This weekend at DragonCon 2015 in Atlanta, we had the great fortune of chatting with Cherie Priest for an hour in front a live audience of Sword & Laser enthusiasts! Listen in to hear Cherie's rise from goth to glorious, the proper way to distinguish steampunk from goth, and why Lizzie Borden is not who you thought.
We’re happy for the Hugos, sad for the last Terry Pratchett novel, and J.R.R. Tolkien has a new book. Plus, we wrap up Uprooted by Naomi Novik and make our peace with a trope.
WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Tom: Yorkshire Gold Tea
Veronica: Cab Sauv from Anderson Valley
QUICK BURNS
Why the Hugos Matter
Final Terry Pratchett novel "The Shepherd's Crown' Goes on sale tonight in UK
J.R.R. Tolkien's The Story of Kullervo Will Be Published In October
Brendan: Has this been mentioned yet? Gollancz to publish "Sharp Ends", a collection of short stories from the world of the First Law by Joe Abercrombie. A mix of new and old short stories.
Rob Secundus: Well the official trailer for the martian is up. I thought the headline of this polygon article was probably hyperbolic, but nope! The trailer literally spoils every major plot point of the book.
Tamahome: Syfy Keeps Making Scifi TV Shows, Puts Frederick Pohl's Gateway in Development
Dara: SyFy announced premiere dates for The Expanse and Childhood's end. Via EW: "The Expanse will kick off with a two-night premiere event starting Monday, Dec. 14 at 10 p.m. ET and continuing on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 10 p.m. ET, before moving to its regular Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET timeslot for the remainder of its 10-episode first season.
Warren: The BBC audio drama version of The Foundation Trilogy (Public domain) Its about 7.4 hour long. I got the original unabridged audio book version years ago. Both versions are good.
Sandra: Mark your calendars! The Ready Player One film adaptation hits theaters December 15th 2017.
Sandra: Caitlín R. Kiernan's Drowning Girl and The Red Tree Optioned For Film
BARE YOUR SWORD
Tom I know you are a connoisseur of the BBC :)
BBC Woman Hour talking about SciFi and FanFic
-Paul B.
---
Greetings Supreme Sword and Supreme Laser,
First, I want to thank you both for all that you do. This group has introduced me to so many authors and books that I would have never found on my own. I've made friends with so many people in the forums and being able to connect with other geeky people has been such a joy. Thank you!
Now to my feedback... I think a Recommendations folder in the forum would be a great addition. People tend to post recommendation threads in the General and the What Else Are You Reading folders and that sometimes creates overlap or duplicate threads looking for the same types of books. It would help de-clutter the other folders and make it easier for members to post, search, and discuss recs. I figured that I would shoot my idea your way and you can do what you think is best with it.
Many thanks,
Dara
---
Tom and Veronica,
My story, "The Lesser Evil" was part of your Sword & Laser anthology. I wanted to send a quick note to let you know that the story is one of the finalists for the Washington Science Fiction Association's 2015 WSFA Small Press Award for Short Fiction.
Thanks for the opportunity! :)
Best,
Day
---
Peter V Brett & dice
Message: I was listening to episode #211 today while I walked (trying to catch up to current) and he lamented the fact that there were no 16 sided dice. There is a game called Dungeon Crawl Classic (by Goodman Games http://www.goodman-games.com/dccrpg.html) that uses dice that are non-standard including a d16.
-Jim H.
BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION
Next Month: A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr.
Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Baba Yaga
Slate, on the Dragon: "He’s like a fussy music theory professor forced to cut an album with an improvising jazz musician, but the resulting music is better than either could make separately."
Uprooted: Manic Pixie Dream Witch
ADDENDUMS
Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons at patreon.com/swordandlaser Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser
You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks.
We chat with J-F Dubeau, author of The Life Engineered about why we should keep calm and build more robots. Also the good news of more Game of Thrones coming to TV thrilled the live audience at Nerdtacular 2015 as did our surprise host-swap! And thanks to Matt Avery of The Tadpool for the album art inspiration, and Greg Skinner for the original photo!
