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S&L Podcast- #122 - Interview with Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Thanks for the interview, it was fun. Didn't realize until I listened to it just how fast I was talking ;-) Sorry to hear about the video, but looking forward to it's possible return. In any case the podcasts are great and ongoing so plenty of good stuff still available.One clarification... Veronica mentioned the first book is free on Amazon - and that's not exactly true...Orbit doesn't give books away for free ;-) But my short story The Viscount and the Witch is self-published by me and that one is indeed free.
If anyone has any questions for me - just ask ;-)
@Rasnac - thanks, I'm glad you found the interview interesting.@Kris - independent publishing is certainly viable...and it's been a good path to publication traditionally for people like me, David Dalglish, Anthony Ryan, H.P. Mallory, and many more.
@Jlawrence - thanks, it really is a matter of what each author wants - bookstore and more fame = traditional, money and freedom = self.
Michael, the pace was fine imho. It got even more super content packed into the podcast. Would echo the comments of others, was an excellent discussion.
Was also interested in your comments about "simple language" and mind pictures when writing. Hope to start writing soon and will bear that in mind.
I have a screen writer working on a script for The Crown Conspiracy right now and he mentioned how the story really will adapt easily to his format. I think that is because I envision the scenes like a movie with me as the director. I have written a literary fiction book and in the prose for that work is much different than Riyria. As I mentioned, I want to do all I can to keep them "in the story" and my hope is that they words will just fall away.
Good luck with your own writing. Just remember to enjoy the process. Success in the form money is hard in publishing, but if you enjoy what you produce and the process of producing that can be its own reward and then the money is just the cherry on top.
Veronica wrote: "Well, you're mentioned in the first 2 minutes, so you should probably listen to that much at least!"Well, if that isn't motivation to figure out how what time the hotel bandwidth opens up, I don't know what is! :)
It would be great if the video series returned concentrating mainly on Author interviews, whiteboards and other fun visual segments.I'm a long time listener to the podcast and I still think that the book discussions are much better there. Maybe its the Alcohol?
Could Scott Johnsons FrogPants TV be the new home of Sword and Laser video??
Tom & Veronica: Firstly, can you explain why the G&S video podcast has come to an end? Is it simply down to the whole G&S channel having to secure renewal from YouTube, or is S&L unique among G&S shows in reaching an ending? If the latter, what is the issue preventing its continuation? Surely, it can't be lack of fans!What happens to that lavish set? Who owns it and does it get dismantled and stowed somewhere? And don't say it just gets left in orbit!
As to the future, can I assume you are talking to Leo? S&L would be a great addition to TWiT. It's not exactly tech, but then neither was TWiT Photo, which was always more about the art than the tech side of photography, and there is a lot of overlap between tech fans and fantasy/SF fans.
►►► Michael J. wrote: "@Rasnac - thanks, I'm glad you found the interview interesting.@Kris - independent publishing is certainly viable...and it's been a good path to publication traditionally for people like me, Davi..."
You are most welcome, sir. :)
Lem is going on a singles cruise with Drogon; they are headed to Westeros across the Narrow Sea to see how the weather is this time of the year. (Hint: it'll be freezing, with a chance of Regicide)
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I can't really speak for G&S. We had a contract for one year, and that has ended. AFAIK, G&S will still be around, though I don't know what shows (if any) are in our position. We still love G&S!
We own the set! It will stay at PixelCorp for a while until we figure out the video show situation.
We're not talking to Leo at this time, but it's not out of the realm of possibility. Though, scripted higher-budget content has not gone well over there in the past (*cough*).
Well G&S was what led me here. I followed its launch because of following Felicia's blog (and thus The Guild) and of the shows they started with S&L was the only one I've stuck with, and of course I joined the Goodreads group and started downloading the audio podcasts.It's a shame the video show is going away but maybe the upside is that they won't have that issue of what gets covered in the audio v the video shows, although I feel like they were just starting to figure that out so if video does come back then they'll be able to hit the ground running.
Also nice to hear someone (Veronica) had the same issue as me with the Downers talking broken English amongst themselves.
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1) Subscribed to Geek & Sundry on YouTube
2) Discovered Sword & Laser
3) Joined Good Reads
5) Started reading along
6) Started listening to the Podcasts
7) Drastically re-evaluated how I spend my free time to try to fit in the massive amount of reading I now do.
8) ...
9) profit
(sorry I can't seem to make numbered lists without doing that)
I've always enjoyed reading recreationally, but never so much as since I joined here.
No matter the future of the video show, I'm thankful for the last year of it!
Rob wrote: "The video show led to a chain of events that I'd imagine is quite similar for others around here:1) Subscribed to Geek & Sundry on YouTube
2) Discovered Sword & Laser
3) Joined Good Reads
5) Star..."
That's exactly how it happened for me.
Considering that the video show was announced almost a year ago at WonderCon, that's a good run for a first season. I hope thing continue with a second season.By the way, are you guys coming down to Anaheim for this years WonderCon at the end of this month? (It's now a short drive for Tom.)
