S&L Podcast - #136 - Nerdtacular 2013!

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We record an episode live in front of an audience of awesome folks from at Nerdtacular 2013.  Since we're still just getting into Ringworld, we save more substantive discussion of that for later this month and talk about what else we're reading.  get ready to enlarge your reading lists because we had some amazing suggestions from the audience! 

S&L Podcast - #135 - Wrap-up Among Others, Kick-off Ringworld

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Tom blows Veronica's mind, she implies dirty things, I imply them back and we all look forward to Ringworld.  It's like going to camp.

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?

Tom: Murphy's Irish Stout

Veronica: Hendry Ranch Pinot Gris

QUICK BURNS

Science Fiction and Fantasy Author Richard Matheson Dead At 87

2013 Science Fiction Hall of Fame Inductees

WINNERS: 2013 Locus Awards

Your First Look at the Epic Fantasy Novel Everybody's Raving About

Neil Gaiman's 'Sandman' prequel launching October 30th, first image and plot details emerge

Online Voting is Open for The 2013 Hugo Award and John W. Campbell Award

Why Big Publishers Think Genre Fiction Like Sci-Fi Is the Future of E-Books

Pop Culture References You Probably Didn’t Know Were Created by Science Fiction Writers

CALENDAR

TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES

William Shakespeare's Star Wars: exclusive excerpt

OUTLANDER TV series greenlit

BOOK KICK-OFF

Kick-off Ringworld by Larry Niven

Ringworld Wikipedia article

Larry Niven Wikipedia Article

Official Larry Niven site

The Guide to Larry Niven's Ringworld

Interactive guide to Ringworld (includes a kind of Google Maps for the Ring)

Don't forget : 'Ringworld' miniseries in the works at Syfy

Alternate Pick - Redshirts by John Scalzi

BOOK WRAP-UP

Wrap-up Among Others by Jo Walton

Anyone else get this through Interlibrary loan? - Erik

Who Died? - Paulo

Magic In the book - Nathan

The books! All those books! - Rob

Novels mentioned in Among Others

ADDENDUMS 

This podcast is brought to you by Audible.com the internet’s leading provider of audiobooks with more than 100,000 downloadable titles across all types of literature and featuring audio versions of many New York Times Best Sellers. For listeners of this podcast, Audible is offering a free audiobook, to give you a chance to try out their service. For a free audiobook of your choice go to audiblepodcast.com/sword.  

And by: Squarespace, the all-in-one platform that makes it fast and easy to create a professional  website, blog, portfolio, or online store.  For a free trial and 10% off your first purchase on new accounts, go to Squarespace.com, and use offer code SWORD7.

Direct download link for the show here!

July Book Pick: Because you are so awesome

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Wow. That was a more exciting election since Iran's last week. We even got insinuations of voter fraud! We've made it!

So right down to the wire Larry Niven's Ringworld just barely edged out John Scalzi's Redshirts.

Neither is a perfect choice for everyone. We've done Mr. Scalzi's books as a main pick recently and as an alternate book previously so he's had lots of coverage. on the other hand there does not seem to be a legit ebook of Ringwolrd (there are print copies and audio copies) which is a deal killer for some.

So here's what the electoral commission has decided. Ringworld got the most votes. It's our pick for July. But for the first time since before we went to a strict monthly schedule, we will have an OFFICIAL alternate pick. The votes were just too damn close.

So get out there and read whichever one you like. I'll be diving into both and I know Veronica already has read Redshirts.

And remember no book pick is ever going to please everyone in this club. It's not meant to. It's meant to expose you to books you might not pick up otherwise. And if you're grumbling about not having an ebook, remember the people who often grumble that the book is not in the library and they don't have ereaders. We're all in this together.

Now go enjoy some reading!

*In absence of Veronica who is on vacation electroal commission consisted of Tom and his two dogs. 