Recorded before a live studio of nerds, and thanks to Jeff Cannata of We Have Concerns for joining in! Download link here.
QUICK BURNS
Sandra: Game of Thrones news HBO Planning Eight seasons now, and maybe a prequel season?
Paul: Didn't want to start a whole thread for this but I took my wife to
Barnes and Noble for fan girl Friday and they were giving away free
copies of Drive...the Expanse prequel short story to advertise the
upcoming TV show. If your interested its worth it to add to your collection check if they have it at your local store.
Interview
J-F Dubeau author of Life Engineered
BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION
Next Month: Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Uprooted by Naomi Novik official site
Scott Sigler’s Alive is out, and even though he didn’t mean it as Young Adult fiction it’s turned out that way. And even though he didn’t mean it to be Science Fiction, it’s turned out that way too! Find out why this all happened and why he’s happy with all of it.
This week we congratulate several more authors on TV deals, one author on getting to write more movie books, and another author on having too many potential movie deals. We also come to the conclusion that Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel is all the genres.
Download direct here!
WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Tom:Yorkshire Gold Tea
Veronica: Sorta sour red wine
QUICK BURNS
Sandra: Del Rey books has announced Chuck Wendig will also write two more books in the Star Wars series, further bridging the gap between the original movie trilogy and the new one coming in December.
James: Shannara Chronicles trailer has been released.
Nick: Warner Bros., MGM and Lionsgate are among a group of studios locked in a heated bidding war for Patrick Rothfuss' mega-best-selling fantasy novel The Name of the Wind, book one in The Kingkiller Chronicle series.
Andy: Third episode in the Max Temkin/Pat Rothfuss podcast dropped this morning, featuring a lengthy discussion from Pat himself about that bidding war for the film adaptation of The Kingkiller Chronicle everyone was buzzing about at SDCC. Check it out! Could I love this man any more? Ask me when "The Doors of Stone" hits the shelves in 2016.
Ethan: Jim Hines is quitting his job to write full time. If you haven't read anything of his, pick up Libriomancer - a quick and fun urban fantasy - this series is up there with Dresden for me.
Sandra: Here's the Nominees for the 2015 World Fantasy Awards. Three Sword and Laser book picks are up for best novel (The Goblin Emperor, City of Stairs, and Area X:The Southern Reach Trilogy). Chances are good for another Sword and Laser winner.
Mark: British Fantasy Awards 2015 nominees include City of Stairs (fantasy) and Station Eleven (horror ???). One of the film/tv episodes nominated is Under the Skin, one of the oddest movies I've ever seen.
BARE YOUR SWORD
Long time listener first time caller. I noticed you’re piicks links to amazon and was wondering do you guys have a straight link that would give you guys credit for any purchases? I could guess but looking at what’s the same but would rather be sure so you get credit. Wife’s a prime member and we are both pretty good Amazon customers. If I could use a link to help you guys out some more, all the better. You guys just missed my PS4 purchase.
Thanks again for doing the show and consider this a performance review for the year. “Exceeding expectations”
One of the 500 patrons peeps (number as of now) :o)
Michael
---
Yes/No/Maybe!
You know, Veronica? You're in excellent company; over here in Trondheim that yes/noing is a thing we've been doing since the dawn of time (or as long as I can remember, and who's counting)*. And funny thing; when listening to Among Others (thanks to you guys), I got a smile out of hearing that vocal quirk described as a characteristic of the North Welsh dialect. So throw away your embarrassment and embrace your expressionistic ambivalence!
(And it generally doesn't mean either yes, no or maybe; it's just a bit of verbal padding to to keep the thought in place until you shoot your mouth off ;)
Fredrik
BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION
Next Month: Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Details matter
Reminded me of Cloud Atlas
ADDENDUMS
Scott Sigler hangout Friday at 5:30 PM!!
We'll be at Nerdtacular 7/31 at 4:30 PM and at DragonCon in September!
Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons at patreon.com/swordandlaser Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser
You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks.
