous Ad Verbiage
Once again dragged from the archives, I'm bringing together some of the loose-end stragglers leftover from my days of actively seeking either a publisher or a literary agent. Actually those days never really end. Delineated here is a little bit of everything, from excerpts to brief descriptions for each book of the trilogy. Some nice stuff is here that isn't as repetitive as it might seem at first.
DRAGLOSSARY
Listed here are concise definitions and descriptions for most of the unusual words and terms invented for the DRAGONIA Trilogy. Designed as a helpful reference guide, the Draglossary can be accessed before, after, and/or during the reading of any of the three volumes. Each Kindle eBook contains its own copy of the Draglossary. Very few if any of the sometimes odd names ascribed to one thing or another, to one dragreature or another, were random or arbitrary. All of the words and terms used were derived via some form of logic, albeit at times distorted.
The Story Begins:
From Book I A Portal In The Storm
The Complete PROLOG
The introductions and highlights (and maybe some lowlights) to DRAGONIA conclude with a presentation of the Prolog from the first book of the trilogy. The events described in the Prolog could have been their own book, another trilogy even. Alas, so much story, too little time. In any event, here's where the stage is set for all three novels, and where the story ultimately finds itself in the end. You know, that whole full circle (full cycle) thing. If you like the Prolog, you'll probably enjoy the rest of the story.
I also understand how fables (where animals usually take center stage) are not for everyone. Except for the first few chapters, no humans are in the story, although in an allegorical sense, all the characters are human, all of the scenes and situations a reflection of very human perceptions, attitudes, and conditions. Be that as it will, I hope some of those who might have waded through these pages, might opt to take on DRAGONIA. Especially kids from nine to ninety.
For those still unconvinced, here's the complete, unexpurgated Prolog that might clinch the deal once and for all. One way or the other.
I also understand how fables (where animals usually take center stage) are not for everyone. Except for the first few chapters, no humans are in the story, although in an allegorical sense, all the characters are human, all of the scenes and situations a reflection of very human perceptions, attitudes, and conditions. Be that as it will, I hope some of those who might have waded through these pages, might opt to take on DRAGONIA. Especially kids from nine to ninety.
For those still unconvinced, here's the complete, unexpurgated Prolog that might clinch the deal once and for all. One way or the other.
DRA7
The DRAGALLERIES
Welcome. The Dragalleries (as I like to call them) are a virtual potpourri of some really old stuff, some not-quite-so-old stuff, and some really new stuff. Many of the images (but not all) will appear clearer and larger when clicked on. If the little hand appears atop an image, click on it. Otherwise what there is, is what there is. Profound, I know.
About The Art
FAQ
I start out this section by answering what I think might be some obvious initial questions pertaining to the type of computer art on display. With time, I plan to add many more questions to the list, a lot of them dependent on the feedback I receive from visitors, guests, and staff members.
THE BIG PICTURE
The Dragalleries. And the Dragreatures who inhabit them.
Before proceeding headlong into the slew of galleries that appear on the following pages, I describe the general nature of the images displayed, how and why they were chosen, and some added details that will help distinguish one group from another. From the purely speculative and experimental, to the totally serious for which I ask the most amount of remuneration.
From this point on, you'll find a lot less writing and a lot more art -- is that cheering, I hear? Except for captions or main headings, I'm going to shut up now and let the work speak for itself. I hope some of you enjoyed either a little or a lot of the foregoing explanations, summations, synopses, and excerpts that relate to one author's safari-like foray into the literary jungle.
From this point on, you'll find a lot less writing and a lot more art -- is that cheering, I hear? Except for captions or main headings, I'm going to shut up now and let the work speak for itself. I hope some of you enjoyed either a little or a lot of the foregoing explanations, summations, synopses, and excerpts that relate to one author's safari-like foray into the literary jungle.
Dragroup One
The BOOK-ENDS Bunch
Dragroup Two
The INSERT-CARDS Collection
Dragroup Three
BOJA
Dragroup Four
BOJA and SHELLDON
DRA8
The GALLERIES
Dragroup Five
Posters With Something To Say
Dragroup Six
More Posters That Speak For Themselves
Dragroup Seven
Red Any Good Books Lately?
Dragroup Eight
More SHELLDON and BOJA
Dragroup Nine
More BOJA and SHELLDON
Dragroup Ten
HEADLINERS
DRA9
The GALLERIES
Dragroup Eleven
Rep-TILES
Dragroup Twelve
HEADLINERS
Part Two
Dragroup Thirteen
Color Combo Rumba
Dragroup Fourteen
HEADLINERS
Part Three
Dragroup Fifteen
Posters To Leave You Starry-Eyed
Dragroup Sixteen
Windows
DRA10
DRAGONIA: Tales Of The Golden Talon
Treatment For Film
DRA11
DRAGONS AMONG US: The Series
The Complete Text of the Scroll
DRA12
The GALLERIES
Dragroup Seventeen
Going With The Flow-er
Dragroup Eighteen
Genus Dragonium Geranium
Dragroup Nineteen
Rep-TILES
Part Two
Dragroup Twenty
Squared Away
DRA13
The GALLERIES
Dragroup Twenty-One
The PRIMARY COLLECTION
Part One
DRA14
The GALLERIES
Dragroup Twenty-Two
The PRIMARY COLLECTION
Part Two
Dragroup Twenty-three
The PRIMARY COLLECTION
Scatter Prints
DRA15
The GALLERIES
Dragroup Twenty-Four
The PRIMARY COLLECTION
Part Three
DRA16
The GALLERIES
Dragroup Twenty-Five
The PRIMARY COLLECTION
Part Four: Dragonime Style
Dragroup Twenty-Six
PHOENIX
Dragroup Twenty-Seven
FILMSTRIPS
DRA17
The GALLERIES
Dragroup Twenty-Eight
The PRIMARY COLLECTION
Part Five
Dragroup Twenty-Nine
Category Of Nine Tails
Dragroup Thirty
SIDELINERS
DRA18
The GALLERIES
Dragroup Thirty-One
The PRIMARY COLLECTION
Part Six: POSTERS
Dragroup Thirty-Two
Dragonus Miscellaneum
DRA19
The GALLERIES
Dragroup Thirty-Three
Seeking The Perfect Poster
Dragroup Thirty-Four
More Dragonus Miscellaneum
Dragroup Thirty-Five
Saving The Worst For Last
DRA20
The GALLERIES
Dragroup Thirty-Six
The PRIMARY COLLECTION
Part Seven: Delivery In A Plain White Wrapper
DRA21
ANATOMY Of A PITCH | Mickey
AHLEC
DRA22 & DRA23 & DRA24 & DRA25 & DRA26
Kidz Koloring Korner
DRAGONIA: The Coloring Story Books: Book I, Book II, Book III
DRA27
DRAGONIA: The Video Game
DRA28
TAME the NAME: The Game
DRA29
DRAGON BOY
DRA30
Almost-Full-Size Samples
DRA31
Copyright Infringement
* * * *
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