  

S&L Podcast - #134 - Interview with Gene Wolfe

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Sketch of Gene Wolfe by Murray Ewing

Sketch of Gene Wolfe by Murray Ewing

Were you expecting a wrap-up episode for Among Others? Sorry kids, Veronica decided to go on vacation, and all you get is this lousy interview with legendary author Gene Wolfe. Just kidding, the interview is awesome. 

We'll be back next week with our wrap-up and kick-off for the July pick!  Hope you voted!

Download the direct link for this episode! 

S&L Podcast - #132 - Get out the vote!

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It's a record pronunciation day for Veronica but then Tom gets picky about the space-time continuum. Also, new sponsor! And July book vote!  Yay!

Among Others by Jo Walton
Aaron whiteboard video about 'Among Others'
A 1982 Video Interview with Isaac Asimov, Harlan Ellison and Gene Wolfe Wherein They Discuss the Label “Science Fiction” 

BARE YOUR SWORD

Book Vote for Jul ends June 23

EMAIL

Hi, Veronica! Hi, Tom!

This article is not conclusive or very scientific but it makes us think about why we do lem some books and the guilt that comes with it:

Why Leaving a Book Half-Read Is So Hard (by Heidi Mitchell).

Maybe you can share the link with your listeners or use it as a starting point for a discussion on the topic. These are just suggestions, of course.

I hope everything is well with you guys and that you'll have news about the return of the video show soon.

Bye!

ADDENDUMS

This podcast is brought to you by Audible.com the internet’s leading provider of audiobooks with more than 100,000 downloadable titles across all types of literature and featuring audio versions of many New York Times Best Sellers. For listeners of this podcast, Audible is offering a free audiobook, to give you a chance to try out their service. For a free audiobook of your choice go to audiblepodcast.com/sword.  

And by Squarespace, the all-in-one platform that makes it fast and easy to create a professional  website, blog, portfolio, or online store.  For a free trial and 10% off your first purchase on new accounts, go to Squarespace.com, and use offer code SWORD6.

Direct download link! 

S&L Podcast - #131 - Baycon Interview with Lois McMaster Bujold

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IMG_7898.JPG

Memorial Day weekend, the Sword and Laser crew journeyed to storied Santa Clara, California for BayCon deep in the shadow of the new football stadium. Lois McMaster Bujold was the guest of honor, Veronica was the Toastmaster and they graciously allowed Tom along for the ride. Ms. Bujold was a joy to talk with and the perfect Sword & Laser interviewee, having written on both sides of the ampersand. In this supersize episode you'll hear the entire interview including some excellent questions from the audience. 

Download the direct link here!

S&L Podcast - #130 - So many servers

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Today we try to figure out what all those servers in Wool were doing and why Jo Walton is so awesome. Also how to pronounce numbers. It's all in there folks.  Enjoy.  

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?

Tom: Jumping Cow Amber Ale
Veronica: 2008 Malbec something or other.

QUICK BURNS

WINNERS: 2012 Nebula Awards (Plus: Ray Bradbury Award and Andre Norton Award)
WINNERS: 2012 Aurealis Awards
WINNERS: Analog’s AnLab Awards and Asimov’s Readers’ Awards
WINNERS: 2013 Spectrum Fantastic Art Award
2013 Hugo Voter Packet Now Available!
Penguin Bets Big That The 5th Wave Will Be the Next Hunger Games
Cover blurb for THE REPUBLIC OF THIEVES (possibly spoilery!)
Brandon Sanderson update on WORDS OF RADIANCE
Iain M. Banks explains he wasn't writing science fiction for the money
Book Trailer: “Love Minus Eighty” by Will McIntosh

CALENDAR

Read down to June 11

TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES

Game of Thrones will end with season 7, according to producer

BOOK CHECK-IN

Wrap-Up of WOOL by Hugh Howey
What are the servers doing?
Slightly spoilery thoughts on gender in the book
Lukas (Full Spoilers)
Kick-Off Among Others by Jo Walton
Wiki Article on Among Others
Wiki article on Jo Walton

BARE YOUR SWORD

S&L Anthology Writers Community Blog

EMAIL

There is an article in the Charlotte paper today about Howey. It has some interesting info on self publishing authors... just thought I would share. 

