Suvudutag:www.suvudu.com,2009://712009-01-06T19:54:00ZA multi-contributor blog with the mission of providing information and content to fans of Science Fiction and Fantasy books, movies, and games.Movable Type Pro 4.21-enAnd we're (and they're) off - 2009 waits for no one!tag:www.suvudu.com,2009://71.53542009-01-06T14:59:56Z2009-01-06T19:54:00ZAllow me to stretch my blogging legs a bit, if you will; it's been a while. I took some time off to watch 2008 fade away and 2009 materialize like Romulan Warbirds toying with us before they attack. And attack...Kyle M
Happening already is Zuda's first contest of the year. That means that my year is already off to a fantastic start. I love Zuda because it offers up such a variety of web comics each and every contest. So far, my favorite of this most recent batch has been Safe Inside by Zerocalcare, but I haven't yet been able to work my way through all of the entries yet, so don't consider that a "best of show" endorsement yet. Still, it shows a lot of promise, so I'll be keeping my eyes on it.]]>
New York Comic-Con lands in February! Sweet! It's the East Coast's turn to host all the science fiction, fantasy, comics, manga, toy goodness that your heart could possibly desire. Will I be there? You better believe it. I'm going for the panels, the comics, the author signings, and everything else that's on offer (did someone say swag?). I'm saving money already as I'm sure I would otherwise blow my bank account deep into the Beta Quadrant. So yeah, look for me (and possibly you? You should check this out too, you know) to simultaneously geek out and stimulate the economy on February 6 - 8.
Speaking of Feburary 6...that's the scheduled release for Neil Gaiman's Coraline.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuXZ8l4j8Ag
This, combined with Comic-Con might be enough to send me into some kind of geek-fit. If you've been following the development of this movie, or seen previews, then you recognize that the film is being made using highly polished...wait for it...Claymation*! Yes yes yes! I eat up Neil Gaiman properties like no ones business and have loved the movies he has spawned (MirrorMask and Stardust). Will this third movie complete the tri-force? Did I just use a Zelda reference? We'll find out shortly (and yes, yes I did).
Finally, coming in just a few days will be the Totally Rad Show 2008 wrap up (filmed before a live audience, of all things). I follow this vidcast religiously and have watched every episode I could get my grubby paws on. Alex, Dan, and Jeff have one of the best shows around and it can't be found on television**. It is found on Revision3 though, and if you have never visited Revision3, then you're only missing out on the best thing to happen to internet television since the internet. That's all. The TRS year-end show promises to be a blast and, while I'll be jealous of everyone who was able to attend in person, I'll be having plenty of fun watching it myself***.
*You know, like the Puffs commercials that have been airing non-stop lately. And that, my friends, is the last time I'll ever tie Neil Gaiman to bathroom products.
**Hey remember TechTV? This show would have been perfect on TechTV, in fact, Revision3 would have been perfect TechTV programming. Odd how so many of the people involved with TechTV ended up on Revision3 right? Hmmm...
***In slippers - take that live audience!
]]>
The only way to (One) Ring in the New Yeartag:www.suvudu.com,2009://71.53532009-01-06T14:21:59Z2009-01-06T14:49:16ZHappy New Year, all! While most people are content with an intake of friends and champagne on New Year's Eve, I have realized that there are reasons I edit science fiction--and very few of them have to do with my...David Pomerico
The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The extended versions. For those of you who don't want to whip out your abacus, that amounts to almost half-a-day of Frodo, Samwise, Aragorn, and Gandalf doing their thing across the splendor of Middle-earth.
Now, there are other sci-fi draws on this day--Sci-Fi Channel has wonderfully picked up where the ol' New York WPIX left off with the "Twilight Zone" marathon, but with the advent of TiVo, the need (and desire) to sit through a day of commercial television seems paltry and weak compared to the majesty of a little Hobbit-on-Orc action (please keep your thoughts, like the movies, firmly in the realm of PG-13, thank you). So those can be enjoyed later, at my leisure, whereas to watch the whole of Peter Jackson's opus-like vision of Mr. Tolkien's opus (collectively: their "opi"), back-to-back-to-back not only fulfills some deep-seated nerd-need, but also bows to a skewed logic that I crave.
This tradition started a few years ago, when I was young and impressionable, and my father suggested we should watch all the movies in a row. Understand: while I am a Tolkien fan, I am also of the opinion (and I am ready to stoically accept the cries of "Blasphemy!" which this next statement is sure to produce) that the movies are better than the books.
Yeah, I know. Ouch.
But I have my reasons: I grew up reading all the people who had themselves grown up reading Tolkien--people like David Eddings, Terry Brooks, and, well, every Dragonlance author TSR could trot out. So, by the time I finally got around to reading The Lord of the Rings, I'll admit that I found the books to be a bit . . . tiresome. My father--a man who can watch the movies and point out where a line should have been in the course of the novels (and which character should have uttered it)--almost wrote me out of his will when I told him that. But since I appreciate the movies so much (and still think The Hobbit to be one of the greatest stories, ever), he decided to let such an infraction slide.