We have an eyewitness report from the ALA conference in San Francisco, our initial thoughts on Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, and Neil Gaiman will write some episodes for the American Gods TV series. Thank American Gods!
Download direct here!
WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Tom: Hendricks Gin and Tonic
Veronica: Boonville Bite Hard Cider
QUICK BURNS
Kenley: The American Library Association held their annual conference in San Francisco this week. 25,000 librarians descended on Moscone. The event included a Tor panel with Vernor Vinge, Greg Bear, John Scalzi, Marie Brennan and Larry Correia.
And Ulmer Ian says: "Just came from the Tor panel. Not much interaction between panelists so no barns were burned. Was great to see Vinge, I'm a long time fan. Marie Brennans talk about what books show we miss from current technology was particularly fantastic.
In quick burn news: S&L pick and Nebula winner Goblin Emperor won best fantasy novel for the Locus Award. Be an S&L pick, win all the awards. "
Ulmer Ian: Ancillary Sword wins Locus best scifi novel.
Alex
Neil Gaiman is going to write multiple episodes of American Gods for Starz. That makes me SO much more excited than it probably should.
Joanna - There's a wonderful interview of Lois McMaster Bujold .
It really dives into her process and what inspired her. It also highlights why the Vorkosigan Saga is still my very favorite scifi series. Namely following how culture follows technology and the development of great characters over time.
Alex - Patrick Rothfuss and Max Temkin (one of the Cards Against Humanity guys) have started a podcast, and it needs a name
Andy - The final novella installment to John Scalzi's "The End of All Things" was released.
BARE YOUR SWORD
---
"Hi Veronica and Tom,
We are in San Diego at WesterCon! We had a good reads/ S&L coffee klatch this morning. Thought of you two. It was great fun and we met some new S&L pals. Here's our pix. Hope all is well with you both.
Best, Melisa from SF "
---
"Dear Tom and Veronica,
I happened to catch Tom's "book haul" video and I enjoyed it. What a
great idea!
That tall stack of books behind Tom got my wheels turning and here's
what I think you should do: you should send them to listeners who agree
to review them. I don't know what the rules are, exactly, so maybe you
can't do it that way, but I think you should be able to publish the
reviews on the website, can't you? I know you've published some
listener-written reviews.
The benefit of this vs. just giving them away at events is two-fold: the
author gets a review out of it, which is why they sent it to you, and
the Sword and Laser community gets to find out if these books are good.
You'd have to come up with a way to decide who gets which book, but you
can do a drawing or something? Does the Patreon funds give you enough to
cover the cost of mailing these out? If not, asking listeners to pay the
shipping cost would ensure they'd be invested enough to definitely write
a review. It would still be cheaper than buying the book.
Love the show!
Beelissa "
---
"Hi Guys.
Love the podcast. This may be a little off-topic, but you're two erudite people, so I'm hoping you can help.
Veronica, last podcast I heard you agree with Tom by saying ""yeah-no"" and then going on to say why you agree with him so much.
Can you help me understand why I'm hearing this more and more, all over the place. It's no longer just a simple yes, or no, it has become ""yeah-no"" or ""no-yeah""
WTF? Why?
Will there be a new word in the dictionary soon, ""yeah-no"" ?
This drives me almost as crazy as hearing the word ""literally"" used incorrectly all the time now.
Ugh.
Keep up the great work on the podcast.
Darren" Yeah, no
Yeah-no, controversial since 2006
BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Emily Mandel's website
Station Eleven > SE: Literary crossover? (please tag spoilers)
ADDENDUMS
Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons at patreon.com/swordandlaser Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser
You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks.
Ellen DeGeneres is apparently interested in adapting Naomi Novik's Uprooted as a film. But, we all know there's a long road from "interest" to "released." Just ask Neil Gaiman. The good news is Gaiman's American Gods is finally green-lit for TV! So there's hope. Unless you're a god from the Continent! More about that as we wrap up The City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett.
