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!​

S&L Podcast - #127 - Hangout with Adam Christopher

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We hop on the old Google Hangout to chat with Adam Christopher about alternate universes, superheroes, and atomic robot armies. His new book The Age Atomic is out right now!  Listen to this then go read that!​

​You can also watch the hangout on video like you were right there with us!

Direct download link for today's podcast

S&L Podcast - #126 - More like Dragon-FIGHT!

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Controversy swirls around the Sword and Laser book picks both old and new. It makes being George R. R. Martin look downright easy. And then he goes and buys a movie theater. For real. You must listen.

EMAIL​
If you remember the main trip to get back 400 years to bring the other weyr's forward, show used the tapestry from Ruatha Hold.

The dragons of Pern need an image in the riders mind to travel between to that place. They also use an image to travel between times.

This is why the riders don't go back in time to battle thread when necessary, they need that image to get there. It also drain's both dragon and rider.

I don't know how far you are into all the other books, but Lessa wasn't the first to time travel (chronologically speaking), In ""Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern"", Moreta did some if my memory serves me.

If you haven't read the series before, you must read Dragonsdawn! It's the ""laser"" Dragonriders book. Basically, the first book (chronologically) of the series. I really love that book. If I had to rank the books, I would go Harper Hall trilogy, Dragonsdawn, Dragonflight, Dragonquest then The White Dragon. The others are really good, but those 7 are my absolute favorite books.

Looking forward to Sword & Laser having video shows again (really missing them!),

Dave

BOOK KICK-OFF
Wool by Hugh Howey
Controversy around Howey statements
Wikipedia entry about Wool

ADDENDUMS

Giveaway!

Limited edition Empire State and Limited Edition Age Atomic Hardcover, signed, numbered only 100 copies each. Empire State has a variant cover. Enter at this Goodreads thread.

Writer's With Drinks

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 link to podcast download!​

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S&L Podcast - #125 - On the wagon

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It's a show chock full of awards and TV shows based on books. Plus we have great news for fans of Joe Abercrombie and John Scalzi, and Veronica recommends a sexy book! Find out what happens when neither one of us have a drink.

QUICK BURNS
Joe Abercrombie's The First Law (The Graphic Novel) - Interview
FINALISTS: 2013 Arthur C. Clarke Award
FINALISTS: 2013 Prometheus Award
The real (?) "One Ring" Of The Hobbit
The Human Division has been renewed for a second season.
Something Electronic This Way Comes: Ray Bradbury eBooks Announced!
Haruki Murakami fans queue overnight for latest novel
Iain Banks, has terminal cancer and likely has less than a year to live.

CALENDAR

TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES
Game of Thrones' sets record, gets fourth season
Syfy announces Childhood's End and Ringworld miniseries
BBC America To Co-produce Small Screen Adaptation of Susanna Clarke’s JONATHAN STRANGE & MR NORRELL
C.J. Cherryh’s MORGAINE Books Optioned for Film

BOOK CHECK-IN
Dragonriders of Pern: (just Dragonflight if you don't have time for all three)
Next month: Wool by Hugh Howey
Veronica also recommends: Ghost Planet by Sharon Lynn Fisher

BARE YOUR SWORD
Book Chain

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 episode here!​

S&L Podcast - #124 - Whur my dragons at?

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Tom's in a singing mood and Veronica's on the bandwagon and Tom has to pronounce all the German. We also kick off the April book pick, Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey.​

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Tom: Bulleit Bourbon
Veronica: Water

QUICK BURNS
FINALISTS: 2013 Hugo Awards
Nominated for the Kurd Laßwitz Preis
RIP: James Herbert, OBE: 1943-2013
New George R.R. Martin website
You Got Grit in my Fantasy Story
Cover & Synopsis: “Self-Reference ENGINE” by Toh EnJoe - The description on this is hilarious.

CALENDAR

TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES
Doctor Who: Summer Falls – New Ebook With Link To “The Bells Of Saint John”
Harry Potter actor Richard Griffiths dies
How Fans Recreated Game of Thrones in a Minecraft Map the Size of LA
Game of Thrones T-shirt on Etsy from Listener Derek
GoT producers will not wait for GRRM to finish the books
GRRM on pitching new projects to HBO
Robert J. Sawyer to Adapt His Novel Triggers for the Big Screen

BOOK CHECK-IN
Dragonriders of Pern: (just Dragonflight if you don't have time for all three)
Wikipedia article

BARE YOUR SWORD
Books for people who miss Firefly

Chris wanted to give his book as a gift to the Sword and Laser audience so all day tomorrow, April 3, Death of Dreams will be free! Thanks Chris.

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 also check out http://www.audible.com/sweeps to enter the sweepstake! Quick to enter, simply put in your email address!

Direct link to download the show!


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S&L Podcast - #123 - Power couples!

