I'm Published in Wargames Illustrated, Issue 300!!!

Back in January I wrote the article "The Point of All This". In it I wrote on why I blog, who influenced me to blog, and how I blog. I also had made the realization that I love to write, and that I wanted to write for a hobby industry magazine.

Well guess what folks...I'm published!!!

Yeah, yeah. I know the heading of the post kind of gave that away, but stay with me here.

 

Here's a quote from the Wargames Illustrated website:

"CRIMSON & BRONZE

First-time contributors to WI, Ben Johns (an avid student of history) and Tim Toolen (an enthusiastic modeler and painter) present their thoughts about the warriors at the heart of the most enduring ‘Last Stand’ myth - the 300 Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae."

I was given the privilege of sharing one of the first articles in the magazine with Ben Johns, and let me tell you, this man can write! Our shared article begins with his extensive research and point of view on the Battle of Thermopylae from an actual, historical angle instead of the movie we all know and love. Point for point he brings us to a level of realism and historical knowledge that is not the common knowledge, but one born of truth and research. Yet at the same time, he still maintains and proves that the historical facts are just as exciting as the movie magic.


I was then given the task to follow Ben's half with my own one all about how to convert a unit of 20 Spartans into a unique block of figures that can't be built straight out of the box. In it I list my basic tenants of converting figures, as well as detailing the steps, tools and how-tos on each conversion I created for the unit of Spartans. I explore parts swaps, reposes and even partial resculpts.

Something I learned is that having people encourage you to reach for a goal is invaluable. The folks who did that for me back in January, and all the months following...you have no idea how hard it was to not scream it from the mountaintop a as I was actually working on the project for WI. Another thing I learned? Don't stop. I've let things go in the past, and I will not do that again here. I'm already doing research for another project and am excited to push forward, improve both my writing and hobby and continue this endeavor.

One last thing. If you like this blog and you enjoy the projects I've put out and the articles I've written then do me one favor...

Empty the friggin shelves of issue 300 of Wargames Illustrated!!!

If your local store doesn't stock it, head online to www.wargamesillustrated.net and show them the blogging community supports its own! If you don't partake in the historical tabletop gaming, maybe this issue will give you some exposure to a side of the hobby you're not familiar with yet.

- Tim