The Orbital Review
The Orbital Review is a literary journal under Orbital Press that delves into a wide range of topics. Featuring insightful book reviews by D.J. Hoskins, the journal also includes chess analyses, personal essays, reflective pieces, and poems, offering readers a thoughtful blend of literary critique and creative exploration.
Essays
Poetry
Chess
Short Stories
Book Samples
Photography
Videos
Losing The Romance
The saddest part about mastery, is the loss of the romantic gleam.
While writing, I must admit that the spark is largely gone. This too has also become the case with chess. Although I am not a master at the game, I’ve become a strong player. As such, the romantic fantasies that I used to have for years, have finally cooled.
What Writing 5 Chess Books Has Taught Me
This is a Rook and Pawn endgame. It’s here to serve a short example of how complicated chess can become from a seemingly simple position.
There’s Something Medieval About A Cold Toilet Seat
It says not a word, but sits unperturbed.
Hard as a rock, it rests in a relaxed position. In the early mornings, it cools. Waiting patiently for some poor soul to take a seat. Slide out their feet, in an attempt to get comfortable.
Books As A Form Of Encryption
They hold all the secrets of the earth, these little manuscripts. Formulas and fictions, fantasies and fallibilities, books have seen it all.
Humility Of The Chess Computer
Every move and every line… is incorrect. For everything I see, is a mere shadow of the truth. A falsification, an aberration, an illusion.
Of what to make of myself? Am I to ever become more than a fraud? A dreamer? A charlatan?
Why I Like Computers
Computers are cold and indifferent. A totality of silicone, transistors, wires, and chips. Powered by electricity, they hold no prejudice. No judgements to speak of. They don’t know that I’m human, can’t see my face; can’t peer into my eyes.
The Importance Of Visualization And Disciplined Imagination In Writing Fiction
Writing isn’t a gift, but a skill. Something that must be practiced daily, or at least somewhat consistently over time. To be honest, I don’t write every day. Anyone who does is either a maniac or a liar.
Freeze Frame Imagination
I can stare at a shoelace in my mind, tie it, and loose it again. I can move pieces over the chess board, before swiftly forgetting where they were. I can climb a mountain, throw down stones, and freeze them midair with such precision, that I often can’t tell whether or not I’m actually there.
Venturing Beyond Self-Improvement: Pushing Past The Treadmill
When it comes to self-help and self-improvement, everyone starts off on the treadmill.
The Limits And Advantages Of Using Chess Logic In Daily Life
Chess is an incredible tool for solving IQ problems, not for weighting EQ questions.
Tacit Knowledge I’ve Gained From Writing 26 Books
After writing several books, this is what I've learned from the journey.
Author vs. University: Validation Syndrome
This essay was originally written November 22, 2022 while my sister and I were attending Boise State University for context. I was a freshman, and she was a sophomore. This was our experience as authors (“students”) in the classroom.
