Coffee & Ideas
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
Laura Anne Gilman is a delightfully prolific author with a bent for the detective story, the noir in any setting from fantasy, sci fi, historic fiction – you name it. Urban supernatural sleuths chase elusive (and sometimes equally supernatural) victims and perps alike through history and fantasy, and Laura Anne’s world building immerses the reader deep within her vision. Her latest book, Uncanny Times, is coming out shortly and we can’t wait to read it! … Continue…Episode 163 – Interview with Laura Anne Gilman
Jonathan R. Rose describes himself as “painfully cynical”, and takes you on a journey to What If, from dark urban fantasy to just a little dystopian future sci fi that explores how humans relate to one another. His characters strive to discover who they are and what they value by looking outward at the world around them, and discover their truth by how they relate to the people in their spheres. From north to south, he has ranged across the continent and brought back flavors from each culture to present his own spin. Jonathan says, “You can live off writing! Just not book writing.” (At least at first!) Enjoy his newest book, Wedlock. … Continue…Episode 162 – Interview with Jonathan R. Rose
Stina is a Crawford & Astounding Award finalist, a fierce feminist, and a fantasy and science fiction author. From gender altered reinterpretation of the Seven Samurai tropes to some of the most entertaining short stories, she talks about the importance of representation, snappy dialogue, and a bit of humor to move the plot along. … Continue…Episode 156 – Interview with Stina Leicht
Sheryl, a regular in the SF Bay Area science fiction/fantasy scene, both for writing and fiber arts (costuming and knitting) talks with us about her new books. She refers the question of “Why don’t werewolves and vampires get along?” to her books, and discusses not only where she gets her ideas from, but how she refines them. We discuss aspects of writing and promotion. … Continue…Episode 145 – Interview with Sheryl R. Hayes
Josh Rountree writes sci fi, fantasy, and horror short stories that excite us for the way he uses America as “a character that fights and claws and screams its way through most of my stories. Sometimes a hero and sometimes a villain. Broken but hopeful. Trying to figure things out.” Josh is a frequent choice for fantasy and horror award noms, and has a great slant on the craft of short story writing, especially in terms of evoking the feelings from music. … Continue…Episode 131 – Interview with Josh Rountree
Gail Carriger has been one of the driving forces in bringing back Steampunk, mixing it with comedy and a hearty dose of supernatural romance, and there you are! Hooked! She talks with us about the heroine’s journey, writing science fiction, how to keep yourself inspired, and more. … Continue…Episode 130 – Interview with Gail Carriger