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If you're not too offended but the first few minutes you're going to love this episode.  It's not as bad as that sounds, but we both need help choosing words right there at the top. But THEN we get excited about new Scott Lynch, Westeros History, and Benedict Cumberbatch reading Neil Gaiman out loud.

EMAIL
I was wondering if Sword and Laser was ever going to cover Military Science Fiction, like the epic Honor Harrington series by David Weber or The Lost Fleet series by Jack Campbell. David Weber has another wonderful series, Safehold. I've read all of the books in the series and would love to see your take on them. Thanks for the wonderful show, Mark

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 direct file

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S&L Podcast - #122 - Interview with Michael J. Sullivan

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We have a lovely chat with author Michael J. Sullivan, get down and dirty about Downbelow Station and celebrate the coming end of our YouTube video season! 

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?

Tom: Boont Amber Ale
Veronica: Rioja Conde de Valdemar Crianza

QUICK BURNS
Hooray for an amazing season of YouTube videos. Thanks for all the fish!
Your 2013 SF/F Award Nomination Awareness Post: Readers and Fans
Adam Whitehead's Hugo Nominations 2013  THANKS ADAM!!
VIDEO: Watch SF Legend Brian Aldiss Talk About Writing & The Passage of Time
Scott Lynch update on THE REPUBLIC OF THIEVES

CALENDAR

INTERVIEW
Michael J. Sullivan  

BOOK CHECK-IN
Downbelow Station by C. J. Cherryh

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.

Subscribe to our podcast!
Direct episode download link

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S&L Podcast - #121 - A bird too far

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It's time for a substantive down-to-Earth deep discussion of Bridge of Birds. And Veronica now feels better about pronouncing things.

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Tom: Jameson's
Veronica: Cono Sur Cabernet Sauvignon

QUICK BURNS
Stephen Donaldson delivers last-ever THOMAS COVENANT novel
An incredibly thorough analysis of how frequently words and characters appear in J.R.R. Tolkien’s books
Make your own pulp magazine covers
Love Of Classics Inspires Raygun Chronicles Kickstarter Anthology Project
THE CITY AND THE CITY on stage in Chicago

CALENDAR

BARE YOUR SWORD
Does science fiction lack good criticism?

TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES
George R.R. Martin expands on HBO deal
Philip K. Dick’s The Man in the High Castle is coming to Syfy

BOOK CHECK-IN
Pretty Ping Rape? (Spoilers)
A Slight Flaw in His Character... 

EMAIL

Gaiman narrates the audio book Odd and the Frost Giants. Its a great audiobook. Andrew R.

FYI. Not sure if this will be "fresh" enough to cover on the S&L audio show next week... Eric W (Goodreads follow-up)

ADDENDUMS

T-shirts, get your t-shirts heeeere!

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. 

Subscribe to our podcast!
Direct episode download link

​

S&L Podcast - #120 - Book Blind Dates

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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!

S&L Podcast - #120 - Book Blind Dates

S&L Podcast - #119 - Pronounce this...

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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 

CALENDAR

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.  

 

S&L Podcast - #119 - Pronounce this

S&L Podcast - #118 - Scientific seal of approval

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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 

CALENDAR
 

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
 
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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.  

 

S&L Podcast - #118 - Scientific seal of approval

S&L Podcast - #117 - Is Gandalf a jerk?

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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?
 
Tom: 2009 Château de Gueyze Buzet 
 
QUICK BURNS

Gene Wolfe Chosen as SFWA Grand Master
TOC: “The Year’s Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2013 Edition” edited by Rich Horton
The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Books of 2012
 
CALENDAR
 
TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES
 
A LIES OF LOCKE LAMORA TV series?
 
BARE YOUR SWORD

The Hobbit: an Anti-fantasy Novel (SPOILERS)
Gandalf Is A Jerk!
 
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 Podcast - #117 - Is Gandalf a jerk?

S&L Podcast - #116 - Secret of success

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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

The Human Division Episode Release Dates + Cover Art Reveals + More!
Ernie Cline Signs a New Book Deal 
The Lord of the Rings saga lies hidden deep in your Mac
Steven Erikson: I’m Not Competing With George R. R. Martin
Behold! The New Website for Michael Moorcock’s New “New Worlds” is Live!
Google Play store now accepting pre-orders for books, bibliophiles rejoice
Schooling a reader who doesn't like female, middle-aged, black pirate captains
 
 
BARE YOUR SWORD

S&L Anthology
The 12 Days Of Awesome
 
TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES

JONATHAN STRANGE AND MR. NORRELL TV series on the way
Hobbit Week on the Colbert Report 
 
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 Podcast - #116 - Secret of success

S&L Podcast - #115 - Ghallu everyone!

