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!

S&L Video - #10B and #11 - Gary Whitta and Assassin's Apprentice Wrap-up

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We sit down with writer and all around great geek Gary Whitta to discuss his upcoming projects, The Book of Eli, and how The Walking Dead video game nearly made his head explode.

We wrap-up our August pick, Assassin's Apprentice, and Veronica uses the Skill* to check in with everyone over on GoodReads. 

*Tom's pretty sure she just used the internet.

 

Also, make sure you sign up for our new monthly newsletter to make sure you never miss an episode of the video show OR the audio podcast!


S&L Podcast - #108 - Ye olde dragon phylogeny

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We have essential info for Wheel of Time fans, dragon fans, and we debate the best SciFi weapons. Also, Veronica claims to be able to hear Tom's face. 

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Tom: Boont Amber Ale 
Veronica: Carolans Irish Liqueur 

QUICK BURNS
Forbes reveals list of 2011's top-earning authors
Adam Whitehead gets back to his summary of the Wheel of Time series
The evolutionary history of dragons, illustrated by a scientist
All 29 editions of  Year’s Best Science Fiction anthologies coming as e-books
Great writing advice from this year's Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy writing workshop
Digital Book World aims for a more accurate ebook bestseller list

CALENDAR

BARE YOUR SWORD
Coolest Sci-Fi Weapons 
We're Number 2! 

TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES
Ciarán Hinds is Mance Rayder in GAME OF THRONES 

BOOK CHECK-IN
A Question About Shrewd's command -spoilers!
Ending Questions (Very Spoilery) 
What else are we reading? 

VOICEMAIL

We're going to DragonCon!
Sword and Laser Podcast – LIVE
We’ll do a live version of our audio podcast with a special guest author and take your questions. So get to reading!
Time: Sat 02:30 pm Location: Crystal Ballroom – Hilton (Length: 1 Hour)
Parsec Awards
The Parsec Awards are the yearly awards for speculative fiction podcasts. I’ll be presenting, and Veronica Belmont will be hosting!
Time: Sun 04:30 pm Location: International North Room – Hyatt

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 - #108 - Ye olde dragon phylogeny

S&L Video - #10 - Interview with Adam Christopher

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We talk with 'Empire State' author Adam Christopher about his upcoming book 'Seven Wonders,' alternate New Yorks, and what kind of superhero he'd like to be. 

Learn more about our guest!
Adam Christopher: http://www.adamchristopher.co.uk/
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/ghostfinder
On Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/adamchristopher

Show Notes: 
http://www.gfmfilms.co.uk/films/pre-production/neuromancer/
http://savethescifi.com/
http://storybundle.com/
http://www.galacticfootballleague.com
http://www.theawl.com/2012/08/a-timeline-of-future-events

'Damiano' Whiteboard Review by Aaron: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smc8PBVDkfY

S&L Podcast - #107 - Victory bringer!

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In this episode, we learn how to control Veronica using the power of her "true name": Nathan! Like the hot dogs! We also talk about the fine art of seducing writers.

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Tom: Bear Republic: Racer 5 India Pale Ale 
Veronica: Red Wine 

QUICK BURNS
The Most Brilliant Fairy Tale Novel We’ve Read in Years
Scott Lynch sets up a new blog 
Sci-Fi writers of the past predict life in 2012 
Classic SF of the 1950s: beautiful books introduced by Gibson, Gaiman, Reed, Willis, Straub and others

CALENDAR 

BARE YOUR SWORD
MOAR!! More kids 
What Else Are You Reading? > Renegade Read for August/September 2012: Cloud Atlas

TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES
Lorenzo Di Bonaventura wants Mark Wahlberg to play the Neuromancer
Science Fiction Authors Who Could be Hollywood’s Next Philip K. Dick

BOOK CHECK-IN
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb 

EMAIL

Dear Tom and Veronica,
First of all, I love the show and I'm excited to be a part of your book club.  I'd just like to thank you for this month's pick.  I must admit I had my reservations about the novel (I'm not a huge fan of first person narration.)  But I was quite surprised by how quickly the pages were turning.  I was at the Half-Price bookstore and on page 13 when my brother showed me what he'd intended to buy.  The Playstation version of Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain.  Then it occurred to me I should try to read the book using Simon Templeman's voice as an older Fitz relating his childhood.  The book went from pretty interesting to nothing short of awesome.  The voice of Kain going through your head and narrating a tale of a boy's travails as he learns the trade of killing people?  What's not to love?  Anyway, I thought you'd get a kick out of that.  Once again, thank you so much for the pick.  I can't wait to see how it turns out.  Take care guys.  
Yours truly,
Dwayne.

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 - #107 - Victory bringer!

S&L Video - #09 - Interview with John Scalzi and Assassin's Apprentice Kick-off!

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Here for your viewing pleasure are the two videos that, combined, compromise Episode 9 of the Sword and Laser! We interview the fantastic Mr. John Scalzi, and in our August book kick-off discuss one of Veronica's favorite picks, Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb!

S&L Podcast - #106 - Interview with Michael A. Stackpole

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Veronica's on a beach in Hawaii but found a TARDIS or something, so we have an incredibly confusing discussion about ethics, and then an incredibly awesome discussion with author Michael Stackpole.  Join us, won't you?

QUICK BURNS
 
Big GAME OF THRONES Season 3 news
 
CALENDAR
 
BOOK CHECK-IN
 
Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey
 
EMAIL

You are Spot On - It's impossible to carry enough fuel (in the fusion reactor, this fuel is in the form of fuseable pellets) to power a generation ship for hundreds of years at full thrust.
The Nauvoo's mid section is actually an enormous drum that creates spin gravity after the initial acceleration. This becomes an important plot point in book 3.
- Ty Franck
 
INTERVIEW
 
Best known for his Star Wars and Battletech books. 
 

