Kristene Perron's Blog, page 5

Culture and Conflict – Guest Blog Series

Diversity. Multiculturalism. Inclusion.

In the context of human relations, these words evoke warm feelings. Who wouldn’t want a world where people of different races, cultures, and beliefs can co-exist peacefully, each enriching the other? And yet you have only to open your computer, turn on the news, or read the newspaper to see how far from this ideal we are.

Cultural conflicts have incited hatred and violence since the beginning of recorded history—and undoubtedly since the beginning of the human race.

In my own lifetime, growing up in a quiet suburb in a supposedly peace-loving nation, I have witnessed the anger something as innocuous as language and skin colour can ignite. When East Indian immigrants began arriving in North Delta, BC in the late seventies and early eighties, our predominantly WASP neighbourhood reacted with disdain, fear, and bigotry. I knew nothing about these people or their culture but they were “different” and that was enough for my friends and me to shun and ridicule them. Others were even less tolerant. The first Sikh temple in our municipality was firebombed shortly after its construction. I suspect the bombers knew as little as I did about the people they had attacked.

In the third installment of Warpworld, Ghost World, conflicts between caste and culture form the backdrop for Seg and Ama’s struggles. While writing this book, Josh and I constantly turned to real life examples of culture clash to decide how our characters would behave. What if a group of extremely different cultures suddenly found themselves dependent on each other for survival? Could that work? What would that look like?

The answers to those questions are fascinating and complex, and inspired us to launch a new guest blog series to examine cultural conflict in real life and in fiction. Over the next several weeks, we’ll be showcasing posts exploring this subject. Our guests are a mix of authors and “real people” who will share stories of cultural clash in their books and their lives, and try to uncover the reasons behind the human instinct to fear and hate “the other”.

We welcome your comments and feedback, as well as your own experiences with cultural conflict.

Happy reading and, as always…

Blood for water.

~Kristene

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WARPWORLD Goodreads Giveaways x 3!

It’s time for another Goodreads giveaway. Between March 6th and 11th, you can enter to win a copy of all three books in the series so far!

And remember that Warpworld Volume 1 is on sale (for you digital readers) until the end of this month.

I’d call this March Madness but Josh and I are year-round crazy.

Goodreads Book Giveaway


Ghost World
by Kristene Perron

Giveaway ends March 11, 2015.

See the giveaway details

at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Goodreads Book Giveaway


Wasteland Renegades
by Kristene Perron

 

Giveaway ends March 11, 2015.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

 

Goodreads Book Giveaway


Warpworld
by Kristene Perron

Giveaway ends March 11, 2015.

See the giveaway details

at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Thanks for visiting the Warpworld Comm! Contact us for infrequent, non-spammy, and highly entertaining Warpworld news.

BIG KARGIN’ SALE!

Listen up, worms!

This is Lieutenant Fismar Korth, here to give you worthless water slugs a briefing on the sale Josh and Kris are putting on until the end of this month. Now pay attention because this ain’t just any bit of scrip you can save. This is a BIG KARGIN’ SALE!

You got one month to get your lazy asses over to the lit-ent seller of your choice and pick up a copy of WARPWORLD #1 for the idiotic price of .99 cents. That’s right, .99 cents.

And, hey, you can wipe that stupid grin off your face right now, sand stompers. Just because you get yourself a good deal on a great book doesn’t mean I’m going soft. Karg, I told ‘em you idiots weren’t even worth the pixels on the screen but they’re the bosses, so .99 cents it is.

So tell all your buddies to hurry up and get reading because, by the Storm, I am NOT going to wait for you to finish that last chapter before I run you into the ground. IS THAT CLEAR?

Now go get your kargin’ book and quit whining or I’ll put you on sanitation room cleaning duty!

~ Fismar Korth

Sale ends April 2, 2015. Prices are in USD (sorry!) and Canadian and European site vendor’s prices vary slightly (also sorry). Here’s where to buy:

Warpworld Vol. 1 on US Kindle for 99 cents

Warpworld on CDN Kindle for 99 cents

Warpworld on UK Kindle for 99 cents

Warpworld Vol. 1 on Kobo for 99 cents

Warpworld Vol. 1 on Nook for 99 cents

Warpworld Vol. 1 on Lulu (includes iBooks) for 99 cents

Blood for water

Thanks for visiting the Warpworld Comm! Contact us for infrequent, non-spammy, and highly entertaining Warpworld news.