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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?
Tom: New Belgium Snow Day Winter Ale
Veronica: 2008 Eagle Vale Margaret River Shiraz 
 
QUICK BURNS
 
Happy Birthday to Michael Stackpole!
The Tolkien Estate Sues to Protect Their Precious
J.K. Rowling’s Pottermore adds ebook gifting and new book
Terry Pratchett to pass DISCWORLD onto his daughter
Goodreads Reader's Choice awards 
Penguin expands library ebook lending with Baker & Taylor 
Meet the Bibliomat: a homemade vending machine for old books
 
CALENDAR
 
BARE YOUR SWORD
 
Ghallu..have I seen this moster before? 
NaNoWriMo 2012 
 
TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES
 
The Man in the High Castle' and other Philip K. Dick works slated for film and TV adaptations
Season 3 of 'Game of Thrones' set to begin March 31st
 
BOOK CHECK-IN
 
Dirty Streets wrap-up this Friday - The Hobbit Kick-Off Dec. 7
Shall we settle the January Pick?
 
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 Podcast - #115 - Ghallu everyone!

S&L Podcast - #114 - World-builder porn

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It's a fun show this time.  No, seriously, you should try to listen. We talk with Dave Gross, Lead Writer at Overhaul Games, and James L. Sutter a co-creator of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game and the Fiction Editor for Paizo Publishing. They share some great insights on the relationship of role-playing games to fantasy novels as well as just about the craft of writing itself. Also Veronica peer pressures Tom into drinking.



WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Tom: Racer 5 IPA 
Veronica: 2009 Pirie South Tasmania Pinot Noir
 
QUICK BURNS
How to Get Signed and Personalized Scalzi Books for the Holidays, 2012

Who would win in a fight between Tolkien characters and Game of Thrones characters? George R.R. Martin weighs in

Fake William Gibson novels, tweeted

Philip Pullman's Grimm's Fairytales 

BARE YOUR SWORD
Is this indicative of Tad Williams' work?
 
CALENDAR
 
INTERVIEW
Dave Gross, Lead Writer at Overhaul Games, developers of Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition. and James L. Sutter a co-creator of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game and the Fiction Editor for Paizo Publishing.
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.  

ADDENDUMS

 

S&L Podcast - #114 - World-builder porn

S&L Podcast - #113 - Almost amazing

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This week we get a review of the Cloud Atlas movie, a sneak peek at the Dirty Streets of Heaven and a debate about Denny's.


 
WHAT WE'RE DRINKING
Tom: 2010 Peachy Canyon Zinfandel Incredible Red 
Veronica: Unicorn tears
 
QUICK BURNS
JRR Tolkien letter reveals poor sales of The Hobbit
 
The Hobbit’s Second Breakfast being served at Denny’s is something that is happening
 
Neal Stephenson talks REAMDE with lawyers, security experts
 
CALENDAR
 
BARE YOUR SWORD
Cloud Atlas movie
 
BOOK CHECK-IN
Tom also finishing Isles of the Forsaken by Carolyn Ives Gilman 
Veronica finished Furies of Calderon (Codex Alera, Book 1) by Jim Butcher.
 
EMAIL

Hey guys,
I love your show.  Can't wait for the Robin Hobb interview.  Will that be on the youtube webcast and the audio podcast?  I read Liveship, Tawny Man, Farseer, and the new Rain Wilds series.  I had to Lem the Soldier Son....it was way too slow and a little boring....I didn't like the protagonist at all.  

Anyway, I am really writing today about the email below.  You guys are going to be in the money for all of the books you have bought from Amazon.  I have had a Kindle for around 3 years and I am always disappointed about the pricing.  The electronic version of a book should ALWAYS be less then the hardback/paperback but that is not always so.  

It looks like some publishers are finally trying to put an end of the extreme pricing.
What do you think?

Is the Youtube podcast ever going to go to Itunes as a videocast?  I am not always in front of my computer / smart TV so it would be great if my IPod could play the video cast.  You guys look great on a 55"" HD TV by the way.

My author interview wishlist:  Scott Lynch, Gentlemen Bastards...Brent Weeks, Lightbringer.....Peter V. Brett, Demon War....
Thanks,
Craig from PA

Dear Kindle Customer,
We have good news. You are entitled to a credit for some of your past e-book purchases as a result of legal settlements between several major e-book publishers and the Attorneys General of most U.S. states and territories, including yours. You do not need to do anything to receive this credit. We will contact you when the credit is applied to your Amazon.com account if the Court approves the settlements in February 2013.
Hachette, Harper Collins, and Simon & Schuster have settled an antitrust lawsuit about e-book prices. Under the proposed settlements, the publishers will provide funds for a credit that will be applied directly to your Amazon.com account. If the Court approves the settlements, the account credit will appear automatically and can be used to purchase Kindle books or print books. While we will not know the amount of your credit until the Court approves the settlements, the Attorneys General estimate that it will range from $0.30 to $1.32 for every eligible Kindle book that you purchased between April 2010 and May 2012. Alternatively, you may request a check in the amount of your credit by following the instructions included in the formal notice of the settlements, set forth below. You can learn more about the settlements here:
www.amazon.com/help/agencyebooksettlements
In addition to the account credit, the settlements impose limitations on the publishers’ ability to set e-book prices. We think these settlements are a big win for customers and look forward to lowering prices on more Kindle books in the future.
Thank you for being a Kindle customer.
The Amazon Kindle Team
 
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 Podcast - #113 - Almost amazing

S&L Podcast - #112 - Interview with G. Willow Wilson!

