S&L t-shirts now available!
/
I don't know who this woman is, but she's wearing one of our new t-shirts! You can buy them here over on /loot, and thanks to the wonderful Scott Johnson for hosting them!
Stormlight, Steelheart, Sanderson, and more!
/
Brandon Sanderson joins us to talk his upcoming Rithmatist, the Legion film adaptation, and why he was the right guy for the job when it came to finishing Robert Jordan's epic Wheel of Time series. Cheers!
More about our guest, Brandon Sanderson:
On the Web: http://www.brandonsanderson.com/
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandSanderson
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrandSanderson
On Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
His Blog: http://www.brandonsanderson.com/blog
More on Brandon's Works:
The Stormlight Archive series:http://www.goodreads.com/series/49075...
Elantris series: http://www.goodreads.com/series/87970...
Alcatraz series: http://www.goodreads.com/series/45320...
Mistborn series: http://www.goodreads.com/series/40910...
Steelheart series: http://www.goodreads.com/series/93010...
Legion: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13...
Warbreaker: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12...
The Rithmatist: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10...
Wheel of Time novels:
The Gathering Storm: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11...
Towers of Midnight: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/82...
A Memory of Light: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/77...
"2300 MIles, Zero Complaints" by Aaron:http://youtu.be/seoavNIDbuc
S&L Podcast - #120 - Book Blind Dates
/We get the message and beef up the book discusiion. But the news is full of trailers and the feedback is full of awesome. But will Veronica Hughart the book? And if she did, what would that mean?
WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Tom: 2009 Toscana IGT "1967"
Veronica: Glenmorangie
QUICK BURNS
Book Trailer: “Etiquette & Espionage” by Gail Carriger
TOC: ‘Dangerous Women’ Edited by Gardner Dozois and George R.R. Martin
Amazing Stories returns, as a social network for fandom (with stories)
Animated Fiction: Neil Gaiman Reads His Zombie Story “Down Among the Dead Men”
Locus 2012 Recommended Reading List
Book Trailer: “The Daylight War” by Peter V. Brett
CALENDAR
BARE YOUR SWORD
Welcome new forum mod, Josh!
Memoirs Found in a Bathtub $1.99 today
Violent character names
Book Blind Date
TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES
Behind-the-Scenes Game of Thrones Video Explores Iceland as Setting for ‘Beyond the Wall’
BOOK CHECK-IN
The Bridge of Birds by Barry Hughart
EMAIL
Hi Tom & Veronica.
I love your show(s) and the GoodReads group. On the podcast I listened to today, Tom said that he would like to pick a science fiction novel by a female author. Ursula K. LeGuin was mentioned, but I'd like to see something more contemporary. May I suggest God's War by Kameron Hurley? I've started reading it and it's something really different. It's kind of like Joe Abercrombie writing SF taking place on a planet with a female dominated society. The primary SF elements are genetic engineering and colonization of other planets. It's not an easy read and it's very dark, but it seems pretty good. I've paused it because it's so intense, so I need an incentive to finish.
Keep up the great work!
Sandi
***
I saw this and immediately thought it would make a great news piece for your show!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/354009039/beyond-words-a-year-of-daydreams-fantasy-author-ca
I am behind on my youtube episodes so if you have already covered this, please FORGIVE ME! I just saw it (I think Brandon Sanderson linked to it on his twitter) and thought it was AWESOME! Anyway, love your show and the podcast,
Sincerely
Jeane Ess
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.
Download the MP3 below!
February Book Club: Bridge of Birds Kick-Off & Your Feedback!
/
Thanks to an overwhelming response to one of Aaron's recent Whiteboard Review, we're kicking off our February pick, Bridge of Birds by Barry Hughart! Plus, we check in over on GoodReads to talk Gaiman, refreshing Science Fiction, and libraries that don't have any books.
More on our February pick, Bridge of Birds:
On GoodReads:http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15177.Bridge_of_Birds
Hughart Fan Site: http://www.barryhughart.org/books.htm
Discussion Links:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1167500-digital-libraries
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1067161-neil-gaiman-starter-book
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1167079-need-to-expand-my-horizons
"Reconsidering Goblins" by Aaron:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-dJ-BKgTgA
S&L January Book Club: Old Man's War Wrap-Up & Your Feedback!