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 - #106 - Interview with Michael A. Stackpole

S&L Podcast - #105 - To Lem or not to Lem?

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We kick off Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey, debate Terry Goodkind's response to book pirates, and discuss what makes for good and kind book discussion.  See what I did there?  Goodkind.  Good... Kind... just listen.


WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Tom: Water
Veronica: Absinthe

QUICK BURNS
Release a deadly monster: a DRM-free ebook crowdfunding startup
Summer School for Geeks: 11 New Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books
10 Great Science Fiction Novels with Go-Back-To-Bed Depressing Endings

BARE YOUR SWORD
Ben Bova defends science fiction; asteroid mining

TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES
GAME OF THRONES Season 3 news round-up

BOOK CHECK-IN
That Zany Belter Patois!
Why is the Nauvoo a generation ship?

WHAT ARE WE READING
Veronica: Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James
Tom: Fall of Hyperion by Dan Simmons and The Dragon's Path by Daniel Abraham

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 - #105 - To Lem or not to Lem?

Come meet Tom and Veronica at Comic-Con!

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Hey all, we're a comin' to San Diego for Comic-Con, and we know a few of you are too, so why not come out and say hey.  We might give you a t-shirt, and we're certain to give you a bookmark, a smile and a hearty hello!
Here's where we'll be in San Diego and when:

THURSDAY  July 12 (all times Pacific)
3 PM Sword and Laser meet and greet at Belo, 919 4th Avenue, San Diego.
9 PM Geek and Sundry Disco Dance Party, also at Belo. (More details on all Geek and Sundry events!)

FRIDAY July 13 (all Times, spooooky , also, still Pacific)
1 PM Sword and Laser Q&A at the YouTube stage. 325 7th Avenue, San Diego. Come ask us things!

S&L Podcast - #104 - Live at Nerdtacular 2012

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We do the show in front of a live audience at Nerdtacular 2012 in Salt Lake City! Live singing of the Reading Rainbow theme, a house motto contest and questions from the audience ensue.

 

 

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Wasatch 1st Ammendment Lager
 
QUICK BURNS

 

CALENDAR

BARE YOUR SWORD
To Unlem
Regarding Book Discussion

BOOK STUFF
July book poll is done! Leviathan Wakes is our July pick.


EMAIL
Hey Veronica and Tom!
I just posted this in the ""What Else Are You Reading?"" forum and wanted to make sure you saw it since I know you like supporting cool Kickstarter projects. This one is a ""techno epic/spiritual fiction"" graphic novel created by Wired magazine co-founder Kevin Kelly with several talented writers and artists and they've already completed the free-to-read book one and are looking for funding for book two.
Here's the post in GoodReads: The Silver Cord - free graphic novel
Here's the Kickstarter page: The Silver Cord -- A Techno-Epic Graphic Novel
I love the show and would love hearing about this in a future episode!
Thanks,
Dan

 

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 - #104 - Live at Nerdtacular 2012

S&L Video - #06 - George R. R. Martin Game of Thrones Special!

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Our Game of Thrones spectaular is here! We interview author George R.R. Martin and ask many of your questions, and we also talk philosophy with Henry Jacoby (Game of Thrones and Philosophy: Logic Cuts Deeper Than Swords). We drink blue wine while wrapping up Tigana, and much more!

Show Notes:

Three Hidden Keys Open Three Secret Gates

Audiobooks Times Three

THE OFFICIAL YEAR ZERO TRAILER

S&L Podcast - #103 - Interview with Seanan McGuire

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Ha! Didn't think you were getting an audio podcast this week did you? Well, we had a chance to interview Seanan McGuire, who also writes as Mira Grant, and we jumped at the opportunity to talk about zombies, SFSqueecast and Low Men in Yellow Coats. We think you'll like hearing about it too.
Interview!
Thanks everyone for your questions!
Seanan Maguire, AKA Mira Grant
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 - #103 - Interview with Seanan McGuire

S&L Podcast - #102 - I, Dictator

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It's a roller-coaster ride of emotions this week, as we say goodbye to one of science fiction's greatest writers, revel in swordfighting, and declare Veronica all-powerful.  But there's also voting for the July book pick.  Don't let all that democracy go to your head though.
WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Veronica: Charles Shaw Shiraz 

QUICK BURNS
Nebula Award winners announced
Here Are the 1960s Science Fiction Novels Everyone Should Read
9/22 - 23 2012 Philip K. Dick Festival 

BARE YOUR SWORD
Tigana > A Word of Encouragement To Early Would-be Lemmers
Thanks to Sean for setting up Listopias! Vote for your favorite books. 
SciFi Listopia
Fantasy Listopia
TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES

BOOK CHECK-IN
July Book Poll 

EMAIL
Hello Tom and Veronica,
In your last episode you mentioned that you noticed that fantasy seems to be more popular in later years than scifi, after which veronica immediately dissmissed the notion and attributed it to the popularity of game of thrones. It is not true, although game of thrones is extremely popular it's popularity is a simptom and not a cause.
It is a well known fact that scifi had been slowing down as a ganre for 30 years, and in the same time the fantasy ganre had been on the rise, and it seems that during the last decade these trends had became more prominent.
Love your show,
Shaul from Israel.
Keeping a candle in the window for scifi.
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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 - #102 - I, Dictator

S&L Video - #05 - Interview with James S.A. Corey & our Tigana kick-off!

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