He also realized he doesn't actually have a will, but that's another matter entirely.
Having done this done this marathon with my parents for three years now (yes, ladies--still single!), I have realized a few things that make such an endeavor possible:
Wear comfortable clothes. Face it--you're going to be a lazy slob for at least thirteen hours, so dress appropriately. While you might think it fun to wear your Gondor Infantry helmet, it probably is going to give you a headache. It might block your vision a bit, too.
Make sure you have a snack/beverage plan. You need to have readily accessible munchables that are not overly elaborate in their preparation. Our first year, we kept making little appetizer-like gnoshes, which stretched out the breaks times and really didn't add to the overall experience. Too, while alcoholic beverages might seem like a nice accompaniment, go for the caffeine. Having recently forsaken the daily intake of caffeine, I made sure to break that for LOTR Day. I mean, it takes two hours for them to leave the Shire! You're going to want some sort of stimulant.
Break times. As the movies are broken up onto two discs each, there are five natural break points, so use them accordingly: use the bathroom, refresh your drink and snack options, and--this is important--stretch. It may seem stupid, but your body is going to fight you on this, and getting the blood flowing will trick it into another two hours of lethargy. It's not called a "marathon" for nothing--this is an endurance sport!
No talking. Maybe this is just a family thing (Yes, I will watch with you, but that doesn't mean I need to interact with you), but if we didn't have this rule, we could be making comments throughout the whole thing. Comments, for me, invariably lead to thinking I'm Tom Servo, and the thing is I like these movies. Once I start riffing on a movie, I won't stop, so it's best to put the kibosh on the kibbutzing.
No pausing! We've all seen the movies, so if, for some reason, someone needs to get up, the disc keeps spinning. The worst of this was, the first year we did it, my dad paused halfway through The Return of the King to wish my mom and I a "Happy New Year!" Having been sitting through over ten hours of movie at that point, we were in no mood for such nonsense, and after being verbally chastised (and pelted with various cookies--we were at the cookie phase of our snack-deployment) he realized never to do it again. Even now, when he sees it's after midnight and wishes us a "Happy New Year," I can feel my mom tense up, as if she's about to beat him about the head and neck with a sock full of holiday clementines. She doesn't, but I can sense it.
Have fun! Remember, if you start taking this too seriously (setting up an over/under for orcs slain; groaning every time Legolas starts acting like the guy at the party with a new iPhone and explicates things for us without bothering to use context . . .), you're not going to enjoy yourself. And, when you throw in the fact that you're risking bed-sores for the sake of these films, getting angry that Jackson couldn't figure out when to end the last movie, or didn't include the scouring of the Shire, or dismissed the joyful absurdity of Tom Bombadil . . . well, you just need to let those things slide. Because don't forget:
You can always read the book.
Happy New Year!
]]>
New Release Day: 01/06/09tag:www.suvudu.com,2009://71.53522009-01-06T07:42:46Z2009-01-06T07:44:42Z Here is a list of other book, DVD and theater new releases for this week! BOOKSBones of the Dragon by Margaret Weis and Tracy HickmanIn Shade and Shadow by Barb Hendee and J.C. HendeeJust Another Judgement Day by Simon...Shawn Speakmanhttp://www.shawncspeakman.com
Here is a list of other book, DVD and theater new releases for this week!
BOOKS
Bones of the Dragon by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman
In Shade and Shadow by Barb Hendee and J.C. Hendee
Just Another Judgement Day by Simon R. Green
The Legend of Drizzt Collector's Edition, Book III by R.A. Salvatore
Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris
Regenesis by C. J. Cherryh
DVDS
Battlestar Galactica - Season 4.0
Babylon A.D.
IN THEATERS FRIDAY
The Unborn
]]>
2008 New York Times Debutstag:www.suvudu.com,2009://71.53512009-01-05T20:56:03Z2009-01-05T21:53:24Z The New York Times has been highlighting bestsellers via a list since 1942, a very long time and it has become a very important part of a publisher's / editor's / author's work week. For me, I find it...Shawn Speakmanhttp://www.shawncspeakman.com
The New York Times has been highlighting bestsellers via a list since 1942, a very long time and it has become a very important part of a publisher's / editor's / author's work week.
For me, I find it fascinating so much energy surrounds the Bestseller Lists.
To make the list, a book must have higher sales during that week compared to sales against all other books. One year a writer may hit #2 by selling 30,000 copies while the next year the same writer may only sell 25,000 copies and hit #1. That intrigues me for some reason.
