Roger Hyttinen, Author at Roger Hyttinen

Urban Fantasy Madness

By Roger Hyttinen / April 7, 2025

Man sittingnext to a fox wearing a business suit and tie

Okay, so I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how urban fantasy does this amazing thing where it sneaks important conversations into our brains through the backdoor of supernatural storytelling. You know what I mean? Like, you’re reading about vampires and werewolves, but suddenly you’re also contemplating systemic racism and environmental destruction. Pretty sneaky, right?

I gotta tell you about this fascinating thing I came across – according to Barnes & Noble’s literary blog, fantasy writers use supernatural beings as metaphors to tackle controversial issues in ways that might be too intense to discuss directly. It’s like putting on magical glasses that help us see our own world more clearly.

Take N.K. Jemisin’s work, for instance. This amazing author creates these incredible urban landscapes where magic users face discrimination that mirrors real-world prejudices. It’s wild how reading about magical beings fighting for their rights makes us think about our own society’s struggles with equality.

And then there’s this thing that’s been happening in newer urban fantasy – addressing climate change through magical catastrophes. Like, imagine a world where nature spirits are dying because of pollution, or where magical ley lines are getting messed up because of urban development. It hits different when you see environmental destruction through a magical lens, doesn’t it?

Here’s something that blew my mind – urban fantasy actually started getting super popular during times of major social upheaval. It’s like we needed these supernatural metaphors to process all the crazy stuff happening in the real world. It wouldn’t surprise me if urban fantasy surges in popularity in the coming days, seeing how crazy things are in the world right now.

And you know what’s really cool? The way different authors handle prejudice in their magical worlds. Some books have vampires dealing with “coming out of the coffin” to society, which totally parallels LGBTQ+ rights movements. Others show magical beings facing housing discrimination or workplace prejudice – stuff that’s painfully real for many people today.

I recently read this incredible series where faeries were being forced out of their traditional lands by urban development – it’s basically gentrification with pointy ears, but it made me think about real communities facing similar issues. The author threw in these incredibly detailed descriptions of magical protection spells that felt as real as any neighborhood watch program.

Let me share this random but true fact I found: According to a study published in the Critical Studies in Media Communication journal, supernatural fiction experienced a significant surge in popularity during periods of social unrest, particularly in the 1960s and early 2000s. It’s like we collectively turn to these stories when we need to process complicated social issues.

Some of my favorite examples are the subtle ways authors weave in commentary about power dynamics. You’ve got these powerful magical councils that are totally stand-ins for corrupt governments, and rebel mages fighting against unfair systems. Sound familiar? It should!

The thing I love most about urban fantasy is how it makes us question our own prejudices. When you find yourself sympathizing with a werewolf who can’t get a job because of discrimination, it really makes you think about real-world bias, doesn’t it?

Until next time, keep reading and questioning everything!

P.S. Drop a comment below with your favorite urban fantasy books that tackle social issues – I’m always looking for new reads!

Urban Fantasy Madness Read Post »

The Lost Art of Cursive… AKA My Chicken-Scratch Future!

By Roger Hyttinen / March 24, 2025

Okay, so here’s something that genuinely blew my mind recently. Apparently, there is an entire generation of young people walking around totally incapable of reading (let alone writing) in cursive. I know, right? It’s like discovering the secret underground world of, well… people who will never know the pain of perfecting a capital “Q” (seriously, HOW was that considered a “Q”? It’s literally a curly number 2).

Now, I’ll be the first to admit, my cursive isn’t exactly a work of art. My chicken-scratch handwriting has definitely seen better days, thanks to a combination of speed, laziness, and, well, being me. But still, every single notebook I own is filled with cursive scribbles from top to bottom. Side note: I’m talking actual notebooks, guys. Not the notes app on my phone (which is reserved for my random 3 AM thoughts like, “Do ghosts wear pants?”). Cursive, for me, is just faster, messier, and – believe it or not – easier for my brain to churn out ideas without hitting the ol’ mental speed bump every 10 seconds.