Launch Day: Warpworld Vol.3 GHOST WORLD

At last, it’s time to launch the latest chapter in the Warpworld saga…

Go ahead and press the button, we won’t tell anyone.

Oops, now you’ve done it!

Yes, Warpworld Vol. 3, Ghost World is out and we’re pleased as the proverbial punch. What can you expect in book #3? Well, this is a spoiler free zone but here’s a taste:

A NEW STORM IS COMING

Somewhere through the warp gate, buried in the ruins of a long-dead civilization, a strange machine could be the key to the Storm that threatens Seg Eraranat’s world. But does this ghost world hold the secret of salvation or the ultimate portent of doom?

Haunted by the death of the woman he loves, and caught in the crossfire of a shadowy war, Seg Eraranat volunteers for a secret off-world mission. Not far away, Ama Kalder awakes under the care of a mysterious indigo-skinned stranger, living among a tribe of escaped slaves. With her memories lost to the Storm, she must battle for survival in the unforgiving wastes.

Separated by fate but drawn across the dimensions, Seg and Ama race to solve the mystery of the Storm before it’s too late.

Ghost World is available on all your favourite formats: Kindle, Kobo, Nook, iBooks, inktera, Scribd, and even in…gasp…paperback!

When you’re finished, remember we always love to hear what you think!

Deposit thoughts here.

Give the authors a piece of your mind here.

To celebrate our official launch, we’ll be having sales and giveaways and even some live events. We’ve got another Shadow Story coming out, so even when the book is over you can still linger in the Wasteland a while longer. There will also be a new guest blogger series starting here on March 15th, with a new topic and a karg-load of special guests.

Whew! So much Warptasticness.

Keep your eyes on this blog for updates and goodies and inter-dimensional kittens*.

Blood for water.

~ Kristene

*Inter-dimensional kittens are illegal under Cultural Theorist Guild Code 247-G.

Thanks for visiting the Warpworld Comm! Contact us for infrequent, non-spammy, and highly entertaining Warpworld news.

The Power of Three

Three years, three novels, that was the goal Josh and I set for the start of the Warpworld series. And even though we’re running behind schedule on our promised release date for book number three, we will hit that three year goal in just a few more weeks!

For our fans who have been patiently waiting for the release of Warpworld III – Ghost World, stay tuned. We’ll be announcing our launch date any day

This third book came with all kinds of new challenges, not the least of which were big changes in its authors’ schedules. I spent most of 2014 in transit, often completely off the grid, and Josh’s other job is taking off, leaving him less and less time for other-wordly adventures. Structuring the novel also took longer than usual, since we were now dealing with three major story lines across three different “worlds”. (You’ll understand the need for quotes once you’ve read the book). Our editing process has finally streamlined, which of course meant that we had to make things more complicated for ourselves. Yep, that’s how we roll.

But, as I prepare to ship off the manuscript and all book related material to Team Warpworld’s designer extraordinaire, Miguel, you’ll forgive me if I take a moment to pat myself and Josh on the back. I’m really pleased with this book and I think you will be too. It’s big, it’s complex, it goes all over the damn place, but it’s full of warpy goodness and sure to surprise in at least one big way (and a few small ones too).

We’ll be sharing the cover with you soon, and maybe a giveaway or two! I can’t wait to let you all down off that cliff where we left you hanging in Wasteland Renegades.

As soon as the door is open, we’ll let you in.

 Blood for water.

~ Kristene

Thanks for visiting the Warpworld Comm! Contact us for infrequent, non-spammy, and highly entertaining Warpworld news.

VCON Wrap-up AKA When Size Doesn’t Matter

I’m not sure how to start this post about my experience at VCON 39–partly because I’m still buzzing from the fun of the con and partly because I’m still buzzing from the root canal I underwent as soon as I returned home. (Mostly the former, I think).

I was a bit concerned that after the WOW factor of my first SF/F con, last year, that little old VCON would seem kind of meh.

It was not meh. It was the opposite of meh. It was totally anti-meh.

Sword fighting demo by students of Academie Duello

Why?

For starters, I got to be a panelist. Holy crap. It’s a good thing I didn’t get this opportunity earlier in my career or I may have abandoned Warpworld to become a professional panel member. Had I known that I could sit in a room full of people, talking about cool things I love with other cool panelists who also love the same things, occasionally making jokes that the audience laughs at…? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Sign me up! Oh sure, I had some nerves at the beginning–sitting next to SF/F giant David Weber will do that to you–but once I got rolling I was in heaven. If I’d had a martini in my hand, I might have never left.