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Today we show you just why the audio podcast is different and more REAL than anything else you listen to. Then we calm down, sober up, time travel, and have a fascinating interview with G. Willow Wilson. Turns out, she is awesome.  Find out why!
 
WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?

Tom: 2011 Black Mountain Vineyard Pinot Noir Haro Hills 
 
QUICK BURNS

2 New “Star Wars” Books on the Horizon by John Jackson Miller and James S.A. Corey (Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck) 

Neil Gaiman announces new novel 

Amazon Studios Options Its First Novel, Seed, For A Crowdsourced, Big-Screen Adaptation
 
The Humble Ebook Bundle Is Back With Works By Doctorow, Gaiman, and Scalzi
 
Student Publishes Extensive Statistics On the Population of Middle-Earth
 
CALENDAR
 
INTERVIEW

 
G. Willow Wilson's Website 
 
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 Podcast - #112 - Interview with G. Willow Wilson!

S&L Podcast - #111 - Shhh! Science fiction is tired

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Is science fiction exhauasted?  It has a had a hard century's work.  We'll examine that, invite you to read some banned books, and smell Veronica's feet. Don't let that last one put you off. We also kick off Cloud Atlas.

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?

Tom: Racer 5 
Veronica: Fridge was empty
 
QUICK BURNS
 
 
Rudy Rucker has launched a new novel, Turing & Burroughs
 
Silvia Hartmann is writing a novel and is welcoming you to watch her progress. Live and in real-time.
 
 
Cover & Synopsis: “Etiquette & Espionage” by Gail Carriger
 
CALENDAR
 
BARE YOUR SWORD

Banned Books Week
 
Is SF&F exhausted? 
 
BOOK CHECK-IN

Cloud Atlas Kick-off video coming at the end of this week
 
Great resource for Cloud Atlas 

EMAIL

I have always been an avid reader but not a fantasy/sci-fi reader until I started to listen to your audio podcast, I came by the way of Buzz Out Loud.  Listening to ya'll talk about the Game of Thrones so much made me decide I had to give a shot, well I started reading them in July and am over half way through the 5th book now we are also watching the HBO series.  I wanted to thank you for introducing me to such a great series that I otherwise would have missed and to send you some pictures that I think of every time the talk about the old gods in the weirwood trees.  http://www.flickr.com/photos/82006512@N00/8037943720/in/photostream/ These pictures are from Orr Park in Montevallo, Alabama were a local artist by the name of Tingle has been carving in the deadwood trees since at least 1993.  Just had to share these pics with ya'll.
Love the show,
Laura Boggs
Montevallo, Alabama
100_1893

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 Podcast - #111 - Shhh! Science fiction is tired

S&L Podcast - #110 - Interview with Anton Strout!

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It's a virtual bachelorette party of SciFi and Fantasy discussion today, with a chat about how SciFi can be interesting if it follows the laws of physics, and an interview with author Anton Strout.

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Tom: Kona Big Wave Golden Ale
Veronica: Fruity vodka drink with Passion Fruit and stuff

QUICK BURNS
The full story of the Targaryen Conquest in A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE
Sneak peek at graphic novel of Wrinkle in Time
William Gibson on Twitter, Antique Watches and Internet Obsessions
William Gibson on Why Sci-Fi Writers Are (Thankfully) Almost Always Wrong
William Gibson on Punk Rock, Internet Memes, and ‘Gangnam Style’
William Gibson on the io9 show
Neal Stephenson on the Hieroglyph Project
Neal Stephenson on Predictions and Surprises 
How to Write a Killer Space Adventure Without Breaking the Speed of Light 

CALENDAR

Interview with Anton Strout

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. 

 

S&L Podcast - #110 - Interview with Anton Strout

S&L Podcast - #109 - Live at DragonCon with R.A. Salvatore!

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It's that time of year again... DragonCon! If you weren't able to join us for our live show, never fear! We recorded it for you. Joining us on this episode is the wonderful R.A. Salvatore, who answered your questions and gave us some great advice for new writers. 

Also, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter! We'll keep you up-to-date on all the upcoming live shows and appearances, and make sure you don't miss a video show or audio podcast!

S&L Podcast - #109 - Live at DragonCon with R.A. Salvatore!