Year 2008 saw some great books come out. Below is a list of New York Times bestsellers based on their debut placement:
]]>
Sci-Fi/Fantasy (hardcover):
Christine Feehan (Dark Curse, 1st)
Laurell Hamilton (Blood Noir, 1st)
Sherrilyn Kenyon (Acheron, 1st)
Stephen King (Duma Key, 1st)
Dean Koontz (Odd Hours, 1st)
Stephenie Meyers (The Host, 1st)
Neal Stephenson (Anathem, 1st)
Sean Williams (The Force Unleased, 1st)
Terry Brooks (The Gypsy Morph, 2nd)
Jim Butcher (Small Favor, 2nd)
Stephen King (Just After Sunset, 2nd)
Laurell Hamilton (Swallowing Darkness, 3rd)
R.A. Salvatore (The Pirate King, 3rd)
Gregory Maguire (A Lion Among Men, 4th)
Kim Harrison (The Outlaw Demon Wails, 5th)
Charlaine Harris (From Dead to Worse, 6th)
Brunonia Barry (The Lace Reader, 7th)
Gingrich/Forstchen, (Days of Infamy, 11th)
Herbert/Anderson (Paul of Dune, 11th)
Karen Traviss (Order 66, 12th)
Jim Butcher (Princeps' Fury, 13th)
Orson Scott Card (Ender in Exile, 16th)
Raymond Feist (Wrath of a Mad God, 16th)
Kelley Armstrong (Personal Demon, 18th)
David Weber (By Schism Rent Asunder, 18th)
Elizabeth Moon (Victory Conditions, 19th)
Salman Rushdie (The Enchantress of Florence, 19th)
Mercedes Lackey (Foundation, 20th)
Kelley Armstrong (Living with the Dead, 21st)
Brandon Sanderson (The Hero of Ages, 21st)
Mary Janice Davidson (Undead and Unworthy, 22nd)
Anne McCaffrey (Dragon Harper, 23rd)
Anne Bishop (Tangled Webs, 26th)
Robin Hobb (Renegade's Magic, 26th)
R.A. Salvatore (The Ancient, 27th)
Barb & J.C. Hendee (Child of a Dead God, 28th)
Naomi Novik (Victory of Eagles, 28th)
John Updike (The Widows of Eastwick, 29th)
Jacqueline Carey (Kushiel's Mercy, 30th)
Todd McCaffrey (Dragonheart, 31st)
F. Paul Wilson (By the Sword, 31st)
Urban Fantasy (paperback):
Sherrilyn Kenyon (One Silent Night, 1st)
Patricia Briggs (Iron Kissed 1st, Cry Wolf 4th)
Lynsay Sands (Vampire, Interrupted, 6th)
Karen Chance (Embrace the Night, 6th)
Keri Arthur (the Darkest Kiss, 16th)
Simon Green (The Man with the Golden Torc, 22nd)
Karen Chance (Midnight's Daughter, 26th)
Vicki Petersson (A Touch of Twilight, 27th)
Ilona Andrews (Magic Burns, 32nd)
Jocelyn Drake (Nightwalker, 32nd)
Carrie Vaughn (Kitty and the Silver Bullet, 34th)
Marjorie Liu (Iron Hunt, 35th)
Note: Unlike most other genres, rrban fantasy releases many books in paperback only.
YA (hardcover):
Neil Gaiman (The Graveyard Book, 1st)
Stephenie Meyers (Breaking Dawn, 1st)
Christopher Paolini (Brisingr, 1st)
James Patterson (The Dangerous Days of Daniel X, 1st)
Cassandra Clare (City of Bone and Ash, 3rd)
Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games, 4th)
Michael Scott (The Magician, 4th)
Terry Pratchett (Nation, 5th)
Melissa Marr (Ink Exchange, 8th)
M.T. Anderson (The Kingdom on the Waves, 9th)
Cory Doctorow (Little Brother, 9th)
Kelley Armstrong (The Summoner, 10th)
]]>
Bat Manic Mondays: The Encore Posttag:www.suvudu.com,2009://71.49212009-01-04T19:49:20Z2008-12-15T19:29:45ZFine, fine. I can hear what you're about to tell me: this series is so over. But, New York Comic Con is only a month away and that's a good enough reason in my book to bring it back? Why,...Hillary Tisman
so over.
But, New York Comic Con is only a month away and that's a good enough reason in my book to bring it back?
Why, you ask?
How 'bout the fact that you have the chance to meet Chip Kidd .
That's right, Chip will be there speaking about - what else - Bat-Manga!. He'll even be signing books after the panel.
Click here for more information.
]]>
Five Questions: Alan Campbelltag:www.suvudu.com,2009://71.53502009-01-04T18:50:46Z2009-01-04T19:10:41ZAs I wrote a few days ago, author Alan Campbell has written some really intriguing novels. Scar Night is a great first novel, but what I enjoyed most about it is its darker take on urban fantasy. The characters are...Shawn Speakmanhttp://www.shawncspeakman.comAs I wrote a few days ago, author Alan Campbell has written some really intriguing novels. Scar Night is a great first novel, but what I enjoyed most about it is its darker take on urban fantasy. The characters are fairly well developed and the story is a great one but its the setting I fell in love with.
That continued in Iron Angel, the sequel to Scar Night.
