Coffee & Ideas
Cat Rambo is the early-rising, indefatigable writer of multiple stories, games, MUD administration, and novels – and we’re delighted to chat about the upcoming crown of their Disco space opera series called “Rumor Has It”, coming out next month! Join us as we chat about the intrepid crew and chef running the ship You Sexy Thing as they lay a course for Coralind station and fight off pirate kings. … Continue…Episode 203 – Cat Rambo’s Rumors
We welcome back Mark to talk about Becoming Terran, a near-future 2077 on this planet, describing how the people of Earth came together in one (okay, uneasy) Terran Confederation and reached for the stars. In his latest book, there is a conspiracy of plutocrats, a dynasty of brave women who understand when to fight for what they believe in, and some tasty genetic and surgical mod technology.
… Continue…Episode 201 – Becoming Terran with Mark Roth-Whitworth
While many adore Katharine Kerr for the Deverry novels, lately she’s been leaving fantasy behind for a new setting – outer space. Kit joins us to talk about forging ahead into a new world she’s created in space, and how she thinks about world building, translating science and physics into fiction, and other tricks of a veteran wordsmith. Come join us and hear about the two new novels that will be coming out this fall – starting with Haze, set in the universe of her previous work, Polar City Blues, Snare, and Palace. … Continue…Episode 200 – Katharine Kerr does Sci Fi!
Richard Sparks may have started his career as a comedy writer, lyricist, librettist, and director, but since moving to California and picking up gaming he’s started writing fantasy novels – and we love them! He combines his comedic wit, honed over a long career, with high fantasy and a soupçon of science fiction. For lovers of gaming, fantasy, or laughter, this book is for you! Plus he already has 4 more books in the series written… … Continue…Episode 199 – Interview with Richard Sparks
We are delighted that the talented Raven Belasco is back with us, talking about the latest anthology that was just released: Adventures in Bodily Autonomy. Raven edited fourteen amazing stories from some of our favorite authors that flow through multiple universes, space, and time, offering new perspectives on the issue of reproductive justice. And besides paying the writers, all profits will go to non-profit Reproductive Freedom for All. She also got the rights to her Blood and Ancient Scrolls series back from her publisher, and talks about how and when a writer may need to do that. … Continue…Episode 190 – Welcome Back Raven Belasco
Brenda Clough is a prolific Asian-American Sci-Fi writer, returning to visit with us after another book and novella have hit the stands – Cleo’s Scroll (Dante Sci-Fi!) and then A Door in His Head – which won an award! We chat about historical Sci-Fi, lament over the lack of shark-based deities in the world, and she reports about the latest Marian Halcombe book. … Continue…Episode 185 – Welcome Back Brenda Clough
We welcome back Sharon Lee and Steve Miller to talk about their 25th Liadon book – Salvage Right, from Baen Books. They tell us about the space station that straddles two realities, as we debate where the cats might come in and own the place. There’s also an in-depth discussion of the dinkus and the telling detail, so you can learn something new! … Continue…Episode 183 – Journey Back to Liadon
In which the WDC crew geeks out with joy at the presence of David Gerrold, writer of the silver screen and television, novels, short stories, and limericks – and teacher of writing to others. David talks to us about science fiction in the early days, the trend toward social justice awareness and addressing current problems in new ways. From Sleestacks and Tribbles to the strike lines of WGA and SAG-Aftra, David walks us through how Hollywood has changed, and where it needs to go so that everyone involved in the industry can live long and prosper. … Continue…Episode 181-Interview with David Gerrold
Welcome to one of the queens of science fiction, Nancy Kress, as we talk about her newest book “Observer” — written in partnership with Robert Lanza, MD. Observer is a brilliant story that combines tasty science with real human problems. The science mingles theories of consciousness and the nature of reality with quantum universal cosmology and brain neural pathway mapping. From how to write a novel with a scientist to a critique of science fiction in movies, Nancy takes us from Mars to the oceans and we just can’t get enough of her. … Continue…Episode 169 – Interview with Nancy Kress
Colm O’Shea is a Clinical Associate Professor with the Expository Writing Program at NYU. Today he joins us to talk about his first science fiction book, Claiming De Wayke. It’s a marvelous dystopian novel set in the near future in a post-plague apocalyptic Ireland. Colm weighs many interesting topics in his book: What is the nature of consciousness? What does it mean to be human, and where does dignity lie? What is important, and what is fulfillment? Tayto is a charming tour guide for the reader into and out of his favorite place – the world he experiences through his VR halo – and a highly reluctant participant from time to time in reality, called by him de Wayke. … Continue…Episode 167 – Interview with Colm O’Shea