Loved the book by the way... I just started on Shift. 

brad

ADDENDUMS

This podcast is brought to you by Audible.com the internet’s leading provider of audiobooks with more than 100,000 downloadable titles across all types of literature and featuring audio versions of many New York Times Best Sellers.

For listeners of this podcast, Audible is offering a free audiobook, to give you a chance to try out their service.

For a free audiobook of your choice go to audiblepodcast.com/sword.

Direct podcast download link





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S&L Podcast - #129 - Interview with Kim Stanley Robinson

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​He's a nice guy, seriously. Photo by joelmeadows1

​He's a nice guy, seriously. Photo by joelmeadows1

Veronica and Goodreads moderator Josh Lawrence headed to the Nebula Awards to chat with some great authors. We'll be posting these interviews in our off weeks from the regular episodes. This week it's the legendary (and Nebula award-winning) Kim Stanley Robinson. His latest book 2312 won the Nebula award for Novel.  Enjoy!

Congrats to the Nebula Award winners!

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This past weekend, Josh Lawrence and I went down to San Jose for the Nebula Awards. While there, we interviewed several attendees, including Kim Stanley Robinson, Gene Wolfe, and Joe Haldeman. Those interviews will be coming up as podcasts soon, so stay tuned!​

​Best Novel winner Kim Stanley Robinson with Joe Haldeman.

​Best Novel winner Kim Stanley Robinson with Joe Haldeman.

In the meantime, let's congratulate the winners of the 2012 Nebula Awards!, as posted on Tor.com! Winners in bold.

Novel:

  • 2312, Kim Stanley Robinson (Orbit US; Orbit UK)
  • Throne of the Crescent Moon, Saladin Ahmed (DAW; Gollancz ’13)
  • Ironskin, Tina Connolly (Tor)
  • The Killing Moon, N.K. Jemisin (Orbit US; Orbit UK)
  • The Drowning Girl, Caitlín R. Kiernan (Roc)
  • Glamour in Glass, Mary Robinette Kowal (Tor)

Novella:

  • After the Fall, Before the Fall, During the Fall, Nancy Kress (Tachyon)
  • On a Red Station, Drifting, Aliette de Bodard (Immersion Press)
  • “The Stars Do Not Lie,” Jay Lake (Asimov’s 10-11/12)
  • “All the Flavors,” Ken Liu (GigaNotoSaurus 2/1/12)
  • “Katabasis,” Robert Reed (F&SF 11-12/12)
  • “Barry’s Tale,” Lawrence M. Schoen (Buffalito Buffet)

Novelette:

  • “Close Encounters,” Andy Duncan (The Pottawatomie Giant & Other Stories)
  • “The Pyre of New Day,” Catherine Asaro (The Mammoth Books of SF Wars)
  • “The Waves,” Ken Liu (Asimov’s 12/12)
  • “The Finite Canvas,” Brit Mandelo (Tor.com 12/5/12)
  • “Swift, Brutal Retaliation,” Meghan McCarron (Tor.com 1/4/12)
  • “Portrait of Lisane da Patagnia,” Rachel Swirsky (Tor.com 8/22/12)
  • “Fade to White,” Catherynne M. Valente (Clarkesworld 8/12)

Short Story:

  • “Immersion,” Aliette de Bodard (Clarkesworld 6/12)
  • “Robot,” Helena Bell (Clarkesworld 9/12)
  • “Fragmentation, or Ten Thousand Goodbyes,” Tom Crosshill (Clarkesworld 4/12)
  • “Nanny’s Day,” Leah Cypess (Asimov’s 3/12)
  • “Give Her Honey When You Hear Her Scream,” Maria Dahvana Headley (Lightspeed 7/12)
  • “The Bookmaking Habits of Select Species,” Ken Liu (Lightspeed 8/12)
  • “Five Ways to Fall in Love on Planet Porcelain,” Cat Rambo (Near + Far)