In a few months, the third and (probably) final book in the Deepgate Codex, God of Clocks, will be released on April 28, 2009. I have total faith in Alan's ability to finish off the trilogy with an even darker flourish!
And after realizing I hadn't sent him my first Five Questions, I thought it'd be fun to do so!
Here is Five Questions with Alan Campbell! Enjoy!
Suvudu: When did you start writing? Why do you write?
Alan Campbell: I suppose it would have been in my early twenties, while working in Budapest, Hungary. Thanks to meagre wages, I couldn't spend all my time in the pub, so scribbling words on paper seemed like a good way to pass the time. I write because I enjoy telling stories.
S: Describe your writing day? How many words/pages do you write a day on average? Breaks? How much time do you spend editing and how do you go about it?]]>
AC: The whole process is still daunting, and slightly scary, especially when starting (and thereby committing myself to a new book or series). Initially, I'll note down pages and pages of ideas and scenes, but then scrap most of them. On a good day, I'll manage a thousand words. But as the deadline approaches the daily word count increases, and I'll often spend up to 20 hours a day writing. Editing is much easier. Whatever doesn't work has to go.
S: How many books did you write before you signed your first book contract? How did you get that contract? Via agent? Industry friend? Writer's retreat? Slushpile? Other?
AC: My first book, Scar Night, led to my first contract. Simon Kavanagh at the Mic Cheetham Literary Agency plucked it from the slushpile, read it, and offered to represent me. He then sold it to MacMillan and Bantam.
S: What advice would you give beginning writers? What is the best way to break into the industry?
AC: Listen to criticism. I think it's the best way to improve your craft and increase your chances of breaking into the industry. Occasionally you find writers who stubbornly refuse to change a word, seemingly regarding criticism as an attack on their artistic integrity. "But I wrote it that way because..." Writers' groups are invaluable, but only if you're prepared to accept advice from your peers.
S: What are you currently working on? When can we expect it?
AC: I'm working on a new three book series at the moment. The first book will be out (at least in the UK) early next year.
Alan's next book, God of Clocks, the final book in the Deepgate Codex, will be released on April 28, 2009!
And be sure to visit his website at www.AlanMCampbell.co.uk and his Urban Fantasy Blog to stay updated with his most current information!]]>
God of Clocks by Alan Campbelltag:www.suvudu.com,2009://71.53492009-01-02T17:53:03Z2009-01-04T19:12:24ZAlan Campbell made a fairly large splash in the fantasy genre with the release of his interesting and dark tale Scar Night. It is quite different from anything I have read and an interesting idea. Campbell followed up Scar Night...Shawn Speakmanhttp://www.shawncspeakman.comAlan Campbell made a fairly large splash in the fantasy genre with the release of his interesting and dark tale Scar Night. It is quite different from anything I have read and an interesting idea. Campbell followed up Scar Night with Iron Angel. And with a release three years in a row, Campbell will publish God of Clocks on April 28, 2009!
Yes, Campbell is a writer who can put out a book every year!
We love that, don't we?
So if you haven't read Scar Night, do it. You just might find a new favorite!
I am making this post to highlight Campbell a bit, but also to talk about one of my other side projects. As many of you already know, I moonlight as a late night webmaster for a few people in the publishing industry and one of those people is cover artist Stephen Youll.
I've worked with Stephen for several years now, uploading new artwork to his website when he needs it done. The design of his website is not mine but I help where I can and I really enjoy seeing new artwork before it hits the shelves. For those who do not know Stephen's work, he is responsible for the US covers on books by George RR Martin, Robin Hobb, Brian Herbert (Dune covers), Kevin J. Anderson (Saga of the Seven Suns covers), as well as many more writers. Stephen has also done the artwork for all three of Alan Campbell's US book covers.
Yesterday, Stephen sent me the gorgeous wraparound artwork for Alan Campbell's God of Clocks! To view that beautiful artwork, click HERE!
What do you think?]]>
New Release Day: 12/30/08tag:www.suvudu.com,2008://71.53482008-12-30T19:17:38Z2008-12-30T19:34:03Z Here is a list of other book, DVD and theater new releases for this week! BOOKSGears of the City by Felix GilmanLuke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor by Matthew StoverThe Iron Dragon's Daughter by Michael SwanwickRunning Hot by...Shawn Speakmanhttp://www.shawncspeakman.com
Here is a list of other book, DVD and theater new releases for this week!
BOOKS
Gears of the City by Felix Gilman
Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor by Matthew Stover
The Iron Dragon's Daughter by Michael Swanwick
Running Hot by Jayne Ann Krentz
Stephen King: A Biography by Albert Rolls
Women in Science Fiction and Fantasy by Robin Anne Reid
DVDS
Serenity [Blu-ray]
Kyle XY: The Complete Second Season
Event Horizon [Blu-ray]
IN THEATERS
No new movies.