Anyone up for a Season one marathon? P.S. Pretty much what everyone has said above me, is how I feel. Love the Vid show and dont want any of it to go away.
Veronica wrote: "Dennis wrote: "Tom & Veronica: Firstly, can you explain why the G&S video podcast has come to an end? Is it simply down to the whole G&S channel having to secure renewal from YouTube, or is S&L uni..."Veronica, I appreciate the direct and open response. I have really come to enjoy the video show, having followed the audio podcast from the beginning, and sincerely hope this is not the end.
Maybe if you move the balance a little towards more extempore content,cutting down on the rehearsed bits, Leo might be more amenable to giving it a go.
I just wanna hang out in that space bar
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1.Fact: The question about the podcast improvements came from me based on the podcast download numbers and I posted it *before* we knew whether we would get another season or not. But in retrospect *I LOOK PSYCHIC!!!!!!8 so yay.
2. Fact: My moving to LA had absolutely 0 to do with the end of the season. It entirely has to do with Geek and Sundry's strategy and while neither of of us are at liberty to discuss, it is an entirely understandable and awesome strategy for them.
3. Fact: We fully intend to do another season of like 12 authors guides if we can figure out how to pay for it. *THAT MAKES ROB PSYCHIC!!!!!!*
4. Fiction: Your submissions to the Anthology.... hopefully.
5. Fiction: There is NOOOOOOOO number 5.
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Veronica wrote: "Though, scripted higher-budget content has not gone well over there in the past (*cough*). ."That one really made me crack a smile.
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Well, this is a sci-fi and fantasy group. Many of which appear to be aspiring authors.
Tom wrote: "3. Fact: We fully intend to do another season of like 12 authors guides if we can figure out how to pay for it. *THAT MAKES ROB PSYCHIC!!!!!!*"
Awesome! Finally using my powers for good.
Really sad to see the video show go, but really happy it introduced me to your podcast. Also... I am surprised your guest author didn't mention Scrivener at all. If you're a writer then it is in your best interest to at least try the demo for scriviner. The fact that it formats your ebooks for you is enough to make it worth while.
Look forward to anything you guys do. Split the set up. One studio the sword themed, one the laser! Then do it as a Google hangout. Hope you can stay with G & S in some capacity.
Who made it say 'Supreme Loser' next to Tom? That's terrible.
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lol. It's all JLawrence fault.
Hangouts are fine but there is the Pat Rothfuss one already, unless you could do something a bit different, with whiteboards or something. :P@Tamahone, surely that should read, "Tom, Supreme Laser"?
Darn it now I forgot what I came on here to say.
Oh yeah, re other G&S shows.
Wil was talking on a Hangout about Tabletop and not sure that is going to be 100% definitely returning. (at time of the broadcast in December)
"it is an entirely understandable and awesome strategy ..." but surely it can't be that awesome without S&L.
That would be taking a whole lot of Awe out of the sum.
1-6 for me. I wish I could let myself get completely absorbed in lots of reading, but then I'd never get any work done.Rob wrote: "The video show led to a chain of events that I'd imagine is quite similar for others around here:
1) Subscribed to Geek & Sundry on YouTube
2) Discovered Sword & Laser
3) Joined Good Reads
5) Star..."
Kickstarter is my preference just to see the total glory of V and T unleashed...I'm in are you?
Great show, as usual. I finally figured out the trick to the hotel bandwidth--don't use it! I downloaded the episode to my work laptop at work. Never done that before...I do enjoy the video show...but as Veronica said, I rarely had time. I got a little caught up during this trip, but this week the bandwidth in the hotel has been abysmal. I don't know if there are more guests here this week than last... but finally, I'll be able to catch up...and then want more. :\ Well, you guys had a great season, and I look forward to seeing what you do next. And of course, I LOVE the audio show so I'm stoked that it might be bigger and better than ever! :)
Audible does seem to do some of the "first to audio" or "audio before print" type stuff. They did that with the sequel to Bitter Seeds. And they're using their "Audible Frontiers" part to bring a lot more science fiction and fantasy to the audio realm. And I think they also "are" Brilliance Audio, which brings a lot of books to audio, many times lesser-known or first-time authors.
I really enjoyed the interview with Michael J. Sullivan. I hadn't heard of him until recently, when it was reviewed by Luke on SFBRP. After his review, I added it to my Audible wishlist. I'm looking forward to listening!
It would be really neat to read some Anne McCaffrey. I also haven't read anything by her in ages. I've been meaning to revisit that world. As a kid (when I was 10ish), I remember falling in love with the Pern books...but I don't remember anything other than loving them. But I've gone on record and said I love dictatorial picks, so BRING ON WHATEVER OUR WONDERFUL SUPREME SWORD WANTS!
Oh yeah, V - One of the podcasts I listen to is America's Test Kitchen radio. They say the trick to "saving wine" is to get the air out. They said the vacuum sealers work well (if you get the good seal and use it correctly) but another trick is to put it into a smaller wine bottle. You know, like go get one of those 1/3-1/2 bottles and once you're finished with the wine in that, clean it out and keep it so when you open a big bottle and don't finish, you can pour the remainder of the big bottle into the small one. Then use a regular cork to stop it back up and you should be good. Or so I'm told. I haven't had wine in ages...
What! NNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOO! Because of the sword and laser show I had the encouraged to go into my library and go through the shelves or these books and have a massive to read list. Best wishes and I hope you continue with the video and also recommend some great books. :)
I absolutely adored this episode! Mr. Sullivan was super informative while Tom and Veronica kept asking just the questions I wanted answers to.I'm very eager to read Mr. Sullivan's work.
Tom wrote: "5. Fiction: There is NOOOOOOOO number 5."Number 5 is alive!!!! (see what lack of sleep and too much coffee makes me do?)
Paul wrote: "Welsh is a living language btw and has not been suppressed Even back in the 70s before 24 hour TV and with only 3 channels to choose from the BBC still managed to put out Welsh speaking programmes..."
Yeah, the English tried for a long time to actively discourage/punish the use of the language but that sort of flamed out sometime in ther early 20th century. At least in the region my father hails from(Gwynedd, slate country), welsh is still the main language.
Paul wrote: "Aaron, I don't know of the arrangement you have with S&L but worst case scenario, would it not be able to do something on a Youtube channel of your own, and possibly tie in to podcast victims...."I love working with T&V and would listen to their guidance on the topic. I definitely feel this particular expression of our love of sci-fi & fantasy is a product of the S&L show, so it's kind of theirs. Except for that one time for Pat Rothfuss. Okay, two times, but it was for charity and he promised me a D&D game. Oh, and the one time for WotC, but that's different, they tempted me with money. Oh alright, it's true, I'm anyone's meat for the right price. I got no pride.
OH Aaron, you are such a tart! lolI think it could be possible.
For example, Beasts of War* used to have their Youtube videos on their website. Maybe S&L could similarly have your whiteboards on the site. It could then tie into content of the podcasts.
Just a thought. I appreciate that I understand nothing about the financing etc of such matters.
*just in case anyone is unfamiliar with BoW they now have their On-The-Table video on GeekandSundry, but also have their own gaming website with their own videos.
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You mentioned trying to find a way to let people submit artwork. What about designing the cover? Mr. Sullivan suggested hiring someone, but maybe pick the best user submission?
Definitely sad to hear about the video show. I especially liked the interviews, author guides, and, of course, Aaron's whiteboard videos. I hope Tom and Veronica are to find another venue for the show. But at least we still have the podcast. Thanks for everything T & V!
I hate to hear about the end of the video show, but those youtube $ is a very competitive game. It would be one thing if the show was just V & T Skyped with an author, but set time and production is expensive. I thought the videos were great and I'm super glad that they exposed a lot more people to the genres. Keep up the great work and I look forward to whatever you guys decide to do next. Don't stop!
Sad to hear about the end of the season. Sword & Laser Video was not only one of my favorite shows, but also my own personal public video debut, brief as it was. And it didn't do any permanent damage, physical or emotional! Take THAT, silly brain.Thanks for a year of video awesomeness, Tom and Veronica! Hope for many more in ANY format, audio and/or video. (Though video without audio might be a bit dull to watch.)
"(Though video without audio might be a bit dull to watch.) "I don't know, charades could be good fun.
or Tom and Veronica miming scenes from books...
it could work Gord.
Paul wrote: "I don't know, charades could be good fun. or Tom and Veronica miming scenes from books...
it could work Gord."
You raise several good points. I stand corrected. :)
Tom wrote: "I don't know, maybe we should just do author hangouts and play a whiteboard in them..... Not a bad thought actually."I would watch that every day. Which would spawn a book-like monolith event ("My God! It's full of books!") So... maybe every few weeks.
Robert of Dale wrote: "Tom wrote: "I don't know, maybe we should just do author hangouts and play a whiteboard in them..... Not a bad thought actually."I would watch that every day. Which would spawn a book-like monoli..."
For what its worth, I too am sorry to see the video version going on "hiatus". In hindsight, I think it suffered from having very little (other than the white board) that video made significantly better than the audio podcast. Which is not to say I didn't love it, but I suspect it made the audience hard to grow. So Tom's thought of scraping the best visual elements from the "old show" and bundling them into a new version makes sense to me!
There is probably a rule somewhere that if you can listen to just the sound, then don't spend the money to be a video. :)
Aaron, regardless of what Sword and Laser ends up doing or not doing in the youtube universe, you've got tons of avid viewers for your reviews! Please keep making them! To prove this, I just tracked you down on youtube and subscribed to your channel. (That's right guys, Aaron has a channel on youtube with reviews and stuff on it! I don't know how I missed this before...) And Veronica and Tom, whatever you decide to do you've got my support.
I loved the interview with Sullivan, but I'm sad to hear that the Geek and Sundry show is ending. I really love your video show, and I've watched every single one of them. I generally don't listen to podcasts, but I may have to start if I can't get my S&L fix on youtube.
I'm glad you will have more time to read the monthly picks. You guys need to have fun reading, too. I love listening at work while I'm loading books so the audio podcast really works best for me.
I'm going to suggest this episode to some of my writer friends.