QUICK BURNS
2015 Campbell and Sturgeon Awards Winners
Ellen DeGeneres To Produce Naomi Novik's Uprooted
This Year's Science Fiction Hall Of Fame Inductees Are Legends
David: Hyperion being made for TV
Robert: Only a few days after the trailer was released, Fox has moved up the release of "The Martian" from November 25th to October 2nd. That's nearly two months!
Daniel: Andy Weir did a spontaneous AMA
Clyde: Shepherd's Crown will be the last Discworld novel. Rhianna Pratchett tells fans: 'I don’t intend on writing more Discworld novels, or giving anyone else permission to do so. They are sacred to dad.'
SporadicReviews: American Gods TV series greenlit
Andy: SyFy slipped in a second trailer for "The Expanse" via their YouTube channel. Initially, it seems identical to the first trailer, but there are a few scenes scattered throughout which are not in the original. It looks amazing.
BARE YOUR SWORD
I'm fairly certain I'm doing this wrong but hey at least I'm doing it. I was wondering if you have read the Adventurers Wanted series by M.L. Forman? if not it would be Awesome if you could showcase his first book Slathbog's Gold on your show. he has 4 books out and the 5th is on the way but he had a stroke last year and has been struggling with his writing and it would be Great if more people were made aware of his stories so they can show him support and encourage him to keep writing! thank you and I hope you are having a Great day.
P.S. just because he is my all time favorite Author you should read Saxon Andrew if you haven't already, all of his books are Awesome!!!
Dany
---
Hello.
I love the podcast and have been listening for a year or so now.
I have tried writing my first novel but was informed by a friend that the world I had created, had the same mechanics as the Lost Fleet series by Jack Campbell.
The plot was completely different but the way ships moved and fought were similar. I read some of the books and they were brilliant. (Very unique! Very different to normal space books)
Thus ended my writing career and my dreams.
My question is. How long (if at all) should I wait to write again? The ideas won't leave me but I don't want to be seen as plagiarizing someone's work!
When can a revolutionary idea be used by others in their own unique way?
Thank you for your time.
From a sad and confused fan
Turner Davis.
P.S. keep up the brilliant podcast.
---
BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION
City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett
CoS: Vohannes (full spoilers)
Next Month: We'll read Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
ADDENDUMS
Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons at patreon.com/swordandlaser Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser
You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks.
We talk with author Beth Cato, author of The Clockwork Dagger, about why healers are never the hero in genre fiction -- and how she decided to change that. We also press her for baked brie recipes and discover how the Foo Fighters helped shape Octavia Leander.
First off we now have a 100% record picking Nebula-award winning books for the club. That’s 100% of the last two years. So take note Nebula-wanters! Also we’re very excited about a new series from University of Illinois Press called the Masters of Science Fiction. You can find out William Gibson’s secrets!
WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Tom: Snowdrift: Orchard Select Hard Cider
Veronica: Bulliet Rye
QUICK BURNS
Ian: Sword and Laser pick Annihilation won Best Novel Nebula!
Joanna
In 2013, the University of Illinois Press launched a new series of scholarly books: The Modern Masters of Science Fiction, a series dedicated to studying the men and women who shaped modern science fiction literature.
Nick: The Martian first teaser trailer/clip
John
IDW Publishing teases comic project with William Gibson
David H.
Chaz Brenchley won the Lambda Award for Bitter Waters for Best LGBT SF/F/H Book (it's a collection).
Brendan: Goodnight Dune
Sky
Stealing Rob's post from another group that shall not be named - New Riyria Chronicles book and chance for bonus goodies like awesome t-shirts. Due to various deadlines, Mr. Sullivan has decided to self-publish the 3rd Riyria Chronicles book and is doing a Kickstarter.
BARE YOUR SWORD
I am new to the Sword & Laser podcast and just really podcasting in general. It's amazing to find a medium where similar interests are explored and expounded upon. Having said that, I'm slowly catching up from earlier podcasts on Sword & Laser but upon listening to the Elizabeth Bear author spotlight I learned that your a fan of Grimdark (Abercrombie). I'm a huge fan of the genre and have read and found the following authors/books truly fascinating: Abercrombie (First Law), Heroes, Best Served Cold, Brent Weeks (Night Angel), Brian McClellan (Powder Mage Trilogy), Brian Staveley (Emperor's Blades), Luke Scull (Grim Company), and most recently Mark Smylie (The Barrow) which was amazing but yet found certain parts uncomfortable to get through. Right now I'm reading Marc Turner's (When The Heavens Fall).
