A science fiction blog featuring science fiction book reviews and with frequent ramblings on fantasy, computers and the web.
In episode 179 of the SF Signal Podcast, Patrick Hester and Jaym Gates gather a second group of panelists to talk about the past, present and future of Cyberpunk.
In episode 175 of the SF Signal Podcast, Patrick Hester asks his motley crew of mis-fit panelists to discuss: Which conventions are you looking forward to this year?
In episode 162 of the SF Signal Podcast, Patrick Hester recorded a live panel at MileHiCon 44 in Denver Colorado on Saturday, October 20th, 2012. Panelists were: Connie Willis, John E. Stith, Nathan Lowell and Cherie Priest, who was also the Guest of Honor for MHC 44.
In episode 156 of the SF Signal Podcast, Patrick Hester gathers a group of SFSignal folks to discuss: Hard SF books for the beginner.
Hard SF has a reputation for being inaccessible to the beginning or casual reader. What Hard SF Book(s) have you read that you would recommend to someone trying to jump in with both feet?
We also digress into how The 13th Warrior is THE GREATEST MOVIE YOU HAVE PROBABLY NEVER SEEN – SERIOUSLY PEOPLE, WATCH THIS MOVIE! DON’T LISTEN TO JAY GARMON!
In episode 154 of the SF Signal Podcast, Patrick Hester gathers a group of SFSignal folks to discuss: History That Never Happened, Our Favorite Alternate History Stories.
Alternate histories play a big part in SF&F – what are some of your favorites?
Why? What made them stand out to you?
In episode 147 of the SF Signal Podcast, Patrick Hester gathers a panel to discuss: The Best Debut Novel You Have Ever Read, Part 2:
Everyone has to start somewhere, even authors. With so many debut books being published every year, they can’t all be spectacular, although they’re entertaining. But there’s always a few that stand out from the pack and make you go, “Whoa!” after you finish.
Q: What’s the best debut novel you’ve ever read?
Why? What made it stand out to you?
In episode 145 of the SF Signal Podcast, Patrick Hester gathers a panel to discuss: The Best Debut Novel You Have Ever Read:
Everyone has to start somewhere, even authors. With so many debut books being published every year, they can’t all be spectacular, although they’re entertaining. But there’s always a few that stand out from the pack and make you go, “Whoa!” after you finish.
What’s the best debut novel you’ve ever read?
Why? What made it stand out to you?
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In episode 143 of the SF Signal Podcast, Patrick Hester gathers a panel to discuss Readercon, Harassment and Making Positive Changes,
Links:
In episode 139 of the Hugo Nominated SF Signal Podcast, Patrick Hester asks our irregulars to bring their own topics to the table.
Subjects covered (partial list):
Chime in with your thoughts in the comments!
At last weekend’s Readercon 23 I led a panel on the subject of writing culture in fantastic fiction. This is the description from the program:
In a 2011 blog post, Farah Mendlesohn wrote, “‘Worldbuilding’ as we understand it, has its roots in traditions that described the world in monolithic ways: folklore studies, anthropology, archeology, all began with an interest in describing discrete groups of people and for that they needed people to be discrete.” This panel will discuss the historical and present-day merging and mingling of real-world cultures, and advise writers on building less monolithic and more plausible fictional ones.”
We had a lively conversation that ranged from historical fiction to John Norman’s Gor series. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and I want to thank my fellow panelists for making the discussion informative and fun. The panelists are (from left to right):
In episode 138 of the Hugo Nominated SF Signal Podcast, Patrick Hester asks our irregulars to weigh in on: Book Reviews. Are they still relevant? Do they shape your purchases?
In episode 135 of the Hugo Nominated SF Signal Podcast, Patrick Hester asks our irregulars to weigh in on: Books that Changed Our Lives.
In episode 132 of the Hugo Nominated SF Signal Podcast, Patrick Hester asks our irregulars to weigh in on: Book Spoilers – How Long is Too Long? Do some people take it too far?
In episode 129 of the Hugo Nominated SF Signal Podcast, Patrick Hester asks our irregulars to weigh in on: The most mind-bending idea you’ve ever encountered in a work of fantasy or science fiction.
In episode 125 of the Hugo Nominated SF Signal Podcast, Patrick Hester asks our irregulars to weigh in on: eBook Pricing!
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In episode 112 of the SF Signal Podcast, Patrick Hester and Jaym Gates (continuing the discussion from Part 1 and Part 2) sit down with a mega panel of authors to discuss modern Sword and Sorcery with the authors who are currently writing it.
In episode 110 of the SF Signal Podcast, Patrick Hester and Jaym Gates (continuing the discussion from Part 1) sit down with a mega panel of authors, editors and artists to discuss Sword and Sorcery for the modern reader.
In episode 107 of the SF Signal Podcast, Patrick Hester asks the SF Signal Irregulars to chime in with their Favorite Characters from Science Fiction and Fantasy.
Charles Tan: Hi everyone! Thanks for agreeing to do this panel.
In case people don’t know each other, let me introduce you to one another. I’m Charles, your blogger from the Philippines. Today we have:
I’m a bit new at this so we don’t have to be very formal. Feel free to steer the conversation in a direction you think is relevant, but I was hoping to start with the speculative fiction YA books (whether novels or anthologies) published this past year that interested you.
In episode 101 of the SFSignal Podcast, Patrick Hester asks our Irregulars to put together lists of The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Novels of 2011!
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