I’ve tried printing, mainly because a small part of me hopes it’ll make my handwriting less of an aesthetic disaster. But, honestly, going from the nice flowy loops of cursive to blocky, rigid printing? It’s SO much slower, and I end up feeling like I’m writing with a crayon while wearing 20 pairs of mittens. I don’t have the patience to plod along like that! Although, to be fair, I’ve been swimming in cursive for so long, maybe I just haven’t given printing a proper chance. (Let’s be real though, if I can’t even “properly” brush my hair in the morning, I doubt I have the discipline to completely re-learn how I write.)

But what really messes me up is this: can you imagine 20, 30, 40 years down the line when my grandkids (or whoever) find my old notebooks? They’ll probably open them and think I wrote them in Wingdings font. Future generations won’t have a clue how to decipher what is, to me, just regular-old cursive. Like, “Grandma’s got some weird hieroglyphic code going on.” I’m already dreading the day someone looks at my notebooks like they’re staring at the Rosetta Stone, furrowing their eyebrows, probably using some futuristic auto-translate app just to figure out I was jotting down some random grocery list for lasagna.

In all seriousness though, it’s wild how cursive writing is gradually… disappearing? Who would’ve thought? I mean, I get that typing is way quicker, and kids today are typing almost as soon as they can walk. But cursive being on the “endangered species” list of skills just seems… bizarre?

And listen, I’m not saying everyone needs to be out here perfecting their penmanship like we’re all channeling our inner calligraphers. But it’s strange to think that something I grew up doing daily — without thinking twice — is becoming this relic of ancient adulting. It’s like cursive is turning into its own secret code. That, or my terrible handwriting is just doing an excellent job of future-proofing my journals from prying eyes.

Oh, by the way, random fact that’s kind of cool and relevant: Back in the day, a lot of important documents (like the Declaration of Independence) were written in cursive by people with serious pen game! Imagine John Hancock tossing out his signature in Times New Roman. No thanks. (Source: National Archives)

Anyway, just some thoughts about the slow, unnoticed death of cursive writing. Maybe it’s time I start teaching the younger generation how to write in cursive – ya know, for historical purposes… and for when they eventually need to decode my terrible handwriting.

The Lost Art of Cursive… AKA My Chicken-Scratch Future! Read Post »

Why I’m Low-Key Obsessed with the Aardvark Book Club

By Roger Hyttinen / March 21, 2025

Okay, so here’s the deal: I’ve recently fallen down the rabbit hole of the Aardvark Book Club, and I’m low-key obsessed. Like, I’ve already started carving out specific “me time” just to dive into these books (don’t judge me, it’s self-care). It’s funny because I wasn’t even specifically looking for a book club; I was just scrolling through a random Reddit forum (as one does at 11 PM on a Thursday) when people started raving about this new book subscription. And naturally, as the nosy book lover that I am, I had to check it out.

Let me just tell you… so far, 10 out of 10, no regrets. They’ve been dropping some gems. You know how some book clubs kind of miss the mark with their selections? Like, either too meh or too literary (FYI, I love a good deep read, but sometimes, I just want juicy writing that doesn’t require 27 degrees to get through). Well, Aardvark seems to strike the perfect balance. It’s got this nice mix of thought-provoking books and those stories that completely draw you in without needing to consult a dictionary every other page. The kind of stuff that makes you actually excited to get home, curl up, and make some tea. (Okay, I said “curl up,” but realistically, I’m probably sprawled across the couch in a position that makes my spine cry out for help.)

The craziest thing is that I didn’t even hesitate to sign up. Reddit folks have opinions – sometimes brutally honest ones that make you rethink your life choices for a minute – but this thread was full of such genuine enthusiasm that I figured, why not? It was like this silent book whisperer guiding me to hit “Join.” And oh boy, I’m glad I listened to the collective bookish voices of Reddit this time. (Shoutout to the internet for occasionally being helpful and not just full of weird memes. Occasionally.)

Another cool thing about Aardvark? You actually get to pick from a few fresh titles each month, which is awesome. I’m all for surprises, but sometimes I like steering the ship, you know? So far, their picks have been on point. It’s like they somehow hacked into my Goodreads account and curated suggestions just for my very particular moods. One of the books I grabbed last month had me on an emotional journey from fresh intrigue all the way to “do not disturb, we are having a MOMENT with this book” territory.

