Coffee in Space

I value the gift of books and hope you’ll use my recommendations to fill the stockings of your science fiction and fantasy loving friends and family members.

Before I give you my short list of recommendations, I want to tell you that the links below help support my podcast through Amazon.com’s affiliate program. As I’ve mentioned on my podcast several times, I’d always rather you get your books at independent or local bookstores. However, if you’re using Amazon, I’d appreciate it if you’d use my link. 

My number one pick for the holiday season is Zen Cho’s Black Water Sister, an urban fantasy set in Malaysia. I thought Zen’s book was a great mix family drama, fantasy, lore, and eastern myth. Not only is her writing good, but she interviews very well also. Listen to episode 52 to see what I mean. Get a copy of Black Water Sister and enjoy the read.

Number 2 on my list goes to C. Robert Cargill’s Day Zero, which I read in about three days this year and cried at the end. I believe it’s his best work. It is the prequel to his previous novel, Sea of Rust, which I also read this year and enjoyed. We discussed both of those books on Episode 51. 

Rounding out my top three is Xueting Christine Ni’s anthology called Sinopticon 2021. Xueting joined me on a very informative podcast episode to talk about putting together this translated anthology. Enjoy that episode and then pick up a copy of the book to read different perspectives on future tech and culture.

All Systems Red, by Martha Wells, is number 4 on my list. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to have Martha on the show, but I’m hoping to have her on in the future. All Systems Red comes with a really good price and I think you’ll enjoy the story about a cyborg who wants to be more than she is.

Honorable mention goes to Andy Weir, celebrated author of The Martian and most recently, Project Hail Mary. Andy joined my show for episode 50, and Andy was just a real treat. I really enjoyed Project Hail Mary, and I think you will too.

Recommendations for those wanting to start a series:

1. Derek Kunsken’s Quantum Evolution series, starting with Quantum Magician. I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it: Derek Kunsken is a great writer and an even better person. I’ve always been a fan of his writing. Quantum Magician will get you on his fan list too. You get an Oceans’ 11 feel in space with galactic-level stakes. Listen to episode 20 to learn more about his series. Get a copy of Quantum Magician and enjoy the heist!

2. Michael Mammay wrote a trio of great books about an old warrior who is too tired to care what people think about him and too stubborn to let something go when he thinks he’s onto something. I enjoyed all three books immensely. I think you will too. Get book one, Planetside, and see for yourself! Oh, and once you’ve got the book, listen to the most recent podcast episode where we talk about the whole series!

That’s it for this year. For sure these aren’t the only books I enjoyed, nor are they the only books you should consider. But for me personally, these are my top picks. Enjoy!

This interview is about dedication to the work. Cathy worked for YEARS on Recorder, working over and over on successive drafts until it was what she needed it to be. You can see that level of passion come through the interview. I think you'll like it as much as I enjoyed recording the discussion. We talked about pantsing our way through a book, the difficulties of a second book, and of course, Recorder.

Also, by accident, we may have helped create and/or publicize a new sub-genre of science fiction: #sciencefictionwithheart.

You can learn more about Cathy's work at her website HERE. You can also catch up with her latest news at her Facebook Page and at her Goodreads page.

Like the podcast episode? You can support the show by becoming a patron! Once you click the link, you can learn more about how the show got started, where I keep the episodes, and more. I would appreciate any support you can give. Thank you!

Finally, please consider subscribing to the Coffee in Space newsletter so you can stay up to date on all podcast episodes and news about the interviews! 

* Links in these show notes may be affiliate links. I may make a small percentage from your purchase. I would always want you to buy from a local, independent store, but if you are looking to use Amazon, I would appreciate you considering my links. Thank you!

Very intriguing conversation with author Gavin G Smith, author of several books, including most recently, Spec Ops Z, about zombies, Russian special forces, and an attack in New York. In addition to talking about his worldbuilding and writing process for Spec Ops Z, we also discussed properly respecting the military and owning that as a writer. Finally, the issue of Mutually Assured Destruction is discussed, in that it leads to everyone losing.

Gavin's handling of my military service, as well as the service of his characters, meant a lot to me and I highly recommend his book.