]]>
Watching the Watchmen?tag:www.suvudu.com,2008://71.53472008-12-29T18:23:25Z2008-12-29T18:56:09Z Although the outcome is usually questionable, I really enjoy the anticipation when one medium decides to adapt work from another medium. It has the potential to be Superman: The Movie, adapted from a comic book. Or it has the...Shawn Speakmanhttp://www.shawncspeakman.com
Although the outcome is usually questionable, I really enjoy the anticipation when one medium decides to adapt work from another medium. It has the potential to be Superman: The Movie, adapted from a comic book. Or it has the potential to be Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy, books adapted from the movies. Or it can be Star Wars: Dark Empire, comic books adapted from books and movies. These kinds of crossovers have worked well and delivered some great entertainment!
But what happens when it goes wrong—and not because of creative influences but because of money?
What will happen to our Watchmen movie?
A few days ago, a judge ruled in favor of Fox Studios that it was wronged by Warner Bros. when the latter began to adapt the graphic novel Watchmen to the silver screen and planned to distribute it. I have no doubt it is the right ruling. But it sadly might push back the release of the Watchmen movie indefinitely—a movie many a fanboy and geek have been waiting for a long time—until some kind of settlement can be made. Will these two massive studios come to an agreement that benefits all and gives us our movie? We'll see.
But I find it sad we may not get our movie and what could be a great adaptation and cross between mediums... we may not get to watchWatchmen.
More on this as it becomes available. ]]>
Your Holiday Swagtag:www.suvudu.com,2008://71.53462008-12-26T17:06:18Z2008-12-26T17:16:12ZWe survived another year. Mostly. The weather is still terrible here in the Pacific Northwest. More snow is on the way, surely leading to flooding of epic proportions. It never ends. But the gift-giving holidays have ended, leaving in their...Shawn Speakmanhttp://www.shawncspeakman.com
have ended, leaving in their wake debt and a lot of love shown. For Christmas I received a $200 gift card to my favorite local independent, University Bookstore, as well as several movies... Wall-E, The Dark Knight, Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and Iron Man. Can't believe I had the will power not to buy them each on release day. I guess I should go out and finally buy my new flat screen television now, huh? Hmm... Support the economy?
Anyway, I feel like I received some pretty neato gifts. They showed that my friends and family really do understand me.
So, what fun stuff did you receive? Share!]]>
Thunder... Thunder... Thunder... Thundercats Hoooooo!tag:www.suvudu.com,2008://71.53442008-12-23T14:30:25Z2009-01-04T19:13:23Zsnarf snarf, This fan made fake trailer for a live action Thundercats movie is moving quickly through emails and the blogosphere, and with reason snarf snarf, it's a blast to watch. As well made as the video is, the true...Darth Duff
Thundercats movie is moving quickly through emails and the blogosphere, and with reason snarf snarf, it's a blast to watch. As well made as the video is, the true fun comes from watching A list stars like Brad Pitt, Vin Diesel, and Hugh Jackman as the Thundercats and, snarf snarf, in trying to guess all of the movies used to make this trailer. I count at least 12! How many can you catch? Fire away in the comments, snarf snarf.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb50GMmY5nk]]>
New Release Day: 12/023/08tag:www.suvudu.com,2008://71.53432008-12-23T08:27:50Z2008-12-23T08:31:43Z Here is a list of other book, DVD and theater new releases for this week! BOOKSThe Breath of God by Harry TurtledoveGive Me Liberty by Dave Gibbons and Frank MillerBatman: Private Casebook by Paul Dini and Dustin Nguyen DVDSEagle...Shawn Speakmanhttp://www.shawncspeakman.com
Here is a list of other book, DVD and theater new releases for this week!
BOOKS
The Breath of God by Harry Turtledove
Give Me Liberty by Dave Gibbons and Frank Miller
Batman: Private Casebook by Paul Dini and Dustin Nguyen
DVDS
Eagle Eye
Ghost Town
IN THEATERS
Bedtime Stories
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Spirit
Valkyrie
]]>
Holy Batman! Have I got a gift idea for you...tag:www.suvudu.com,2008://71.53392008-12-22T20:26:12Z2008-12-19T20:51:07ZLooking for a last-minute gift for your friends and family? Why not get them Chip Kidd's Bat-Manga!? It's certainly the gift that's on everybody's wish list! Observe: According to the LA Times it's the perfect gift for "someone with a...Hillary Tisman
Chip Kidd's Bat-Manga!?
It's certainly the gift that's on everybody's wish list!
Observe:
According to the LA Times it's the perfect gift for "someone with a slight ironic distance from their fanboy (or fangirl) roots" since it's a book about comic books.
And, The Village Voice lavishes praise on Geoff Spear's photographs which appear in the book.
See? There really is something for everyone!
Still not convinced? Check out this video.
Happy holidays!
]]>
Influences: Why Are You Here?tag:www.suvudu.com,2008://71.53422008-12-22T18:18:11Z2008-12-22T20:22:19ZIn the last few days, Seattle has been buried under a thick white blanket of snow. The winter storm hitting the Pacific Northwest has been one of Seattle's most sustained, leaving it mostly incapacitated. Buses have crashed through protective guard...Shawn Speakmanhttp://www.shawncspeakman.comIn the last few days, Seattle has been buried under a thick white blanket of snow.