/
It's time to wrap up our January pick, John Scalzi's Old Man's War, check in with everyone over on GoodReads, and get momentarily excited for a new excerpt from GRRM...before remembering that its still going to be a long wait for Winds of Winter. Enjoy!
More on our January pick, Old Man's War:
On GoodReads:http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51964.Old_Man_s_War
From John Scalzi's Blog: http://whatever.scalzi.com/about/books-by-john-scalzi/
Discussion Links:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1163392-bored-woodless
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1163460-grrm-new-extract-of-the-winds-of-...
http://georgerrmartin.com/if-sample.html
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1160339-what-do-you-guys-think-about-brea...
"A Once Crowded Sky" Review by Aaron:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuSKLG61lbk
S&L Podcast - #119 - Pronounce this...
/We have a whole lot of award finalists to tell you about and Veronica bravely tries to pronounce their names. We also wonder how much said is too much said.
WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Tom: Car Men Air Camenere, Chile
Veronica: Something red
QUICK BURNS
TOC: ‘The Fearsome Journeys: The New Solaris Book of Fantasy’ Edited by Jonathan Strahan
Harper/Voyager UK to Release SF/F Classics with Beautiful Minimalist Covers
Tad Williams completes latest novel
Great science fiction authors tell us which novels they wish they’d written themselves
FINALISTS: 2012 BSFA Award
FINALISTS: The 2012 Kitschies
BARE YOUR SWORD
Veronica's Reddit AMA
The battle against 'sexist' sci-fi and fantasy book covers
Jim Hines Group Cover Pose
Living in a Fantasy world
TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES
New GAME OF THRONES video
BOOK CHECK-IN
Use of "said"
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.
Books, Brooks...And More Books: Our Interview with Terry Brooks!
/
Terry Brooks, the mastermind behind the world of Shannara, joins us to discuss what's coming up in the Dark Legacy of Shannara, his ventures into standalone e-books, and the advice he'd give to new fantasy authors.
More about our guest, Terry Brooks:
On the Web: http://www.terrybrooks.net/
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/officialbrooks
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialterrybrooks
On G+:https://plus.google.com/u/0/106756046894387044266/posts
On Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9629.Terry_Brooks
More on Terry's Works:
Original Shannara Trilogy: http://www.goodreads.com/series/49525-the-original-shannara-trilogy
Heritage of Shannara: http://www.goodreads.com/series/40325-heritage-of-shannara
Voyage of Jerle Shannara:http://www.goodreads.com/series/42961-voyage-of-the-jerle-shannara
Word & Void: http://www.goodreads.com/series/44330-word-the-void
Genesis of Shannara: http://www.goodreads.com/series/40860-genesis-of-shannara
Legends of Shannara: http://www.goodreads.com/series/49107-legends-of-shannara
High Druid of Shannara: http://www.goodreads.com/series/44034-high-druid-of-shannara
Dark Legacy of Shannara:http://www.goodreads.com/series/74801-the-dark-legacy-of-shannara
Paladins of Shannara:http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15743635-paladins-of-shannara
Landover: http://www.goodreads.com/series/41934-magic-kingdom-of-landover
"Exactly What You Wanted" by Aaron:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fDcSqVAUxo
S&L Podcast - #118 - Scientific seal of approval
/We're running a little late, but we're here! We have lots of awards to discuss and one to even beg for a little. Plus we chat about what makes a sellout and what makes an addictive series!
QUICK BURNS
FINALISTS: 2012 Philip K. Dick Award
Yep, there's now a 'seal of approval' for the scientific accuracy of novels
Christopher Tolkien speaks out for the first time, says Peter Jackson 'eviscerated' his father's work
Gollancz to publish three ELITE novels
A brave new world: science fiction predictions for 2013
WINNER: A.E. Van Vogt Award
Hugo Award Nomination Period Is Now Open
The Offer on Old Man’s War: A Ten-Year Retrospective
Great Quotes about Writing from Game of Thrones Author George R.R. Martin
BARE YOUR SWORD
10 Book series so addictive you won't want to stop
Space Ships and Nekkid Ladies
TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES
Clever Film Trailer for “John Dies At The End” Aimed at Pirates
77 Science Fiction and Fantasy Movies to Watch Out For in 2013
BOOK CHECK-IN
Old Man's War by John Scalzi
MAIL
Thought I'd check in and tell you guys that you are AWESOME. I dearly love the podcast and Youtube show at Geek and Sundry. I listen to the podcasts on the way to/from work when I'm not listening to my audiobooks and I always have a lot of fun with the books! Really enjoyed Nocturnal by Scott Sigler recently (which freaked me out on a level I'm not entirely comfortable discussing), and am currently having a blast with Old Man's War. Keep up the great job and I can't wait to see what's next!
