In this episode, Holly and Steve are joined by book reviewer Charlie Cavendish for a lively discussion about the Fantasy and Sci-Fi Spotlight event, standout book recommendations, and the growing influence of technology on reading, including mobile phone stories. They reminisce about childhood favorites like The Hobbit and Redwall, while diving into the world of indie books and genre mashups. From hidden gems like Cold West and The Scroungers to the buzz surrounding the upcoming historical fantasy contest, this episode is packed with must-read suggestions and fresh perspectives on the evolving book landscape. 

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In this episode, Steve provides a comprehensive update on his reading journey, discussing various book series including the Children of Time and the Unholy Consult. He reflects on his experiences with reading slumps, shares insights from classic literature like Frankenstein, and outlines upcoming changes to his podcasting format. Steve emphasizes the importance of community engagement and invites listeners to participate in group reads and discussions, while also sharing personal updates and new ventures in photography and content creation.

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In this episode, Steve and Paromita sits down with author Benjamin Liar to discuss his latest book, The Failures, an epic blend of science fiction and fantasy. They dive deep into the inspiration behind the story, which Benjamin has been developing for over 30 years, exploring its intricate structure, interlocking puzzles, and multi-dimensional characters. The conversation covers themes of nature, the loss of connection to the natural world, and the beauty of simplicity.

They also discuss their favorite books and authors, including China Miéville, Jeff VanderMeer, Neil Stephenson, and Ursula K. Le Guin. The guest reveals how Le Guin influenced his pseudonym and shares his thoughts on the blending of science fiction and fantasy genres. In the final part of the episode, Benjamin talks about his journey to publication, the collaborative process behind the book cover design, and his openness to future writing collaborations.

Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with insights into the creative process, worldbuilding, and the complexities of The Failures.

Find Benjamin here: https://www.benjaminliar.com/

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 In this episode of Weekly Polls Pick of the Week, hosts Mike and Steve discuss their favorite comic book series of the year so far, exploring various new releases and their thoughts on character development, storytelling, and the challenges of anthology series. They share insights on survival stories, the evolution of iconic characters, and the impact of art in comics. The conversation also touches on the future of comic book characters and the importance of catering to new audiences. 

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In this episode, we delve into the captivating world of second books in a series! Join us as we discuss the unique challenges authors face when crafting sequels and reveal our top five favorite second books from fantasy and beyond. From Queen of Attolia to A Clash of Kings, we explore how these novels exceed expectations, expand world-building, develop characters, and resolve mysteries in ways that keep readers hooked.

We also touch on the influence of iconic authors on the genre, the impact of TV adaptations, and how a well-executed second book can elevate an entire series. Whether you're a fan of epic fantasy, sci-fi, or something in between, this episode offers plenty of recommendations and thoughtful analysis. Plus, don't miss our honorable mentions and a lighthearted chat about content creation!

Tune in for an engaging and insightful discussion, and let us know your favorite second books on our forums.

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In this episode, the group wraps up their in-depth exploration of The Unholy Consult, the final book in R. Scott Bakker's The Second Apocalypse series. Together, they reflect on their overall impressions of the series, dissect the explosive ending, and discuss key revelations, including the Dunyain’s origins, the nature of the No-God, and Kellhus' possession.

The conversation also dives into fan-favorite atrocity tales, character fates, and the philosophical complexity of Bakker’s world, from free will and prophecy to the mark of sorcery and the meaning behind the head on the pole. They share theories, explore potential future storylines, and touch on the role of Mimara, the gods, and the enigmatic core at the heart of the No-God’s creation.

Join us for a comprehensive discussion on one of fantasy’s most thought-provoking series, as we celebrate its high points, critique its flaws, and speculate on what might come next. Don't miss this epic conclusion, and stay tuned for future deep dives into character arcs and more!

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In this episode, Steve sits down with Kristof Morrow, an award-winning journalist, photographer, and self-published author, to explore his diverse creative outlets and writing journey. Kristof shares how his love for creativity was shaped by video games and books, eventually leading him to discover writing as a therapeutic escape. They delve into his experiences in the publishing industry, including the challenges and rewards of self-publishing his book The Second Son, which went viral on TikTok.

Kristof opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of going viral, the impact of reviews, and the importance of connecting with readers. The conversation also touches on his passion for poetry, photography, and rock climbing, revealing how these pursuits complement his storytelling. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a creative soul, or simply curious about the journey of a self-published author, this episode offers inspiration and valuable insights into the magic of words and the pursuit of truth through art.

