ARCHIVOS Podcast Network

Mary Robinette Kowal - Hugo Award-winning author of "Shades of Milk and Honey", "Glamour in Glass", "Without a Summer", and "Valor and Vanity" - returns to the Roundtable to workshop a tale of supernatural murder. Guest Writer Nicole Munro brings a darkly delicious YA story about the machinations of the Fae Court and a young man's quest to find the truth behind his brother's murder. Ideas fly, inspirations abound, and (dare I say it) Literary Gold is achieved! If you don't believe me, click that "PLAY" button

It seemed kind of abrupt to just throw the switch on the Literary Gold Machine without some kind of... I dunno... a friendly "get reacquainted" chat?

There's some new developments to discuss, too. We're making some small changes and additions to the way the show rolls out and I wanted to give everyone a heads up on what to expect.

It's only twelve minutes or so (fairly brief for me) and you'll be caught up and primed for more fabulousity.

One of the most intriguing formats that has permeated nearly every corner of our awareness is Transmedia Storytelling. By implementing diverse content threads across multiple media platforms, storytellers are able to transcend the limitations of printed word and provide their audiences with a richer, more engaging story experience.

Joining me for this transformative dialog is a cast of Transmedia luminaries, each with years of diverse experience in developing these unique storytelling experiences: Amanda Havard, Andrea Phillips, J. C. Hutchins, and Robert Pratten. I was also most fortunate to have Matthew Wayne Selznick agree to join me as co-host and bring his experience and insight to the table.

Brion and I are joined by authors Colin F. Barnes, Alasdair Stuart, Starla Hutchton, and Stephen Godden to discuss the challenges of writing near-future scifi in a world where science fact keeps out pacing our imaginations. Along the way we manage to debunk the reported “death of cyberpunk” as well as explore the sources of the trend towards genre mash-ups.

Mary Robinette Kowal - renowned and lauded puppeteer, author of the exquisite "Shades of Milk and Honey", "Glamour in Glass", and "Without a Summer", co-host of the "Writing Excuses" podcast, and general purveyor of wonders - combines two qualities that make her an astonishing artist: an incisive and informed perception blended with a playful spontaneity. The result is a graceful, surprising, and often lush and luxurious storytelling experience.

Brion and I were grateful for the opportunity to share 20(ish) minutes of rare conversation as Mary shares her thoughts and insights regarding the "work" of the writing craft, genre issues and what she "really wants to write", how she cultivates her writerly mojo, and more!

Dave Robison and Ben Delano conclude their exploration into the insights and perceptions of some astonishing authors regarding this one question:

Describe your ideal antagonist.

In this episode we hear from Mary Robinette Kowal, Alastair Reynolds, Michael J. Sullivan, Sam Sykes, and Patrick S. Tomlinson!

Join Dave Robison and Ben Delano as they explore the insights and experience offered by Saladin Ahmed, Peter V. Brett, Myke Cole, Carrie Harris, Jim C. Hines, and Kat Howard regarding this one simple question:

What is your ideal antagonist?

John Anealio - renowned musician, composer, and songwriter of geek anthems covered in his albums "Laser Zombie Robot Love" and "Sci-Fi Songs" AND co-host at the fabulous Functional Nerds Podcast - returns to the Big Chair and just in the nick of time! Today, we make Roundtable history as we workshop a SONG!

Patrick Toner, a man of diverse and distinguished talents, comes to the Roundtable with a fabulous idea for a song and you know us... we just can't say no. Thank goodness we have John on hand to help us explore these uncharted waters and, while there's a fair amount of splashing and flailing about on our part, I still think we managed some Literary Gold!

John Anealio - musician, composer, and geek balladeer who has crafted such classics as "Steampunk Girl", "George RR Martin is Not Your Bitch", and so many more - is not someone you'd expect to find on a writing podcast. And yet, John's life of exploring the creation and performance of music has given him some astonishing experiences and insights into the storyteller's craft. On top of those credentials, he has massive geek and literary cred from his tenure as founder and co-host of the fabulous Functional Nerds podcast!

Brion and I were delighted to share a marvelous 20(ish) minutes of conversation with John, exploring the parallels of music and literature, his approach to the craft of storytelling through music, and more!

Patrick E. McLean - author of "Unkillable" and "How to Succeed in Evil" and founder of Good Words (Right Order) - returns to apply his unique insights and experience towards helping Ryan Stevenson and I workshop a delicious tale served up by writer, and vocal performer Patrick Lewis.

Patrick brings a SciFi tale of corporate corruption, betrayal, all centered around a really sweet caper. It's Ocean's Eleven set in the far future and you know we're gonna have some fun exploring the intricacies of complex characters, crossed motivations, and making everything works out in the end... which is, or course, where everyone finds the huge stack of Literary Gold for the taking!