Category: Thoughts

Year Of Accountability – Happy Easter! 4/12-4/19


Hi all,

This week has been a busy week for me, even safe at home during this social distancing and Stay-At-Home orders. If you haven’t heard already, The Last Gladiator is now available on Pre-Order!

A clash of tradition versus invention drives Daniel Ottalini’s latest work – The Last Gladiator, a prequel novella in the Steam Empire Chronicles.

Lucia Rhodanus Fortem is an endangered species – one of the last graduates of the ludi, gladiator academies renowned throughout the Empire. When the Emperor orders a demonstration of his new mechanical toys – Mechagladiators – he knows just whom to fight. Fans of Gladiator and Pacific Rim alike will enjoy this prequel to the Steam Empire Chronicles – The Last Gladiator.

The Last Gladiator is due to be released May 2, 2020. Available on Kindle, Nook, and for all other e-readers through Smashwords!

I’m super pumped to share this with you all! Help out your small author pals (like me!) and pre order your copy today. Remember that my first novel – Brass Legionnaire – is still available FOR FREE on Smashwords!

Continue reading “Year Of Accountability – Happy Easter! 4/12-4/19”

Author Blog Record Month & A Free Book!


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Here’s a picture of our temporary companion enjoying his belly rubs.

Thanks to you, I’ve hit nearly 900 views this month alone! You guys are the best!

As usual, my slightly humorous, now very useful, 50 Ways to Kill a Character and his partner, 50 Ways to Kill a Character Part II drive a lot of traffic to the blog, but I’m pleasantly surprised and happy to see more people visiting for Dungeon and Dragons and the Steam Empire Chronicles resources that I’ve been creating and writing about.

But really, thanks so much! If you want to thank me more, go and download my first novel – Brass Legionnaire – for FREE from Smashwords during the Give Back Sale! Also remember, if you like it, rate it and leave a review! It means the world to authors when you share what you like!

School is coming, so What’s Next?


School is coming back for us teachers here in Maryland! My county’s continuity of learning plan is being activated, which means less time to do awesome blog posts and writing, but just in time for me to send the Last Gladiator off to the format people!

So what’s next?

Simple,

  1. Prepare and finish the outline for a Brief History of Rome and New Caesaria. This is my next project.
  2. Make a list for people interested in doing a book tour for The Last Gladiator – I’d love to connect with more authors and am more than willing to do a blog trade or guest post!
  3. Plan for the forthcoming Anthology of my novellas coming sometime next winter or spring – depending on time of course!

That’s it so far! If you’re interested in joining a book tour, let me know! And remember to subscribe and follow me here, and on Facebook and twitter!

Ciao!

Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year!


Salve!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and A Happy New Year to all of you, my readers, friends, and family. May this new year be yours for the taking! Keep watching this space to see all the great things coming up this year! I’ve got big plans!

– D & Simg_1762

A Record Year for Modern Papyrus


Hi all,

I just wanted to give an awesome shout out to you! My loyal readers! This has been Modern Papyrus’ best year ever, with nearly 7,000 views on the blog. I’m loving all your positive thoughts, likes, and vibes, and am honored that you continue to visit here! If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe and get updates in your inbox.

Thanks a million!

– Danielimg_1762

Is Having a Blog Worth It?


Salve! Welcome to all my new readers! Glad to have you here! Today I want to talk about my thoughts on whether having a blog is ‘worth it.’ Continue reading “Is Having a Blog Worth It?”

Buckling Down – Time to Do This


man doing pull ups
Photo by Murilo Botelho on Pexels.com

Naturally – A Day (Month) Late, and a dollar short, time to get this writing show on the road. The goal for this next week is simply to write for an hour each day. That’s it! I can do that!

Check here soon to see more writing!

– Daniel

Happy Thanksgiving!


From my family to yours, happy Thanksgiving! May your stomachs be full and your hearts be warm this holiday season.

– Daniel

ash blaze bonfire burn
Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com

The Benefits of Summer School – An “In The Trenches” Perspective


This last week, as I wrapped up another summer school program with my local school district, I sat down and reflected on the difference it makes for my underprivileged students.

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First time with Paper Mache!

Continue reading “The Benefits of Summer School – An “In The Trenches” Perspective”

Diversity in Steampunk – Building more Realistic Worlds

Let’s expand our #steampunk world by embracing the #diversity that should be part of it. My take on diversity in a traditionally Euro-centric genre.


Hi all!

Today I’m going to talk about diversity in steampunk and alternate history novels – specifically what I’m planning to do to build some more realism and diversity into my own world. Read on to find out more.

Continue reading “Diversity in Steampunk – Building more Realistic Worlds”