-AJ
---
Hey Tom and Veronica,
I know this is a little late but I did want to thank you for all your amazing work on the Sword & Laser podcasts in 2012 & with the introduction of the video show as well :D Thank you for continuing to inspire me to get back to reading & making sure I always have a long list of books to read. Hope that 2013 is going to be a wonderful year for you both as well as for Sword & Laser itself :D
Steven Cain
P.S. Tom I know you mentioned you wouldn't mind suggestions for things to do in LA yourself so I figured I'd include the suggestions I received for my trip to LA just in case they might be helpful for you.
---
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 a free audiobook of your choice go to audiblepodcast.com/sword.
Trash Talking Angels and Tad Williams
/
Author of our November pick, The Dirty Streets of Heaven, Tad Williams, joins us in the space castle to give us a little insight on the future of Bobby Dollar, why cats haunt his dreams, and what advice Present Tad would give to Young Adult Tad.
More about our guest, Tad Williams:
On the Web: http://www.tadwilliams.com/
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/tadwilliams
On Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6587.Tad_Williams
More on Tad's Works:
Tailchaser's Song: http://www.tadwilliams.com/books/tailchasers-song/
War of the Flowers: http://www.tadwilliams.com/books/war-of-the-flowers/
Caliban's Hour: http://www.tadwilliams.com/books/calibans-hour/
Shadowmarch series: http://www.goodreads.com/series/43486-shadowmarch
Otherland series: http://www.goodreads.com/series/43762-otherland
Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series:http://www.goodreads.com/series/49188-memory-sorrow-and-thorn
The Bobby Dollar series: http://www.goodreads.com/series/76112-bobby-dollar
Otherland:The Game: http://www.tadwilliams.com/books/otherland-game/
"Old Man's War" Kick-Off: Sword & Laser January Book Club
/
We're making good on one of our S&L New Year Resolutions by kicking off the oft-requested ld Man's War by John Scalzi! Enjoy, Nick (and everyone else)!
More about our January pick, Old Man's War:
On GoodReads:http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51964.Old_Man_s_War
E-Mails, Discussions & Video Questions:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1106226-there-s-no-e-in-reading
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1107850-the-long-con
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1112807-new-to-scifi-fantasy-needing-sugg...
"Kraken" Review by Aaron: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8jDDpNQ8mI
S&L Podcast - #117 - Is Gandalf a jerk?
/We welcome our new Grand Master, who has always been a grand master really. We give you some insight on the best Science Fiction and Fantasy this year and next, and we explain why Gandalf is not a nice man. But he's a great wizard.
WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Veronica: Boekenhoutskloof Franschook The Wolftrap
QUICK BURNS
TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES
BARE YOUR SWORD
BOOK CHECK-IN
The Hobbit - Wrap-up this Friday
Old man's War after that
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.
S&L Video - #19 - Red Country, Revenge, & Joe Abercrombie
/
Joe Abercrombie, author of The First Law trilogy, joins us to talk his fantasy western Red Country, letting go of fan favorite characters, and Logen Ninefinger's favorite whiskey.