Based on your experience with Grimdark and the Fantasy genre and what I have been reading, I was hoping you could shed some light on some other author's and their books that would fit the mold of what I am currently reading.
I'm really looking forward to what you have to say. Thank you so much for your time. Hopefully I'll be able to get up to speed on the podcast shortly enough. Thanks for your time.
Best,
Paul
---
BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION
City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett
S&L Podcast - #192 - Sexual Experiences with Robert Jackson Bennett
ADDENDUMS
Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons at patreon.com/swordandlaser Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser
You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks.
SWORD & LASER AT THE BAY AREA BOOK FESTIVAL IN BERKELEY!
Peter Orullian wears many hats. He is an author, musician, and has worked for many years at Microsoft on the XBox team. Today we talk about his series The Vault of Heaven, get the scoop on his all-time favorite music, and hear why Peter believes there is no such thing as writer's block.
Peter Orullian wears many hats. He is an author, musician, and has worked for many years at Microsoft on the XBox team. Today we talk about his series The Vault of Heaven, get the scoop on his all-time favorite music, and hear why Peter believes there is no such thing as writer's block.
We congratulate John Scalzi on his book deal (while Veronica teases about his Lock In Sequel’s title), applaud Ernest Cline’s choice of audiobook narrator and have polar opposite opinions about Leigh Brackett’s “Sword of Rhiannon.”
Download direct here!
QUICK BURNS
AndrewP - Just read on the Tor.com website that Tanith Lee passed away :(
Joanna: Holy crap, John Scalzi just signed a $3.4 million deal with Tor for his next 13 books. Well, if he still thought that he hadn't "made it", he has no excuse for that, now. Given his blog, though, I don't think imposter syndrome was something he suffers much anymore, if at all. More details, including the plan of books.
James (Observant Raven) The first trailer for The Magicians TV series has been released.
Louie: Wil Wheaton to narrate the audiobook of Ernest Cline's Armada.
James (Observant Raven) The trailer for Arthur C Clarkes Childhood's End tv series has been released.
Astronaut reads 'Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' in space
See a first look at Matt Damon in Ridley Scott's 'The Martian'
Finalists: 2015 Aurora Award
BARE YOUR SWORD
Are some stories just too old? Forgotten or unreadable by today's standards?
Adding "Lemmed" as a shelf
Just for fun - reviews of self-pubbed "bad" ebooks
BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION
Next month: City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett
WRAP UP
Sword of Rhiannon by Leigh Brackett
ADDENDUMS
Inkshares promo! If you've heard about Inkshares on the show, and want to try it out, use the link: inkshares.com/secrets/swordandlaser
You'll get $10 in credits to back a book you'd like to read! If you've already created an account and have backed one of the S&L contest entrants, you've already received an additional $5 to keep the momentum going! So head over to the S&L Collection contest and back your favorites!"
Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons at patreon.com/swordandlaser Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser
You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks .
We talk with Rachel Aaron about why she doesn't worry about genre anymore and how she had to fight the siren song of Warcraft to become a professional writer.
Everything you’ve ever read seems to be coming to TV. Plus Veronica tries to uncover Tom’s secret political conspiracy, while Tom changes Veronica’s opinion of 1940s era swashbuckling.
Download direct link here!
WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Tom: Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar
Veronica: Viansa Sonoma County Zinfandel 2009
QUICK BURNS
Campbell Award Finalists
Locus Award Finalists
Tamahome: As the unofficial spokesman for the Arthur C. Clarke award, I'm here to inform you that Emily St. John Mandel’s post-apocalyptic novel Station Eleven just won it.
David H. :They picked up ""The Magicians"" as a TV series.