Ray Bradbury Award for Outstanding Dramatic Presentation

  • Beasts of the Southern Wild, Benh Zeitlin (director), Benh Zeitlin and Lucy Abilar (writers), (Journeyman/Cinereach/Court 13/Fox Searchlight)
  • The Avengers, Joss Whedon (director) and Joss Whedon and Zak Penn (writers), (Marvel/Disney)
  • The Cabin in the Woods, Drew Goddard (director), Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard (writers) (Mutant Enemy/Lionsgate)
  • The Hunger Games, Gary Ross (director), Gary Ross, Suzanne Collins, and Billy Ray (writers), (Lionsgate)
  • John Carter, Andrew Stanton (director), Michael Chabon, Mark Andrews, and Andrew Stanton (writers), (Disney)
  • Looper, Rian Johnson (director), Rian Johnson (writer), (FilmDistrict/TriStar)

Andre Norton Award for Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy Book

  • Fair Coin, E.C. Myers (Pyr)
  • Iron Hearted Violet, Kelly Barnhill (Little, Brown)
  • Black Heart, Holly Black (McElderry; Gollancz)
  • Above, Leah Bobet (Levine)
  • The Diviners, Libba Bray (Little, Brown; Atom)
  • Vessel, Sarah Beth Durst (S&S/McElderry)
  • Seraphina, Rachel Hartman (Random House; Doubleday UK)
  • Enchanted, Alethea Kontis (Harcourt)
  • Every Day, David Levithan (Knopf)
  • Summer of the Mariposas, Guadalupe Garcia McCall (Tu Books)
  • Railsea, China Miéville (Del Rey; Macmillan)
  • Above World, Jenn Reese (Candlewick)

Solstice Awards were awarded to editor Ginjer Buchanan and astronomer and entertainer Carl Sagan, the latter of which was accepted by his son Nick Sagan.

The Kevin O'Donnell Jr. Service Award was awarded to Michael Payne.

The winners are announced at SFWA’s 48th Annual Nebula Awards Weekend, held Thursday through Sunday, May 16 to May 19, 2013 at the San Jose Hilton in San Jose, California. Borderland Books hosted the mass autograph session from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 17th at the San Jose Hilton.

As announced earlier this year, Gene Wolfe was the recipient of the 2012 Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award for his lifetime contributions to, and achievements in, the field. Founded in 1965 by the late Damon Knight, Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America brings together the most successful and daring writers of speculative fiction throughout the world.​

S&L Podcast - #128 - Awards season!

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​It's awards season!  We have nominees for the Campbell, Sturgeon, and Locus awards and Veronica's heading over to the Nebula Awards. Who is she wearing? Probably whoever got in her way.  She's a Demon Hunter, after all. 

BARE YOUR SWORD
May I Ask a Favor From Those Posting Book Links in Threads?
Renegade read section

ADDENDUMS

Veronica will be at the Nebula Awards this weekend with Josh to interview Kim Stanley Robinson, Gene Wolfe and Joe Haldeman.  Got questions?  Post them in the Goodreads forum!

Tomorrow ends submissions for the Anthology.  NO submissions received after midnight Pacific tomorrow will be considered. We need time to read through everything, so please be patient.  We expect to make our final selections by August 15, 2013. And HUGE thanks to everybody who submitted.

Congratulations to PanamaJack and Misti, winners of our Adam Christopher limited edition books!

This podcast is brought to you by Audible.com the internet’s leading provider of audiobooks with more than 100,000 downloadable titles across all types of literature and featuring audio versions of many New York Times Best Sellers. For listeners of this podcast, Audible is offering a free audiobook, to give you a chance to try out their service.

For a free audiobook of your choice go to audiblepodcast.com/sword.

Download the MP3 of today's show here!​