There is a lot of history in "Beowulf" behind the epic myth of monsters, heroes, and kings. Much of it has been forgotten unless specifically doing research. Knowing the history can help readers better understand the epic English poem. The story exists between pagan tribalism and the European Christian empire after the fall of Rome. There is some reality behind the important literary fantasy.

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Eyes of Glory by Aakash Gandhi

Life in Anglo-Saxon England was often hard and violent. The Romans recently left, save a few who turned native, because of turmoil back home. These poems reflect a shared experience between two different people traveling by water at this untamed island. It is not yet a nation, but a collection of tribes and families. There are interesting parallels, but also differences that indicate unique writers.

Listen to the two poems here

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Sunshine on Sand by Unicorn Heads

What happens when a husband and wife are separated by distance for long periods of time? This is a commentary and analysis of two poems by different people of the same Anglo-Saxon period. One is from a man's and the other a woman's perspective. Love isn't always what it appears, with conflicting emotions and motives.

Listen to the two poems here

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Sunshine on Sand by Unicorn Heads

A discussion about how the Old English or Anglo-Saxon Poems "Dream of the Rood" and "The Ruin" look back at ancient history relics and artifacts to find meaning. Each poem shows a dichotomy both within and between themselves. They see a better past than the present, but one finds inspiration and the other a sense of loss.

Listen to the two poems here

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Hovering Thoughts

Literary criticism is often dismissed, even by avid readers, as pretentious and unnecessary. For those who look past bad teaching examples, it is a method to appreciate and enjoy the written word. Short reviews are not good enough. Writers especially should be more careful how they engage literature, using the tools of deep reading to help improve their own skills. Here are 5 reasons Literary Criticism is Important (for readers and writers).

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"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Here are 5 ways anyone can become a more effective reader, from beginner to expert. Better and more active reading can also improve writing skills. A good reader doesn't always write, but a good writer always reads.

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News_Room_News

Here is how creative minds come up with story ideas in fiction or non-fiction. Famous authors are able to tap into a lifetime of experiences, and so can any writer who takes the time to look around.  

Find "Magic Beyond Words: The J.K. Rowling Story" at Amazon: https://amzn.to/2So36jQ  

Find "The Making of a Story: A Norton Guide to Creative Writing" at Amazon: https://amzn.to/381C0na   

Find the classic Stephen King "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft" at Amazon: https://amzn.to/37p9ICI

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"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Coming up with the definition of a classic book is not easy. There are a lot of competing ideas of what makes a book worth reading each generation. Some classic books go from loved to ignored or forgotten. Just because a book is popular doesn't mean it will be published and read in the future. Age is not the defining characteristic of a classic, but there must be other qualities. This episode looks deeper into the classic book question and reviews Italo Calvino's  14 criteria for what makes a classic. Take a listen and share with others.

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"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Welcome to NDM English where literature reading and writing come together. This is an introduction to the podcast, talking about its purpose and what to expect. Reading expands the mind, enlarges the heart, and reminds us what it means to be human. This is a place to grow your appreciation for the written word. Take a listen. Share with others.

Also, visit: ndmwritingservice.blogspot.com

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For the "Icarus Falling" novel mentioned: 

Purchase the book at: http://www.parkingorbitpublishing.com/or, Amazon link: https://amzn.to/2St2Mys

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Music:

"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)