Sandra: It feels dirty to link a buzzfeed article, but they have an exclusive look at Syfy's adaption of ""The Magicians"" series.
Dara: SyFy and Amblin are making a Brave New World miniseries.
Dara: BBC America set a premiere date for the Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell miniseries. June 13th at 10pm.
Brendan: Natalie Portman to Lead Alex Garland's Next Sci-Fi Film 'Annihilation'
Say hello the the Biologist.
Daniel: The folio society (who I just bought and awesome edition of Dune from) are going to realease a special edition of The Man in the High Castle.
BARE YOUR SWORD
Hey T & V:
Alright, I'm that guy. I'm the guy that read the ""Song of Ice and Fire"" books years ago, and now is watching how the television adaptation is playing out. I feel this brings up an interesting precedent. Normally a film or TV version is based on novels (or in some cases the other way round). But this series brings up an interesting paradox:
If the Novel series were begun first, but the final TV episodes aired before the book series concluded, which one is CANON?
Normally we have one or the other to point to so we can say ""...well Originally this happened but in the film .... etc"" This will be hard to parse as an avid reader.
Love the sword swipes and laser beams,
Caliban
P.S. Loved the homage to Terry Pratchett.
---
TSoR: Is this Tom's response to the Hugo Controversy?
BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION
Sword of Rhiannon by Leigh Brackett
Audiobook
Used copies
EBook (Under the name Sea-Kings of Mars)
ADDENDUMS
Inkshares Sword and Laser novel contest check-in
Read an Excerpt from THE LIFE ENGINEERED by J.F. Dubeau
Read an Excerpt of CINNABAR by Edmund Newton
Read an Excerpt from ASTEROIDS MADE OF DRAGONS by G. Derek Adams
Read an Excerpt of ROCKETS by Liam Dynes
Our show is entirely funded by our patrons at patreon.com/swordandlaser Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser
You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks.
We're excited and fearful about a new chapter from George R.R. Martin's Winds of Winter, we're hopeful about new books from John Scalzi and Ann Leckie and we're just a little wistful and/or angry about the Hugos.
Download direct!
WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Tom: Newcastle Brown Ale
Veronica: Viognier White Wine
QUICK BURNS
Sword & Laser Collection Contest
Sandra: Behold! A new chapter from Winds of Winter
Eleanor (via Steven): BBC Radio 4 have three sets of programs celebrating the work of Ursula Le Guin.
Dara: Ann Leckie sold another Ancillary story to Orbit, to be published in 2017.
Sandra: Cover Art and Release Schedule for John Scalzi’s The End of All Things Novellas
Paul: The Tiptree awards and for 2014 have been announced.
People are dropping out of the Hugos
Aidan - Two Hugo nominees have been disqualified due to ineligibility
Pssst: Aidan's also got a short story collection coming out
Ewan: The whole Hugos Thing
BARE YOUR SWORD
Just a quick heads up that the Discworld Reading Order Guide now has an official Facebook page!
We are gearing up toward releasing the final (sad, I know) 3.0 version of the Guide soon and will be taking suggestions for the draft on the /r/Discworld subreddit and on Facebook once the draft is published. Looking forward to hearing from S&L Pratchett fans.
- Krzysztof Kietzman
What COMICS Are You Reading
BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION
Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett
Brendan: Discworld graffiti showing up in London
Neil Gaiman on Terry Pratchett's inspiration
Question about selecting out of print books as our book pick
ADDENDUMS
Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons at patreon.com/swordandlaser Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser
You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks
We give our last thoughts on The Goblin Emperor, kick of our April pick, Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett and discuss why some author names are bigger than their titles. But what really gets this episode going is the debate about whether a reader has the right to "clean up" an author's language.
Download file here!
WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Tom: Suntory Hakushu 12 Year Old
Veronica: Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt 12yr
QUICK BURNS
Rob: James Marsters fans rejoice! They are releasing a new audio version of Ghost Story read by Marsters.
David (LA, CA) Steven Spielberg to Direct Ready Player One.
