S&L Video - #13B - 'Cloud Atlas' Kick-off

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With a movie adaptation coming to theatres on October 26th, we kick-off David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas, check in with the folks over on Goodreads, and giggle like schoolboys at the titles of a few of Tom's favorite pieces of pulp fiction! 

More about our October Pick, David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas: 
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49628.Cloud_Atlas

Discussion Threads:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/972592-renegade-read-for-august-september...
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/999082-post-your-pulp-gems
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/993638-serialised-novels-what-do-you-think

Railsea review by David: http://youtu.be/fV17ak0C0_8

Check out the Calendar for upcoming interviews and book picks:http://swordandlaser.com/calendar

S&L Video - #12B - 'Foundation' Wrap-Up

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September is drawing to a close, and that means its time to wrap up this month's Laser pick, Foundation by Issac Asimov! We wonder if Hari Seldon could have predicted it was this month's pick...

Learn more about our September pick!
Foundation: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29579.Foundation

Discussion Threads:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/972592-renegade-read-for-august-september...
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/999082-post-your-pulp-gems
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/993638-serialised-novels-what-do-you-think

Railsea review by David: http://youtu.be/fV17ak0C0_8

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 Video - #13 - Author Guide to Cherie Priest!

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We sit down with Cherie Priest, the author of 'Boneshaker' and all around steampunk extraordinaire, to talk the new direction her writing is taking, why she loves steampunk, and learn a little about a family legend passed down from her "feuding hillbilly" ancestors.

More about our guest, Cherie Priest!

Webpage: http://www.cheriepriest.com/
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/cmpriest
On Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/221253.Cherie_Priest

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 Video - #12 - Interview with LeVar Burton!

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Take a look, he's not in a book, he's on Sword & Laser! LeVar Burton joins us to discuss his favorite novels, the future of Reading Rainbow, and what one line he'd strike from our memory of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

More about our guest, LeVar Burton!

Webpage: http://levarburton.com/
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/levarburton
Reading Rainbow App: http://www.rrkidz.com/

Show Notes: 

http://whatever.scalzi.com/2012/09/03/the-hugo-winners-2012/
http://www.tor.com/blogs/2012/09/patrick-rothfuss-will-write-more-fantasy-aft...
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/third-hobbit-film-sets-release-367258
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-3126_7-57507546/amazons-new-kindles-everything-y...
http://scifisongs.blogspot.com/2012/08/new-album-due-september-18th.html

"Kitty Norville" Whiteboard Review by Aaron: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjk9ecE5sv0

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!