The winter storm hitting the Pacific Northwest has been one of Seattle's most sustained, leaving it mostly incapacitated. Buses have crashed through protective guard rails, people have stranded their cars and 4x4 trucks. For good reason. I look outside and see more than a foot of snow covering everything. After ten days, temperatures have finally risen over the freezing mark but not enough to make the tiniest of dent in what has been done to the city.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
As I sit here, tucked away in my heater-driven warmth and looking out my living room window, it evokes one of my favorite books—The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman.
Lyra Belacqua riding the armored polar bear Iorek Byrnison through the snowy wilds.
It got me thinking.
I wrote a few days ago how I have been asked to moderate a panel devoted to writers' influences at the NY Comic Con. I already have planned what I want to open with and once that is done I'll just let the authors go crazy wild with their stories and what writers influences them want to be writers. But I also realized each one of us—and I mean every one of us who come to Suvudu—has some definable moment in our lives when we fell in love with science fiction and/or fantasy. It could be a book we read or a comic book we collected or a movie we watched or a gaming experience we had... one moment in a past full of moments created how we spend our time today.
Can you remember what sci-fi/fantasy writers or movies or games placed you on the path to this moment?
Here are the other culprits that have led me to write my own book as well as blogging here on Suvudu...]]>
Terry Brooks - I think I illustrated that influence HERE a few days ago. Terry is the author responsible for making me an avid reader. Without The Sword of Shannara, I never would have discovered the other authors below or the countless others I've read over the years. I would not be here, writing this; I would not be near to finishing The Dark Thorn. It really is quite amazing looking back and looking at the steps—and remembering that first step.
Stephen R. Donaldson - After Terry, Donaldson has had the largest impact on my writing and what I enjoy to read. For some, The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant - Unbeliever is really difficult to get into. But like Terry, Donaldson helped define the epic fantasy genre at its earliest moments and he deserves a lot of credit for that. Thomas Covenant is the anti-hero to abhor in the fantasy genre, but it was how Donaldson wove the messiah complex into the novels and the literary examination he gives of Christianity that I truly love about that series. Donaldson showed me that not all reading was pleasurable; it could be a potent vehicle for exploring this world's problems in a fantasy setting.
Stephen King - I've read several of King's horror novels and they are all well and good. But it is the Dark Tower saga that captured my imagination and redefined what epic truly meant. I believe in 50 years, when King has sloughed off his mortal coil and entered that dark graveyard, it will not be his horror he is remembered for but the Dark Tower. It played a pivotal role in my imagination process because it moved me away from only wanting to read epic/high fantasy.
Philip Pullman - Here is the man who really gave literary writing meaning to me. It began with Donaldson but I don't think he had an overarching reason to write the Chronicles beyond telling a really great story. Pullman, on the other hand, challenges people to think for themselves and question some of the unhealthy tendencies religious organizations have had over the years. Pullman forced me to look at our world—not just religions but all facets of power structures—and question why things are the way they are. I hope to instill some of those subtextual ideas into my own writing, to add layers, to create readers who not only read a fun adventure story but a story that also has a deeper meaning.
Neil Gaiman - The last two writers I will talk about are, quite simply, beautiful writers. Gaiman often takes from established mythologies and mythos to create great stories, but it is his writing that I just love. The man can take nouns and verbs and adjectives and all the rest and creates beautifully constructed sentences that lead to wonderful paragraphs that lead to pages of utter enjoyment. American Gods will be one of those books I read every other year or so. With it, Gaiman showed me the power of language; I hope to evoke that myself some day.
Carlos Ruiz Zafon - This is a writer many of you may not have read. Zafon is a Spanish writer whose first book, The Shadow of the Wind, was translated by Lucia Graves (daughter of poet Robert Graves) and which has sold millions and millions of copies—and is my favorite book in the last five years. It is magic and a mystery and a romance all thrown into one book, set in Barcelona decades ago. Like Gaiman, Zafon has a powerful way with words. It is easy to see Zafon loves books as much as many of us, and it comes through in his writing. If I could just have 1/10 of his talent, I'd be well-received as a writer, and I hope to meet him when his second book, The Angel's Game, is released here in the US!
Well, that's it for now. There are many other books and authors out there who have made me grow as a person over the years, but those are some of the writers who either had a hand in the path I am on or who have kept me on that path.
So, what about you? Who are your influences? Why do you read these books? Post and let us know!]]>
WHAT I LEARNED THIS WEEK: I need a vacationtag:www.suvudu.com,2008://71.53382008-12-19T20:59:44Z2008-12-19T20:39:25ZProbably my last entry of the year as I head off for ten days in Florida. (Ten well-deserved days, if you ask me.) I will be reading only for pleasure--how rare, how wonderful! What's going into my suitcase? Passage by...Betsy Mitchell
pleasure--how rare, how wonderful! What's going into my suitcase?