More about our guest, Joe Abercrombie:
On the Web: http://www.joeabercrombie.com/
On Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/276660.Joe_Abercrombie
More on Joe's Works:
The First Law Trilogy:
The Blade Itself: http://www.joeabercrombie.com/books/the-blade-itself/
Before They Are Hanged:http://www.joeabercrombie.com/books/before-they-are-hanged/
Last Argument of Kings:http://www.joeabercrombie.com/books/the-last-argument-of-kings/
Standalone Novels:
Best Served Cold: http://www.joeabercrombie.com/books/best-served-cold/
The Heroes: http://www.joeabercrombie.com/books/the-heroes/
Red Country: http://www.joeabercrombie.com/books/red-country/
"Morally Ambiguous Grey" by Aaron:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI9qDP3Biio
S&L Video - #18 - Doctor Who, Dragon Kisses, and Paul Cornell
/We bend space and time to have Paul Cornell, all-around geek writer
extraordinaire, join us to talk London Falling, how he bridged the
Marvel-DC divide, and the next step in his plans for world domination.
More about our guest, Paul Cornell:
On the Web: www.paulcornell.com/
On Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/63341.Paul_Cornell
On Twitter: twitter.com/Paul_Cornell
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/PaulCornellOfficial
On Pintrest: http://pinterest.com/paulcornell/
More on Paul's Works:
London Falling: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16094514-london-falling
Saucer Country: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13536521-saucer-country-vol-1
Marvel & DC Comics by Paul:
Superman: The Black Ring:http://www.goodreads.com/series/62210-the-black-
ring
Young Avengers: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6883138-dark-reign
Batman: Knight & Squire: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10241986-batman
Demon Knights: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13228422-demon-knights-vol-1
Paul's Doctor Who work:
Doctor Who: Virgin New Adventures: http://www.goodreads.com/series/40456-virgin-new-adventures
Bernice Summerfield Audio Dramas: http://www.goodreads.com/series/41407-bernice-summerfield-audio-drama
Big Finish Doctor Who Audio Dramas: http://www.goodreads.com/series/53351-big-finish-doctor-who-audio-dramas
"Blueprint for World Domination" by Aaron: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlC7saNwYgI
S&L Podcast - #116 - Secret of success
/Friends of Sword and Laser are doing VERY well. We're not saying that being a guest on Sword and Laser will guarantee you riches... but it seems like it might. Just saying. Also we have verification on the humanity of the Bibliomat. Also WARNING: there's cursing. But it's worth it. All that and Moria, on this episode.
WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Tom: Fire Rock Pale Ale
Veronica: Two Angels Petit Syrah
QUICK BURNS
BARE YOUR SWORD
TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES
BOOK CHECK-IN
EMAIL
I went to the Monkey's Paw this weekend when I was in Toronto. I took a video (albeit crappy) of it. I was thinking I could send you guys the book for your set, as the random book I received ended up being...."The Dictionary of Mysticism".
What do you think?
Thanks,
Caitlin from Canada
Tom Merritt
Awesome!
So..... person inside??
Caitlin O'Brien
to Tom, Veronica
....sort of. I put my money in, and it made some noises, but nothing came out. A guy at the front of the store yelled ""just a minute!"" and came back to load it for me. Once he was done, he gave me back my toonie and told me keeping it stocked is a full time second job. So, there was human involvment - just no human inside. Plus, when I was googling the address, I came across this video: http://jezebel.com/5965769/magical-used-book-store-dispenses-random-literary-treasures and it shows how it works.
I was pretty excited that something so relevant to the Sword and Laser came out.
---
Hey Tom & Veronica, just wanted to leave some feedback on the audio podcasts. I really like the new overall show balance you guys have got going these days with the news in the audio podcast, and also the more relaxed feel that you seem to have. The audio show is the perfect thing to listen to late at night with a glass of wine when you need to unwind. (I'm drinking a nice locally-made Ontario riesling, for the record.)
I love the idea of the audience being on the audio show, the ""plead your case"" scenario, especially in cases like Nick's. Have you heard back from him yet? Is he going to be on the show?
As always, I love all the show formats, audio and video. Have a great day!
Gordon S. McLeod
---
"Tom and Veronica,
I just wanted to say that I think you do a wonderful job with The Sword and Laser podcast and YouTube show.
I started listening to the podcast in 2009. Since then, you have introduced me to so many great books. I don't often read along with your picks, but I usually add them to my ""to-read"" list and have read many of them later on.
I've also really enjoyed the author interviews over the years. The author spotlights on the YouTube show are especially nice.
Oh, and I have to send a big thanks for convincing me to sign up for Audible. My commutes to work are sooooo much better now.