Mark: Clean Reader, a profanity-free ereader, best explained by Chuck Wendig
Yento: This wasn't unexpected but HBO confirmed they will finish Game of Thrones first.
Trike: Game Of Thrones May Circle Back To Characters And Plots That Were Skipped
Carl Poppa
BARE YOUR SWORD
Is it still about the author or is it about the title?
BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION
Kick off Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett
Wrap up The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
Oh you poor villains...
In the end I liked this book
ADDENDUMS
Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons at patreon.com/swordandlaser Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser
You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks
We talk with Peter V. Brett about his new book, cool tattoos and the last enjoyable book he read. The Skull Throne, 4th in the Demon Cycle series, comes out March 31, 2015.
We bid adieu to Terry Pratchett and commemorate him with one more book pick next month. We cheer for Chuck Wendig being picked for the next Star Wars novel. And we wonder if we are too much like the Goblin Emperor. Are you?
Download direct link here!
QUICK BURNS
Paul: Terry Pratchett has passed away
Sandra: There will be one more DiscWorld novel
Dara: Gollancz plans to publish The Thorn of Emberlain by the end of 2015. They also revealed the cover.
Alpha Young Writers scholarship drive
Dara: HBO wants 10 seasons of Game of Thrones
Mark: George RR Martin is sad but cancels WorldCon Saratoga and ComicCon "(Should I complete and deliver WINDS OF WINTER before these cons roll round, I reserve the right to change my mind)."
Joanna: Lois McMaster Bujold just announced that she has sold a book about Cordelia Vorkosigan to Baen, titled "Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen" and tentatively scheduled for February 2016.
Sky: 20 new books will be released in the new Star Wars universe in a series dubbed "Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens", that span multiple publishers and age groups and fills in the gaps between Return of the Jedi and the upcoming The Force Awakens. Including Chuck Wendig! --- Details on the first standalone Star Wars movie including the title "Rogue One" and director and release date for episode VIII: Rian Johnson / May 26, 2017
Tamahome : Station Eleven a finalist to be nominated for the Faulkner
BARE YOUR SWORD
Hey guys, just heard your podcast for the first time and really enjoyed it.
I'm a designer and concept artist that works in film and games and just thought I'd share the fact that I just finished working with Denis (Den-ee) on his upcoming sci fi film The Story of Your Life which will star Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner.
I can't say anything about the movie i just worked on, but I wanted to voice my support for Denis as the choice to direct the new Bladerunner. People may not be super familiar with him, but if they watch his films, they'll see that he's could do a great job with it. He's got a kind of dark, gritty style and , fingers crossed, could be what this new Bladerunner film needs. I really like the idea of a less "Hollywood" type of director tackling this story.
Anyway, thanks! And if you'd like to see what kind of fantasy and scifi design work I do, please check out my site: www.theartofpeterkonig.com
-Peter
---
March Madness SF/Fantasy Style
BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
Next time we'll kick off a Terry Pratchett book. Watch the goodreads group for the announcement of which one
ADDENDUMS
Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons at patreon.com/swordandlaser Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser
You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks
So much good news! Some of our favorite stories are becoming movies and TV shows and we even have good news of a popular indie author getting picked up by Tor. And we even make a stab at predicting the Nebula winner. Yet controversy rages in the Untheileneise court. Especially about how to pronounced Untheileneise.
WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Tom: Nothing. I'm tired.
Veronica: Nothing, I have to go to a dance class after this!
QUICK BURNS
"Mark Nebula nominees are up at including S&L March pick The Goblin Emperor and the current pick Annihilation Will the Supreme S&L go out on a limb and predict a winner? "
Rob: Amazon picked up a full season of Man in the High Castle
David: The City & the City may be coming to TV!
Allister: This sounds great. Kazuo Ishiguro is writing a novel with elves and ogres. The Buried Giant is set after the departure of the Romans from Britain and draws on Arthurian themes whilst being influenced by samurai movies/films and westerns.
Stephen: Becky Chamber's well reviewed self published The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet has been picked up by TOR for wider distribution.
