The banner image is the Face of Ningishzida. It’s condor agate from Argentina and I carved it using a suite of diamond wheels. Agate is a particularly hard rock to carve, and this one took many, many hours. Condor agate is a beautiful, multi-level rock, and I loved the look of this one as I carved each of its many surfaces. However, it was nothing special until…damn! For some reason, I rotated it between the two major surfaces, and the FACE appeared.

It is an ugly face. Pure evil. Immediately, I knew it to be the face of Ningishzida, who is sometimes argued as the basis for our legends of Satan. Ningishzida is the ultimate villain in my God Wars novels, first appearing in Abbot’s Race. Funny how putting a face to a name makes things more real.

Carving is like writing. I think I know what I’m getting into, but then the medium takes over and amazes me with the result. Whether it’s mesquite from New Mexico, obsidian from Oregon, myrtle from Tasmania, or agate from Argentina, each requires specialized carving skill. Mesquite is especially difficult to carve because the grain often comes together from opposite directions to meet in a singularity—nasty problem. But, when you’re working with the world’s most beautiful wood (IMHO), you put up with a little pain.

Writing, too, often puts you in tight spots. If you can work your way out, the result can be amazing and satisfying.