Oh, fun fact: According to some random stats I found on the internet (because I’m a professional procrastinator), people who join book clubs tend to read 1.5 times more than those who don’t. Crazy, right? So technically, I’m not just enjoying a bunch of amazing books; I’m raising my reading game like a pro! I’ll take it.

Anyway, if you’ve been in a reading rut, or if you just secretly love getting thoughtful, handpicked books without obsessively scrolling through a million reviews first — Aardvark might be your answer. Who knows? Maybe you’ll catch me in another forum, ranting about the next great novel I found in their selection.

Until then, if you need me, I’ll be over here, probably finishing yet another book, ignoring my laundry – because priorities.

Why I’m Low-Key Obsessed with the Aardvark Book Club Read Post »

Wordless Wednesday – Quebec

By Roger Hyttinen / March 19, 2025

Wordless Wednesday – Quebec Read Post »

Queer Magic & Monster Madness: My Favorite LGBTQ+ Paranormal Shows & Movies

By Roger Hyttinen / March 18, 2025

Okay, so, like, you know how much I’m obsessed with all things spooky and queer, right? It’s like peanut butter and jelly, or maybe more like, um, vampires and werewolves? Anyway, I’ve been binge-watching a ton of LGBTQ+ paranormal shows and movies lately, and I just had to share my absolute faves with you guys. These are the ones that keep me up binge-watching at 3 a.m. when I’m whispering, “Just one more episode” (and probably making questionable life choices). Don’t judge—you’ve been there! There’s something extra satisfying about watching queer characters battle demons, bend magic, or straight-up punch a vampire in the face. Here are my top magical and spooky picks that feature LGBTQ+ characters. You can watch these while ignoring your texts like a true fan.

Let’s kick this off with The Magicians. If you haven’t seen this show yet… where have you been?! Trust me. This one’s not your basic “Oh I’m a wizard, I guess?” story. You’ve got sexy magic, inter-dimensional travel, talking animals, and—best of all—some stellar bi and queer representation. Quentin Coldwater and Eliot Waugh’s relationship? Ugh, I loved their dynamic. There’s actual emotional depth beneath the sass and spells. And that scene in Season 1 where Eliot says, “I love you,” and Quentin’s just standing there, all confused and feels-y. Yes, give me more. Add tons of sarcasm and a bit of trauma, and this show just cracks me open every time. Magic in this universe has consequences—and so does love.

Okay, moving on to something darker, Cemetery Boys! So, technically this is a book, but I couldn’t not mention it. It’s about a trans boy, Yadriel, who accidentally summons a very cute (and very dead) boy’s ghost. Cue all kinds of paranormal hijinks. Ya’ll, if this doesn’t scream “Netflix, please adapt me right now,” then I don’t know what does. I mean, I’m just here waiting with popcorn and high expectations. If we do get a TV adaptation, it’s going to be the kind of show that lands smack dab on your rewatch list. Until then, just say it with me: GIVE US A CEMETERY BOYS SHOW.

Now, we can’t skip over the absolute pillar that is Buffy the Vampire Slayer—specifically, Willow and Tara. Do you remember when Tara showed up and Willow’s super shy “just friends” energy turned into “My goddess, I’m in love”? Besides the apocalypse-of-the-week format that never got old (giant snakes, Hellmouths, casual chaos?), their relationship felt groundbreaking at the time. Two witches falling in love while fighting the forces of darkness… like, what could be better? Not to mention Willow’s huge coming-out arc hit a lot of emotional beats, balancing Buffy’s epic battles with something much more intimate. Plus, Tara was just a cinnamon roll in witch form, and we deserved more of her. Let’s not talk about “Seeing Red.” Nope. Not today.

Alright, onto Teen Wolf. If you missed this cultural phenomenon back in the day, I’m both sad and… also jealous, because you get to experience it with fresh eyes. Stiles Stilinski, let’s be real, carried about 90% of the show with his personality alone. Then there’s Danny Mahealani, openly gay and casually awesome, hacking the plot forward while being, you know, cool about it. Is the plot a chaotic mess drenched in werewolf drama? Absolutely. But it’s fun wolf drama. More wolves, more gay characters—that should always be the goal moving forward.