Louie: Blade Runner sequel gets its director and star. Denis Villeneuve (Prisoners) is in negotiations to direct Harrison Ford.
Warren: Harrison Ford to reprise role as Deckard in 'Blade Runner' sequel
Dara: Paramount is trying to acquire the rights to The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester.
David: Bryan Singer looking to adapt The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein
Apparently they're going to rename it Uprising. Maybe they're just using it to mine it for elements instead of really adapting it? Is the original (famous!) title that movie-unfriendly? "
BARE YOUR SWORD
I also wanted to comment on the topic of alternative sexuality in SciFi. It's funny because it seems like the last few books I have read in the genre are in fact exploring the idea that in the future sexuality isn't your standard hetero relationship. The "Commonwealth Saga" by Peter F. Hamilton had many different types of partnering, as a standard course throughout. Which also continued in his "The Dreaming Void" series. Also "Hollow World" by Michael J. Sullivan had a very experimental play on sexuality (can't go into it since... Spoilers) and was really the whole point of the book. I know these are just a few books, but it just feels like many of the newer books coming out have mixed things up. Or at least not taken a hetero relationship as a standard assumption. - Travis E
BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
Sarah Monette - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Goblin Emperor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
SarahMonette.com: Who am I?
Katherine Addison || FAQ
SFF In Conversation: Katherine Addison on The Goblin Emperor and Grimdark | The Book Smugglers
The Book Plank: Author interview with Sarah Monette // Katherine Addison
ADDENDUMS
Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons at patreon.com/swordandlaser Thank you to all the folks who back our show and if you would like to support the show that way head to patreon.com/swordandlaser.
You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks
Gary Whitta is an award-winning screenwriter who wrote The Book of Eli and worked on the first Star Wars standalone film. So when he had an idea for a dark historical fantasy story he wrote a book. Why? We ask him that, about successfully crowdfunding his novel, and much more on this episode!
Oh, and yes. We ask him about Star Wars too.
We have a whole Wheel of Time pilot mystery to solve and then on top of it George RR Martin says any character in the Game of Thrones series could be killed even if they’re safe in the book. WHAT?! Hands off the Imp! Also we explore the mystery of why Tom didn’t like Annihilation more, even though he wanted to.
Download direct link here!
WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Tom: Longboard Lager
Veronica: Old Potrero Whisky
QUICK BURNS
Wheel of Time Pilot weirdness
Game of Thrones TV show will start killing chracters independently from the book
Sean: Here's something related to GoT/ASoIaF that's not depressing and/or annoying - Martin's original outline/proposal for the series.
AndrewP: Milla Jovovich will star in an adaption of GRR Martins 'The Lost lands' stories.
Terpkristin: Obviously, everybody is upset that the next book in the Song of Ice and Fire series (The Winds of Winter) is not coming in 2015. However, there is some good news as GRRM announced that his Dunk & Egg stories are finally coming to a stand-alone collection on October 6. This edition will be illustrated "on virtually every page" by Gary Gianni. GRRM's announcement can be read at his LJ site.
David: They've announced that the first in Butcher's new Cinder Spires series, The Aeronaut's Windlass, is out in September
Kevin: Tor.com announces its first line up of novellas to be published later this year from it's new imprint
Ben: the Locus Recommended Reading List itself is a worthy quick burn. Each year it comes out in February highlighting what Locus Reviewers collectively regard as the best genre work to come out in a given year. It covers everything from YA to grimdark and from literary SFnal works to action heavy space opera. Its much longer than an award's short list and many people use the list to give them ideas what great works they might have missed from the previous year.
BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION
Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer
Sean: The problem of motivation
Daniel: This book is not normal narrative
John (Taloni): What genre is it actually (expect spoilers)
From Annihilation to Acceptance: A Writer’s Surreal Journey
Next Month: The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
ADDENDUMS
Our show is currently entirely funded by our patrons at patreon.com/swordandlaser Thank you to all the folks who back our show,
You can also support the show by buying books through our links! Find links to the books we talk about and some of our favorites at swordandlaser.com/picks
Click Amazon ad above to shop using our referral!
