Welcome to Episode 65 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans.  In this episode we kick off 2013 with an interview of author Howard Andrew Jones, who writes both original world novels and books set in Paizo‘s Pathfinder universe, adding to our ever-growing list of speculative fiction authors who enjoy gaming almost as much as they enjoy writing!  We cover the influences on Howard’s work (including an abiding interest in 1,001 Arabian Nights), his fascination with the short story writer and novelist Harold Lamb, and the differences between writing an original world book like The Bones of the Old Ones and a shared world book like Plague of Shadows.  If you like what you hear, don’t forget to check back for our next episode when we’ll again talk about the state of the field, this time with authors Michael Stackpole and Matt Forbeck.  Until then, thanks as always for listening, and please continue to spread the word!

Note:  As you’ll hear at the end of this episode, nominations are now open for the 2013 Hugos, and Speculate is eligible in the Best Fancast category.  Needless to say we’d be super-excited to be nominated for a Hugo (to say nothing of winning one), largely because it would give us the ability to speak to that many more listeners every show, and if you feel like the show deserves some recognition, please consider voting for Speculate.  The nomination form and rules can be found at the LoneStarCon3 Hugo Nomination page–and if you do decide to vote for our show, thanks!