Also, y’all, we’ve gotta talk about Shadowhunters. A bisexual warlock named Magnus Bane, played by the ridiculously charismatic Harry Shum Jr.? Say less. I don’t need any more convincing. Mix in Alec Lightwood, who’s super awkward yet emotionally intense when he comes around to fully owning who he is, and bam—you’ve got one of the most well-loved queer relationships in the genre. I still get feelings about Malec. They’re soft, but also deadly powerful. Magnus casually saving the world while wearing perfect eyeliner and fabulous jackets. Honestly, I aspire to be this extra in every aspect of life.

And if you’re into comics, you HAVE to check out ”Dead Boy Detectives.” It’s based on the DC comic book series, and it’s got this quirky, dark humor that I just adore. Plus, the two main characters, Edwin and Charles, are ghosts who solve crimes together. How cool is that? Unfortunately, the show was canceled after only one season. Typical Netflix.

And, while it might not be everyone’s usual cup of (blood? soul essence?), Hemlock Grove sticks with me too, because that show was a whole vibe. You’ve got vampires, werewolves, and a bunch of weird small-town magic sprinkled in, all wrapped up in horror. It’s a big yes from me, and I’ll never forget the vibe Famke Janssen threw down. There’s something about all that supernatural angst and subtle queer undertones that gave it… an edge.

Some other must-watch LGBTQ+ paranormal faves include:
– Legacies (hello, Hope Mikaelson, can we talk about queer witches?)
– The Old Guard (immortal warriors with soft but tough gay romance!)
– Sense8 (magic sci-fi vibes with a beautifully diverse queer cast)
– Supernatural (oh, the queerness in this show is subtle but there, especially with Cas and Dean moments – Plus, it’s got some seriously awesome queer characters, like Charlie Bradbury.)
– Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (I mean, the witchy queer representation was super fun.)
– Wynonna Earp (#WayHaught anyone? A bisexual cowgirl meets police officer dynamic. I love.)

Also adding quick nods to: The Haunting of Bly Manor, Constantine (queer vibes in both the show and movie), True Blood (was there any character not a little bisexual?), The L Word: Generation Q (because, ghosts?), American Horror Story (Coven, specifically for the witches), Interview with the Vampire, What We Do in the Shadows (quirky but gay vampires? Always yes), Torchwood, Being Human, Midnight, Texas, and Penny Dreadful.

Anyway, that’s my list. If you’re not already drowning in queer paranormal content, you’re welcome. Grab some popcorn or whatever your go-to binge snack is and dive right in. Monsters, magic, and queer romance? A winning combo!

Nick Michelson is 16 and he:

👻 Can see ghosts
🃏 Reads Tarot cards
💭 Gets visions of the future
🏃‍♂️May or may not have a crush on his best friend.
🔥 And ghosts come to him for help
☠️..and some, for revenge

Read the book that began it all…

Queer Magic & Monster Madness: My Favorite LGBTQ+ Paranormal Shows & Movies Read Post »

Kolchak: The Night Stalker – A Blast from the Past (with Fangs!)

By Roger Hyttinen / March 4, 2025

So, in my latest weekly newsletter (which, let’s be honest, is just me ranting about whatever I’ve been obsessing over that week), I talked about something I hadn’t thought about in years—Kolchak: The Night Stalker. Yes, that delightfully campy 1972 TV movie that scared the ever-loving crap out of me when I was twelve. And yes, it’s been that long. Let’s not dwell on that part.

The whole thing started because I recently got my hands on the restored version of the original book, which came out via Kickstarter (but don’t worry, it’s available at retailers now if you missed out). After devouring the book in record time, I had that I must see this on screen again moment and went on a YouTube hunt. Lo and behold, there it was. And let me tell you, watching it as an adult was an experience.