You can learn more about Gavin's work at his website HERE. His Twitter feed is HERE. You can also catch him on Facebook HERE.

Like the podcast episode? You can support the show by buying me a coffee or becoming a patron! Once you click the link, you can learn more about how the show got started, where I keep the episodes, and more. I would appreciate any support you can give. Thank you!

Finally, please consider subscribing to the Coffee in Space newsletter so you can stay up to date on all podcast episodes and news about the interviews! 

* Links in these show notes may be affiliate links. I may make a small percentage from your purchase. I would always want you to buy from a local, independent store, but if you are looking to use Amazon, I would appreciate you considering my links. Thank you!

I thoroughly enjoyed talking with the two wonderful individuals who make up the writing name Calder Szewczak. Natasha Calder and Emma Szewczak were wonderful guests and it became clear very early on that they truly love and respect each other. Their combined efforts to create their setting, worldbuilding, and character shined through quickly as well. I think you'll enjoy the episode.

Like in previous episodes where I talked about faith, I'll add a quick disclaimer here that we delve fairly deep into climate change, climate fiction, and other related themes. It may not be your cup of tea depending, but I think you'll see that the conversation flows smoothly and is authentic and honest. Really, as a show host, that's what I always want the most.

Learn more about the UN Climate Change Conference HERE. In addition, Strange Horizons has a great review of the book. 

You can learn more about Natasha's work at her website HERE. Emma's Twitter feed is HERE. You can also catch up with their joint Twitter feed HERE.

Like the podcast episode? You can support the show by buying me a coffee or becoming a patron! Once you click the link, you can learn more about how the show got started, where I keep the episodes, and more. I would appreciate any support you can give. Thank you!

Finally, please consider subscribing to the Coffee in Space newsletter so you can stay up to date on all podcast episodes and news about the interviews! 

* Links in these show notes may be affiliate links. I may make a small percentage from your purchase. I would always want you to buy from a local, independent store, but if you are looking to use Amazon, I would appreciate you considering my links. Thank you!

Jeffrey Cranor needs no introduction, at least if you're a fan of the Night Vale podcast. As co-creator, he played a pivotal role in creating the show, focusing its energy, and building the listening community.  If you haven't heard the interview for his new novel, You Feel it just below the Ribs, cowritten with Janina Matthewson, click HERE.

You can learn more about Jeffrey's work at the above links or at his publisher's website HERE. You can also catch up with his latest news at his Twitter feed HERE. Another article about Jeffrey appeared in Texas Monthly.

Like the podcast episode? You can support the show by becoming a patron! Once you click the link, you can learn more about how the show got started, where I keep the episodes, and more. I would appreciate any support you can give. Thank you!

Finally, please consider subscribing to the Coffee in Space newsletter so you can stay up to date on all podcast episodes and news about the interviews! 

* Links in these show notes may be affiliate links. I may make a small percentage from your purchase. I would always want you to buy from a local, independent store, but if you are looking to use Amazon, I would appreciate you considering my links. Thank you!

Jeffrey Cranor needs no introduction, at least if you're a fan of the Night Vale podcast. As co-creator, he played a pivotal role in creating the show, focusing its energy, and building the listening community.  His latest podcast is called Within the Wires. You can hear more about his podcasting work in the next episode, "Ten More Minutes with Jeffrey Cranor."

He is also an established author, having written a three book series about the Night Vale community, starting with the book, Welcome to Night Vale with his co-creator Joseph Fink. His new book is cowritten with his cowriter from Within the Wires, Janina Matthewson.

In this episode, we talk about dual narrators, cowriting, worldbuilding, and alt history. I think it's a fascinating talk and I hope you enjoy it!

We also discussed The Lifespan of a Fact, when discussing unreliable narrators.

You can learn more about Jeffrey's work at the above links or at his publisher's website HERE. You can also catch up with his latest news at his Twitter feed HERE. Another article about Jeffrey appeared in Texas Monthly.

Like the podcast episode? You can support the show by becoming a patron! Once you click the link, you can learn more about how the show got started, where I keep the episodes, and more. I would appreciate any support you can give. Thank you!