No, VCON doesn’t have the numbers or the sheer overwhelmingness of a con such as Worldcon but what it did have was the kind of welcoming, fun, slightly self-deprecating environment you would expect from a west coast Canadian Convention. At the Aurora Awards (Canada’s version of the Hugos), winners were informed that along with their trophies they were also to take home one of the teapots on the tables. Teapots. Seriously, does it get more Canadian than that?

Aurora Award winners and presenters being VERY serious

There were still lots of costumes and demos and the kind of weirdness I crave, but with a distinctly west coast vibe.

Social Mothra/Ninja-in-training/mom-to-be (very soon!), Sandra Wickham was back–both as the event emcee and schedule programmer and she had good freaking fantastic news. Sandra is starting her own writing event–CREATIVE INK–beginning with a "warm-up" April 25, 2015. Modelled after the hugely successful When Words Collide in Calgary, Alberta, this is a writing event you will not want to miss. Don’t worry, I’ll be posting details as they come in!

And of course cons are about making new friends and inflicting oneself upon old friends. I finally put faces to many of the SF Canada members I know only from my email inbox. It was a special treat to reconnect with Mark Teppo and Patrick Swenson, even if Mark did not credit me by name for the "heroine addicted snowman" prompt in his Live Action Slush story. Patrick, sorry we ate all your nachos. Lynda Williams and I zoomed past each other on a few occassions, but at least had enough time for hugs!

Panelists Danika Dinsmore and Sandra Wickham

Continuing on the friend front, let me offer a giant toothy grin and wave to: Bennet Coles, Jane Ann McLachlan, Linda Demeulemeester, Katrina Archer, Ron Friedman, Lisa Gemino, Keffy Kehrli, Sebastian de Castell, Will McDermott, Brenda Carre, Danika Dinsmore, Kim Tough (a ghost from junior highschool), Jennifer Ellis (with whom, time spent was far too scarce), Barb Geiger, Tod McCoy, Susan Forest, and a whole host of people who I know I’ve forgotten in my rush to get this post up and get back to work!

Work. Must get back to work. But first…

A billionity thanks to all the organizers, guests, attendees, and fans who came together to make VCON 39 so much fun. And next year, well, you know how I said I really liked being on those panels…

(p.s. For more photos check out our Facebook page photo album!)

Blood for water!

~ Kristene

Kristene Perron and William Gibson–Aurora Award Hall of Fame inductee and co-author of the X-Files episode (Kill Switch) that helped launch her stunt career.

Thanks for visiting the Warpworld Comm! Contact us for infrequent, non-spammy, and highly entertaining Warpworld news.

Kristene’s Speaking Schedule at VCON 39, Oct 3-5

It’s true, one half of Team Warpworld will be attending and speaking at VCON 39?Canvention 34 in less than a week! If you can make it out to Vancouver’s SF/F convention, here’s where you can find me (and a whole bunch of other cool folks) talking about all things weird and wonderful.

Saturday Oct. 4

Perspectives on Self-Publishing and Hybrid Publishing 14:00 – 15:00

As self publishing continues to grow, how can authors compete in a saturated marketplace and be heard among the "noise"? What does today’s self published author need to know? What is Hybrid Publishing? What are the advantages to this route? With: Bennett Coles (Mod), Katrina Archer, Linda Demeulemeester, Jane Ann McLachlan, Kristene Perron

Writing About Fighting: After the Battle  15:00 – 16:00

From fist fights to world wars, conflict leaves scars that often never heal. Do artists have a responsibility to accurately portray the physical and psychological aftermath of combat? With Bennett Coles (Mod), David Weber, Tarol Hunt, Ron Friedman, Rick Sutcliffe, Kristene Perron

Sunday Oct. 5

Getting Started and Reaching the Finish Line  11:00 – 12:00

One of the hardest aspects of writing is beginning a project. Or, is the hardest part finishing it? Slogging through the middle? Panelists share tips on the best way to begin a short story or novel, maintain your momentum and make it all the way to “The End.” With: Mark Teppo, Samantha Beiko, Brenda Carre, Will McDermott, Kristene Perron

Writing About Fighting Series: Hand to Hand and Weapons Combat  12:00 – 13:00

The old adage "write what you know" can be a definite challenge if one has little or no experience in the warrior arts other than what is portrayed on the big screen. In reality, a fight can be over in seconds and a battle can be won in minutes. Come join the panel of authors at our traditional panel about kicking butt and writing it down. With Sandra Wickham (Mod), Devon Boorman, Sebastian de Castell, Ron Friedman, Lisa Gemino, Kristene Perron

Reading: Kristene Perron & Sandra Wickham  14:00 – 14:30

You can find the entire VCON 39 schedule here and you can visit the VCON website for more deets. 

