January 12, 2013

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

January 12, 2013/ Veronica Belmont

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

---

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

January 11, 2013

Trash Talking Angels and Tad Williams

January 11, 2013/ Veronica Belmont

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

"Old Man's War" Kick-Off: Sword & Laser January Book Club

January 04, 2013/ Veronica Belmont

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

December 26, 2012

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

December 26, 2012/ Veronica Belmont

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

Veronica: Boekenhoutskloof Franschook The Wolftrap

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?

December 21, 2012

S&L Video - #19 - Red Country, Revenge, & Joe Abercrombie

December 21, 2012/ Veronica Belmont

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

S&L Video - #18 - Doctor Who, Dragon Kisses, and Paul Cornell

December 14, 2012/ Veronica Belmont

December 11, 2012

S&L Podcast - #116 - Secret of success

December 11, 2012/ Veronica Belmont

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

CALENDAR

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

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

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

S&L Podcast - #116 - Secret of success

December 07, 2012

S&L December Book Club: 'The Hobbit' Kick-Off

December 07, 2012/ Veronica Belmont

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

December 05, 2012

The Sword & Laser Anthology

December 05, 2012/ Veronica Belmont

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!

November 30, 2012

S&L Video - "The Dirty Streets of Heaven" Wrap-Up

November 30, 2012/ Veronica Belmont

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

November 27, 2012

S&L Podcast - #115 - Ghallu everyone!

November 27, 2012/ Veronica Belmont

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

S&L Podcast - #115 - Ghallu everyone!

November 27, 2012

S&L Video - #17 - Author Guide to Patrick Rothfuss

November 27, 2012/ Veronica Belmont

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.

November 16, 2012

S&L Video - #16 - Author Guide to Jim Butcher!

November 16, 2012/ Veronica Belmont

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

November 12, 2012

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

November 12, 2012/ Veronica Belmont

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

November 09, 2012

S&L Video #15 - Author Guide to Robin Hobb!

November 09, 2012/ Tom Merritt

November 02, 2012

S&L November Book Club: 'The Dirty Streets of Heaven' Kick-Off

November 02, 2012/ Veronica Belmont

It's November, and while its not quite time for turkey, it is time for us to kick-off our book for the month, Tad Williams' The Dirty Streets of Heaven! Enjoy!

More about our November pick, The Dirty Streets of Heaven:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13542846-the-dirty-streets-of-heaven

Discussion Threads:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1061532-nanowrimo-2012
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1058463-cover-art-is-it-just-me

3D S&L Pub by Roel: https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yzpUYg23bao/UH86Oifb0MI/AAAAAAAABSA/j-wE6G...

October 29, 2012

S&L Podcast - #113 - Almost amazing

October 29, 2012/ Veronica Belmont

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

October 15, 2012

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

October 15, 2012/ Veronica Belmont

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

Veronica: 2009 Sassotondo Ciliegiolo Toscana

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 Wikipedia entry