Passage by Connie Willis. I've read everything else by Connie, who is one of science fiction's most delightful and intelligent voices. I've been meaning to read this one ever since 2001, when I'd set it aside to enjoy in a picturesque B&B located in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico, as soon as I'd fulfilled my obligations at a writers conference in Albuquerque. I never got to go...the trip was scheduled to begin on September 14, 2001.
Foucault's Pendulum, by Unberto Eco. Eco is a philosopher and historian whose most famous novel is The Name of the Rose--my favorite of his works so far. He writes what might be called "intellectual adventure" stories, intricate and challenging. I admit to skipping through paragraphs, if not full pages, of esoteric asides on such topics as medieval politics, but he's well worth the effort. Try also Baudolino, a Crusaders-era tall tale.
Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell, who also wrote the SF classic The Sparrow. (Yes, I know The Sparrow was published as a mainstream novel--don't be fooled, it's SF all the way!) Dreamers of the Day is her newest and does not appear to contain any SF/fantasy elements; its main character is a young woman who takes a dream trip to Egypt on the eve of the 1921 Cairo Peace Conference, whose attendees will redraw the world map to create the modern Middle East. (Pretty book cover, but there's no way that young woman could have climbed a pyramid in those heels.)
Missing Joseph by Elizabeth George. Thank you, Ms. George, for so many excellent mysteries starring Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley. I look forward to this one!
To all of you Suvudu readers, Happy Holidays and a terrific 2009! ]]>
Happening already is Zuda's first contest of the year. That means that my year is already off to a fantastic start. I love Zuda because it offers up such a variety of web comics each and every contest. So far, my favorite of this most recent batch has been Safe Inside by Zerocalcare, but I haven't yet been able to work my way through all of the entries yet, so don't consider that a "best of show" endorsement yet. Still, it shows a lot of promise, so I'll be keeping my eyes on it.]]>
New York Comic-Con lands in February! Sweet! It's the East Coast's turn to host all the science fiction, fantasy, comics, manga, toy goodness that your heart could possibly desire. Will I be there? You better believe it. I'm going for the panels, the comics, the author signings, and everything else that's on offer (did someone say swag?). I'm saving money already as I'm sure I would otherwise blow my bank account deep into the Beta Quadrant. So yeah, look for me (and possibly you? You should check this out too, you know) to simultaneously geek out and stimulate the economy on February 6 - 8.
Speaking of Feburary 6...that's the scheduled release for Neil Gaiman's Coraline.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuXZ8l4j8Ag
This, combined with Comic-Con might be enough to send me into some kind of geek-fit. If you've been following the development of this movie, or seen previews, then you recognize that the film is being made using highly polished...wait for it...Claymation*! Yes yes yes! I eat up Neil Gaiman properties like no ones business and have loved the movies he has spawned (MirrorMask and Stardust). Will this third movie complete the tri-force? Did I just use a Zelda reference? We'll find out shortly (and yes, yes I did).
Finally, coming in just a few days will be the Totally Rad Show 2008 wrap up (filmed before a live audience, of all things). I follow this vidcast religiously and have watched every episode I could get my grubby paws on. Alex, Dan, and Jeff have one of the best shows around and it can't be found on television**. It is found on Revision3 though, and if you have never visited Revision3, then you're only missing out on the best thing to happen to internet television since the internet. That's all. The TRS year-end show promises to be a blast and, while I'll be jealous of everyone who was able to attend in person, I'll be having plenty of fun watching it myself***.
Here is a list of other book, DVD and theater new releases for this week!
BOOKS
As I wrote a few days ago, author Alan Campbell has written some really intriguing novels. Scar Night is a great first novel, but what I enjoyed most about it is its darker take on urban fantasy. The characters are fairly well developed and the story is a great one but its the setting I fell in love with.
That continued in Iron Angel, the sequel to Scar Night.
In a few months, the third and (probably) final book in the Deepgate Codex, God of Clocks, will be released on April 28, 2009. I have total faith in Alan's ability to finish off the trilogy with an even darker flourish!
And after realizing I hadn't sent him my first Five Questions, I thought it'd be fun to do so!
Here is Five Questions with Alan Campbell! Enjoy!
Here is a list of other book, DVD and theater new releases for this week!
BOOKS
Although the outcome is usually questionable, I really enjoy the anticipation when one medium decides to adapt work from another medium. It has the potential to be Superman: The Movie, adapted from a comic book. Or it has the potential to be Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy, books adapted from the movies. Or it can be Star Wars: Dark Empire, comic books adapted from books and movies. These kinds of crossovers have worked well and delivered some great entertainment!
But what happens when it goes wrong—and not because of creative influences but because of money?
What will happen to our Watchmen movie?