Find Kristof: https://www.kristofmorrow.com/

Sound Bites

• "Creativity is the most essential part of human existence."
• "I fell in love with Epic Fantasy because of its complexity."
• "I wrote like 5,000 words the first day."
• "I sold two more books. I really hope they like it."
• "I had sold a bunch of books, like a few hundred."
• "There's a depression period where you realize, Oh, no one cares anymore. But that's not true."

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In this episode, we delve into chapters 13-16 of The Unholy Consult, where the lines between dark fantasy and sci-fi blur. Join us as we dissect the fall of the promised world, the chaotic battle with demonic forces, and the emergence of the mysterious Vile Angel. We speculate on Kelmomas's cryptic role in the narrative and explore the Inchoroi's audacious plan to sever the world from the outside—questioning the validity of their knowledge and the unique nature of Earth itself.

Our discussion also covers the tragic decline of the non-men, drawing parallels to biblical themes, and examines the looming fate of key characters like Mimara and Serwa. We analyze the logistics of the upcoming battle and the potential impact of Nayar and Cnaur, considering whether they might be the harbingers of humanity's downfall. Plus, we highlight our favorite quotes, including some unsettling descriptions of dragons and moments of dark humor.

Tune in for an in-depth exploration of these chapters, and don't forget to join our forum and upcoming read-along to share your thoughts!

Find Carl: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BY74YRN5

Find Varsha: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadingByTheRainyMountain

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In this episode, we gather for a laid-back forum discussion that touches on the highs and lows of the creative process. Our participants share their recent reading experiences and delve into the world of editing and publishing, shedding light on the fine balance between inspiration and imitation in storytelling. We also explore the phenomenon of franchise fatigue, discussing how over-saturation can impact the quality of beloved stories.

The conversation takes an introspective turn as we discuss the challenges of starting long, interconnected book series and the appeal of modularized ones. Ethical questions surrounding posthumous publications are also on the table, with our participants weighing in on how unfinished works should be handled.

We then dive into a lively debate about whether authors should review books, considering the potential for bias and the impact on sales. Review exchanges, the struggle to obtain honest critiques, and the balance between technical analysis and emotional response in reviews are also hot topics.

Finally, we discuss the role of social media in promoting books and connecting with readers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the joy of writing amidst the pressures of the publishing industry. Join us as we navigate these complex issues with thoughtfulness, humor, and a deep love for the written word.

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In this episode, Steve and Mike dive deep into the complexities of creativity, the impact of social media, and the challenges of the publishing industry. Mike, a seasoned writer, shares his journey through the creative process, offering insights into the highs and lows of being an artist in today’s digital age. Together, they explore the delicate balance between leveraging social media for career growth and protecting mental well-being, while also discussing the changing dynamics of fame and success.

The conversation takes a thoughtful turn as they touch on the often-overlooked importance of grief, the taboo around death, and the need for compassion in difficult times. Mike and Steve also reflect on societal beauty standards, the value of family recipes, and the lessons learned from early jobs. Whether you’re a creative professional, a writer navigating the publishing world, or someone interested in the deeper themes of life, this episode offers a rich blend of practical advice, personal reflections, and philosophical musings.

Tune in for an engaging discussion that will leave you with fresh perspectives on creativity, society, and the human experience.

Find Mike: http://mikeyopp.com

Sound Bites

• "No amount of success is ever going to feel like the end or like success."
• "Social media has made it worse, not better for me as far as my self-esteem, but it's also made it better for my career."
• "I'm not an entrepreneur. I'm just a creative type, and that's what it is."
• "I think it's harder for people to be pushed back on. And they think they want to be surrounded by an echo chamber and not by people who don't agree with them."
• "The internet appears to be public yet you're allowed to metaphorically sweatpants your way in and F-bomb. But I don't think that should have transferred into actual airports, actual restaurants."
• "I think the younger kids are now kind of shying away from social media and coming back to a quieter, more private life."
• "It's a common accepted notion among most people. Well, war is a thing that always happens. It can't be avoided."
• "I am not attacking capitalism and I'm not promoting communism. I am simply reflecting on the fact that within this current iteration of capitalism, you're expected to grow infinitely and that's actually ludicrous and impossible."

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