For the uninitiated, Kolchak: The Night Stalker is about Carl Kolchak, an investigative reporter with the fashion sense of a man who fell into a thrift store in the dark and came out looking fabulous (or at least, memorable). Played by Darren McGavin (who you probably recognize as the dad from A Christmas Story), Kolchak is a snarky, wisecracking journalist who stumbles onto what should be the biggest story of his career: a vampire terrorizing Las Vegas. Because yes, this movie isn’t just a fun little detective mystery—it’s full-on supernatural horror, complete with a very old-school bloodsucker who isn’t interested in brooding or tragic backstories. This guy just wants to eat people.

It’s got everything: frantic newspaper office scenes, police who refuse to listen (because of course they do), and that classic 1970s TV movie feel—which, if you know, you know. It’s a perfect mix of noir and horror, with a heavy dose of that era’s delightful over-the-top dramatics. And McGavin? Oh, he absolutely carries this thing. His Kolchak is exasperated, relentless, and way too determined for his own good. I love him for it.

As for the book? It was a blast. Originally written by Jeff Rice, it tells the same story but with even more of Kolchak’s dry, sardonic wit. You can feel his frustration oozing off the page every time someone calls him crazy—which, to be fair, happens a lot. If you’ve ever been the one person in the room who knows the truth while everyone else just dismisses you as ridiculous (I see you, conspiracy theorists), then you’ll get a kick out of Kolchak’s struggles. Plus, the restored 2025 version has a bunch of bonus material, making it an even better excuse to dive in.

So if you’re in the mood for some classic ‘70s horror goodness, I highly recommend both the book and the movie. Read it, watch it, and then join me in wondering why we don’t have more cranky reporters fighting the supernatural on TV anymore.

Until next time—don’t let the vampires get you!

Kolchak: The Night Stalker – A Blast from the Past (with Fangs!) Read Post »

Back at It (Kind of), After My Accident – Because Stories Won’t Write Themselves!

By Roger Hyttinen / November 24, 2024

Hey, friends! 👋

Sooo, here’s a tiny life update: I’ve been slowly making my way back to the blog after the little accident situation I found myself in. Yeah, that fun chapter of my life. 🙃 First off, I really appreciate all the good vibes and emails you guys sent over – seriously, it meant a lot while I was basically Couch Potato Extraordinaire™. But lately? Big news: I’m somewhat functional again! I can sit at a computer (and by “sit,” I mean kind of awkwardly balance and shift around like a rusty robot, but hey, progress is progress).

One of the first things I jumped back into, of course, was my book projects. I’ve got a couple of those marinating in the background 📝, and now that I can actually type again without looking like I’m fighting with the keyboard, I’ve been chipping away at them. Honestly, it feels SO good to be creating again. It’s like the world’s longest quiet stretch has been lifted, and I’m reconnecting with my brain’s weird ideas again. The rust isn’t cute, but you get it.

And speaking of writing, if all goes well (🙏), I’m hoping to resume weekly short stories starting next week! So, for those of you who’ve been missing those little inbox surprises (I see you!), keep an eye on your email. There will likely be some quirky, half-baked characters and chaotic plots heading your way soon. Yay! 🎉

That said, I’m still quite a ways from being fully recovered. My accident? Let’s just say it was not the kind of adventure I recommend (and 0/10 stars; would not sign up again). It’s been slow-going, and there are days where I can’t do much except stare longingly at my to-do list while becoming one with my heating pad. BUT! At least I can do the thing again. The writing. And that, my friends, is LIFE to me.

I definitely won’t be posting daily like I was when I was doing my movie-a-day challenge (what was I even thinking with that brain-melting commitment?!) – but maybe, just maybe, I’ll give that challenge another go next year. 🧐 We’ll see how it goes. Gently dipping my toes back in for now and trying not to faceplant.

Anyway, just wanted to pop on here and say that, yes, I’m alive. Yes, I’m writing again. And yes, you’ll be seeing some more action on this blog soon-ish. Not “movie-every-day” level action, but let’s start slow and see where it lands. 😅

Talk soon,
Your slightly stiff, slowly recovering, but excited-to-write storyteller

Back at It (Kind of), After My Accident – Because Stories Won’t Write Themselves! Read Post »

Author name: Roger Hyttinen