A few days ago, a judge ruled in favor of Fox Studios that it was wronged by Warner Bros. when the latter began to adapt the graphic novel Watchmen to the silver screen and planned to distribute it. I have no doubt it is the right ruling. But it sadly might push back the release of the Watchmen movie indefinitely—a movie many a fanboy and geek have been waiting for a long time—until some kind of settlement can be made. Will these two massive studios come to an agreement that benefits all and gives us our movie? We'll see.
But I find it sad we may not get our movie and what could be a great adaptation and cross between mediums... we may not get to watch Watchmen.
More on this as it becomes available. ]]>
Here is a list of other book, DVD and theater new releases for this week!
BOOKS
Observe:
In the last few days, Seattle has been buried under a thick white blanket of snow.
The winter storm hitting the Pacific Northwest has been one of Seattle's most sustained, leaving it mostly incapacitated. Buses have crashed through protective guard rails, people have stranded their cars and 4x4 trucks. For good reason. I look outside and see more than a foot of snow covering everything. After ten days, temperatures have finally risen over the freezing mark but not enough to make the tiniest of dent in what has been done to the city.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
As I sit here, tucked away in my heater-driven warmth and looking out my living room window, it evokes one of my favorite books—The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman.
Lyra Belacqua riding the armored polar bear Iorek Byrnison through the snowy wilds.
It got me thinking.
I wrote a few days ago how I have been asked to moderate a panel devoted to writers' influences at the NY Comic Con. I already have planned what I want to open with and once that is done I'll just let the authors go crazy wild with their stories and what writers influences them want to be writers. But I also realized each one of us—and I mean every one of us who come to Suvudu—has some definable moment in our lives when we fell in love with science fiction and/or fantasy. It could be a book we read or a comic book we collected or a movie we watched or a gaming experience we had... one moment in a past full of moments created how we spend our time today.
Can you remember what sci-fi/fantasy writers or movies or games placed you on the path to this moment?
Here are the other culprits that have led me to write my own book as well as blogging here on Suvudu...]]>
Terry Brooks - I think I illustrated that influence HERE a few days ago. Terry is the author responsible for making me an avid reader. Without The Sword of Shannara, I never would have discovered the other authors below or the countless others I've read over the years. I would not be here, writing this; I would not be near to finishing The Dark Thorn. It really is quite amazing looking back and looking at the steps—and remembering that first step.
Stephen R. Donaldson - After Terry, Donaldson has had the largest impact on my writing and what I enjoy to read. For some, The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant - Unbeliever is really difficult to get into. But like Terry, Donaldson helped define the epic fantasy genre at its earliest moments and he deserves a lot of credit for that. Thomas Covenant is the anti-hero to abhor in the fantasy genre, but it was how Donaldson wove the messiah complex into the novels and the literary examination he gives of Christianity that I truly love about that series. Donaldson showed me that not all reading was pleasurable; it could be a potent vehicle for exploring this world's problems in a fantasy setting.
Stephen King - I've read several of King's horror novels and they are all well and good. But it is the Dark Tower saga that captured my imagination and redefined what epic truly meant. I believe in 50 years, when King has sloughed off his mortal coil and entered that dark graveyard, it will not be his horror he is remembered for but the Dark Tower. It played a pivotal role in my imagination process because it moved me away from only wanting to read epic/high fantasy.
Philip Pullman - Here is the man who really gave literary writing meaning to me. It began with Donaldson but I don't think he had an overarching reason to write the Chronicles beyond telling a really great story. Pullman, on the other hand, challenges people to think for themselves and question some of the unhealthy tendencies religious organizations have had over the years. Pullman forced me to look at our world—not just religions but all facets of power structures—and question why things are the way they are. I hope to instill some of those subtextual ideas into my own writing, to add layers, to create readers who not only read a fun adventure story but a story that also has a deeper meaning.
Neil Gaiman - The last two writers I will talk about are, quite simply, beautiful writers. Gaiman often takes from established mythologies and mythos to create great stories, but it is his writing that I just love. The man can take nouns and verbs and adjectives and all the rest and creates beautifully constructed sentences that lead to wonderful paragraphs that lead to pages of utter enjoyment. American Gods will be one of those books I read every other year or so. With it, Gaiman showed me the power of language; I hope to evoke that myself some day.
Carlos Ruiz Zafon - This is a writer many of you may not have read. Zafon is a Spanish writer whose first book, The Shadow of the Wind, was translated by Lucia Graves (daughter of poet Robert Graves) and which has sold millions and millions of copies—and is my favorite book in the last five years. It is magic and a mystery and a romance all thrown into one book, set in Barcelona decades ago. Like Gaiman, Zafon has a powerful way with words. It is easy to see Zafon loves books as much as many of us, and it comes through in his writing. If I could just have 1/10 of his talent, I'd be well-received as a writer, and I hope to meet him when his second book, The Angel's Game, is released here in the US!
Well, that's it for now. There are many other books and authors out there who have made me grow as a person over the years, but those are some of the writers who either had a hand in the path I am on or who have kept me on that path.
So, what about you? Who are your influences? Why do you read these books? Post and let us know!]]>