Come out, say hi, bring me a cupcake!

Blood for water

~Kristene

Thanks for visiting the Warpworld Comm! Contact us for infrequent, non-spammy, and highly entertaining Warpworld news.

Full of Win

My extrans wanderings are almost at an end, which means our poor neglected Warpworld blog will soon come back to life. But I had to take a moment out of my travels to share some news.

Today Josh and I learned that Warpworld Vol.1 won an Honorable Mention in the 2014 Eric Hoffer Book Awards (Commercial Fiction category). The Eric Hoffer Awards recognize excellence in independently published books–something I support with much waving of arms and yelling of "WHOOP!" Since I did not expect a science fiction novel to even make it onto the shortlist, this Honorable Mention comes as both a shock and, well, an honor. 

Warpworld Vol. 1 was also a finalist for the Montaigne Medal, which came as another happy surprise. Judges in each category nominate books they feel either illuminate, progress, or redirect thought. Though we didn’t win, we were thrilled to be singled out for this extra distinction. 

Yahoo?

Well, what all this means, when you get right down to it, is that Josh and I had a happier-than-normal Monday and now our print books will come with a shiny gold sticker. (Sticker! Yay!)

There’s nothing wrong with awards and, as a goal-fixated over-acheiver, I love the power of competition to force me to up my game. Not all awards are created equal, however, and even the biggest in the SF/F world do not come without controversy. I prefer awards that are judged as opposed to popular vote (hello, popular does not always equal better) but even judged awards can come down to personal bias. (I say this as a writer who has judged a few writing competitions). So, yes, Josh and I are pleased with our little flirt with award greatness but no shiny medal can ever compare with those four little words from our readers: "I loved your book!"

Many thanks to the judges and organizers of the 2014 Eric Hoffer Awards but just as many thanks to you, our readers, who are the real reason we chain ourselves to our keyboards year after year.

Blood for water.

~ Kristene

 

Thanks for visiting the Warpworld Comm! Contact us for infrequent, non-spammy, and highly entertaining Warpworld news.

What’s So Great About Science Fiction?

Short answer: Everything.

For the long answer, you can read my guest blog post up on 49th Shelf today: Why You’re Not Reading Science Fiction and Why You Should.

And if you’re a Canadian speculative fiction author, you can come and share your work here: Speculating On Canadian Fiction

Happy reading, everyone!

 

Thanks for visiting the Warpworld Comm! Contact us for infrequent, non-spammy, and highly entertaining Warpworld news.

The Truth Inside the Lie – Lynda Williams

The Highway and the Universe

In my teenage years, my faster-than-light method of travel needed to be scientifically plausible. That’s when I invented reality skimming, inspired by an enrichment course in space-time physics in my high school years.

Fig 1 Rel Ship in space

But by the time the Okal Rel Saga shaped up into meaty stories about people, the underpinning technology had to map to something more emotionally real. Philosophically, this became the wear and tear of living (shimmer damage), and the risk of losing one’s grip and drifting into depression or ennui (time slip).

Physically, however, the inspiration for reality skimming was a place. A long, thin one. The highways of Northern B.C.

It’s boring driving back and forth among places from one to ten hours apart with nothing very much in between. It’s liberating, as well. Nothing to think about for hours but the drive, the music you play or the conversation with the person beside you in the front seat. Sometimes, though, it can be scary. When the weather’s bad. Or if you get too tired. Or too bored. Or an animal suddenly jumps out of the ditch at the side of the road. Just a moment’s inattention at the wrong time could be fatal. I knew people who experienced deaths in the family on otherwise ordinary drives. Not many, but even one leaves its mark.

Fig 2 Highway driving in northern BC

So I do speak from experience when I write about reality skimming trips in the Okal Rel Universe, even if I did the flying in a car.

 

 Lynda Williams is the author of the ten-novel Okal Rel Saga, published Edge Science Fiction and Fantasy. She works in Learning Technology, as manager of a support team for faculty at Simon Fraser University. Starting in 2013, she launched Reality Skimming Press to keep the magic of storytelling in her world alive, and open doors to other realms.

Photo: Lynda Williams as panelist at Worldcon in Chicago 2012

 

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