Thanks for everything and keep up the great work!
Happy holidays,
Mike"
---
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.
S&L December Book Club: 'The Hobbit' Kick-Off
/We kick-off a Classic Sword pick, J.R.R. Tolkein's The Hobbit, find out what THE Cloud Atlas is all about, and reassure Lem that he's still our favorite dragon.
More about our December pick, The Hobbit:
On GoodReads:http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5907.The_Hobbit
The Hobbit movie: http://www.thehobbit.com/
E-Mails & GoodReads Discussions:
http://www.theawl.com/2012/11/ways-in-which-the-movie-cloud-atlas-has-changed...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeEdIBuanmU
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1090560-who-s-your-favorite-dragon
Bridge of Birds Review by Aaron: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5x2xmrE0-c
The Sword & Laser Anthology
/We've been talking about it for years, but now it's actually going to be a real thing! That's right, we're officially announcing the Sword & Laser Anthology!
We'll be starting open submissions in March, but here's what you need to know:
1. We're looking for unpublished, new material.
2. Genres: science fiction, fantasy, and everything in between.
3. Word count preferably between 1500-7500 (though more or less will not disqualify you).
DON'T SEND US ANYTHING YET! We won't even LOOK at it until we announce the open call. Just start thinking about what you'd like to submit. We wanted to give you some warning, but you'll have time, we promise!
GOOD LUCK and GOOD WRITING!
S&L Video - "The Dirty Streets of Heaven" Wrap-Up
/Turkey has been gobbled, NaNoWriMo is drawing to a close, and that means its time to wrap-up Tad Williams' The Dirty Streets of Heaven and check in with the discussions happening over on GoodReads.
More about our November pick, The Dirty Streets of Heaven:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13542846-the-dirty-streets-of-heaven
Discussion Threads:
Gift Giving in the Digital Age: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1079513-gifting-in-the-digital-age
DRM Free E-Books: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1087195-copyright-free-published-books and https://www.smashwords.com
S&L Podcast - #115 - Ghallu everyone!
/On this episode we breakdown the Tolkien estate case against Warner Brothers, debate the origins of the Ghallu, and even figure out the January book pick! Also Tom has a Snow Day. But it's not what you think. It's BETTER!
WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Veronica: 2008 Eagle Vale Margaret River Shiraz
QUICK BURNS
Happy Birthday to Michael Stackpole!
BARE YOUR SWORD
TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES
BOOK CHECK-IN
Dirty Streets wrap-up this Friday - The Hobbit Kick-Off Dec. 7
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.
S&L Video - #17 - Author Guide to Patrick Rothfuss
/
Patrick Rothfuss, author of The Kingkiller Chronicles, joins us in the space castle to talk world building, beard growing, and how he ripped off Sir Issac Newton.
S&L Video - #16 - Author Guide to Jim Butcher!
/Jim Butcher joins us to talk about Harry Dresden's latest adventure, his upcoming steampunk series, and how LARP helps shape his world building.
Join our Goodreads forum!
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/4170.The_Sword_and_Laser
Subscribe to Geek and Sundry: http://full.sc/GTVYfM
More about our guest, Jim Butcher:
On the Web: http://www.jim-butcher.com/
On Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10746.Jim_Butcher
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/longshotauthor
More on The Dresden Files:
Main Series: http://www.jim-butcher.com/books/dresden
Side Jobs: http://www.jim-butcher.com/books/dresden/side-jobs
Comics: http://www.jim-butcher.com/books/dresden/comics
Television Series: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dresden_Files_(TV_series)
RPG: http://www.evilhat.com/home/category/dresden-files-rpg-game-news/
On GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/series/40346-the-dresden-files
More on The Codex Alera:
Series: http://www.jim-butcher.com/books/alera
Wiki: http://codexalera.wikia.com/wiki/Codex_Alera_Wiki
On GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/series/45545-codex-alera
LARP with Jim!
http://www.jim-butcher.com/jim/game-with-jim
http://www.heroicit.net/
http://www.heroicit.net/Central
"Butcher, Wordsworth, and Pop-Tarts" by Aaron: http://youtu.be/z1_Pu4ixJhY