Finally, please consider subscribing to the Coffee in Space newsletter so you can stay up to date on all podcast episodes and news about the interviews! 

* Links in these show notes may be affiliate links. I may make a small percentage from your purchase. I would always want you to buy from a local, independent store, but if you are looking to use Amazon, I would appreciate you considering my links. Thank you!

Xueting Christine Ni has been one of my favorite interviews of the year. Talking with her about her translation work, Chinese science fiction, and second languages was the highlight of my day. Her latest work, Sinopticon 2021 is a celebration of all of those things, and is the topic of our discussion today.

Personally, I enjoyed several of the stories. I particularly liked "Qiankun and Alex," "Starship: Library," and "The Last Save," but I think you'll like those and several others as well. Give it a read and you'll see what I mean!

You can learn more about Xueting's work at her website HERE. You can also catch up with her latest news at her Twitter feed HERE.

Like the podcast episode? You can support the show by becoming a patron! Once you click the link, you can learn more about how the show got started, where I keep the episodes, and more. I would appreciate any support you can give. Thank you!

Finally, please consider subscribing to the Coffee in Space newsletter so you can stay up to date on all podcast episodes and news about the interviews! 

* Links in these show notes may be affiliate links. I may make a small percentage from your purchase. I would always want you to buy from a local, independent store, but if you are looking to use Amazon, I would appreciate you considering my links. Thank you!

I'm so grateful to have Adeena Mignogna on the podcast for this episode. As a trained and educated scientist as well as an author, Adeena gave my listeners great insight into paradoxes, robotics, space travel, and artificial intelligence. I think you'll really learn a lot from her!

When you're done listening to the episode, grab her book, Crazy Foolish Robots, by clicking the book title.

Adeena is the third guest in the "Science behind the Science Fiction" series on Coffee in Space. To see the full list of episodes, click THIS LINK.

You can learn more about Adeena's work at her website HERE. You can also catch up with her latest news at her Twitter feed HERE.

Like the podcast episode? You can support the show by becoming a patron! Once you click the link, you can learn more about how the show got started, where I keep the episodes, and more. I would appreciate any support you can give. Thank you!

Finally, please consider subscribing to the Coffee in Space newsletter so you can stay up to date on all podcast episodes and news about the interviews! 

* Links in these show notes may be affiliate links. I may make a small percentage from your purchase. I would always want you to buy from a local, independent store, but if you are looking to use Amazon, I would appreciate you considering my links. Thank you!

I learned so much from John Appel, both about writing and publishing and his debut novel, Assassin's Orbit. I think you'll have a great time, just like I did.

The thing that makes John such a great guest is that he's a former Army scout, so he fits in very well with the Military Fans of Science Fiction group, from which sprang this very podcast. So after you get to know John, give his book a looksee.

You can learn more about John's work at his website HERE. You can also catch up with his latest news at his Twitter feed HERE.

Like the podcast episode? You can support the show by becoming a patron! Once you click the link, you can learn more about how the show got started, where I keep the episodes, and more. I would appreciate any support you can give. Thank you!

Finally, please consider subscribing to the Coffee in Space newsletter so you can stay up to date on all podcast episodes and news about the interviews! 

* Links in these show notes may be affiliate links. I may make a small percentage from your purchase. I would always want you to buy from a local, independent store, but if you are looking to use Amazon, I would appreciate you considering my links. Thank you!

This is Jeremy Szal's second interview on Coffee in Space. You can listen to the first episode HERE, where we talk about his first book, Stormblood. Since Jeremy first joined me on the show, he's finished his second novel, slated for release in November. On this episode, we rehash Stormblood before turning to Blindspace, his latest novel. 

You can learn more about Jeremy's work at his website HERE. You can also catch up with his latest news at his Twitter feed HERE.

Like the podcast episode? You can "Buy me a Coffee" as a thank you! I'll even give you a free short story to show my gratitude. Thank you!

Finally, please consider subscribing to the Coffee in Space newsletter so you can stay up to date on all podcast episodes and news about the interviews! 

* Links in these show notes may be affiliate links. I may make a small percentage from your purchase. I would always want you to buy from a local, independent store, but if you are looking to use Amazon, I would appreciate you considering my links. Thank you!