The Tower of the Night Sky (A Blog)
Welcome to the Tower…
Here you’ll find pieces of whimsy and whatnot. Varied snippets of world building, character portraits, and works of short fiction.
The Folly of Demandingness in J.R.R.Tolkien’s World
In this second article, I will begin to explore the specific connections between the themes of Tolkien’s writings and those of the irrational thinking styles proposed by REBT. Specifically, I’ll be addressing the first of REBT’s four irrational belief styles—demandingness. Then I will show how these beliefs styles are prevalent in Tolkien’s work.
J.R.R.Tolkien: Cognitive Behavioral Therapist?
As a psychologist, when I read J.R.R.Tolkien, I find something most others do not: a legendarium in which the core principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are at work. For me, Tolkien’s masterworks are brilliant demonstrations of the power of rational thinking. I believe that Tolkien’s writing’s on Middle-earth showcase a clear set of beliefs. If we combine these beliefs with the methods of CBT, I am confident they can help Tolkien’s readers live more wisely, morally, and effectively. In this series, I will attempt to clarify and outline these beliefs, making them easier to put into practice.
How to Visit Harmony On Hudson (Part One)
Harmony on Hudson is a real place, although its not truly located on the eastern shore of the Hudson River “just north of Beacon and south of Cold Spring” as I have written. A look at a map will confirm that there is no such location; the directions are nonsense.
Who is Ralph Crespo?
Tolkienesque’s narrator, Ralph Crespo, was invented to be the butt of jokes. Ralphie first appeared in an earlier version of my forthcoming novel, Vanishing Places. In very early versions, my protagonist, Christopher Salvatore’s classmates, were a lot like my high school friends.
Why In Middle-earth Would I Write Tolkienesque?
I’ve been told, more than once, that Tolkienesque is an odd thing to write. I suppose it is a fair question: Why would I write a humorous retelling of the works of J. R. R. Tolkien set in modern-day America—and in New York of all places?