Introduction and welcome thread! Showing 1,201-1,250 of 4,412

[Stacy]

Hi there,

I'm Stacy & I learned about this group from the "Vag Fantasy" Hangout, which I joined last month, but finished the book a day late, so watched on You Tube the next day. Really looking forward to watching the next one live... Also to listening to & watching the "Sword & laser" casts!

I have been a fantasy & scifi fan for as long as I can remember. The first books I remember reading in the genres were by Lloyd Alexander, Madeline L'Engle, etc. I continued on with Tolkein, Heinlein in high school...I still read as much as I possibly can, but feel like it's just never enough & there are sooo many great books waiting to be read! I love getting lost in a new world.

[Morgan]

Hello, Swordians and Laserites! I'm Tyler, and I've been listening to the podcast for a while, having first heard of it back when Tom was on BOL.

The first real novels that I ever read was the Lord of the Rings trilogy. After that, I developed a voracious appetite for fantasy, and eventually expanded into sci-fi, historical fiction, and just about any other kind of book imaginable.

Except sparkling vampires. I may be crazy, but I'm not insane.

[Geoff]

I'm Geoff. I've known about the podcast for a long time but didn't realize there was a Goodreads group. I'm also looking forward to the webshow on Geek & Sundry.

I'm a big fan of the sword & laser variety of books. I think I'll find some new books here to put on my 'to-read' list.

My favourite author is Stephen King but feel free to check out my bookshelf for all the authors that I read.

[Josh]

Hi all, I'm Josh. I'm a big fantasy/sci-fi/comics fan and I saw your introductory video for Geek & Sundry and thought I would join in.

[Jeff]

Hey all, I'm Jeff. I've been lurking and following the podcast since the Elantris read-through.

My interest in sci-fi and fantasy began when I was 9 or 10, and I found a copy of The Hobbit in my grandmother's large collection of books. After that, I was hooked, and I started rabidly absorbing as many books as I could get my hands on.

I'm currently reading The Gods of Mars, and after I finish the first three books of Edgar Rice Borroughs' Mars novels, I'm going to finally start on The Lies of Locke Lamora. Better late than never, right?

[bolbo boggons]

Hi, I'm Bori. I've been a massive bookworm ever since the age of about three, and have always loved fantasy in particular. I only found out about goodreads quite recently, and heard about Sword and Laser on the Geek & Sundry introductory video, but I'm excited to be here!

Oddly enough, like Heather I'm also currently reading Dead Beat of the Dresden Files! (I really ought to finally get on and finish the series, I started over six months ago...)

While uni keeps me really busy during term time I'm looking forward to lots of reading and discussing with you all. :)

[Avri]

Hello, I'm Avri. I've decided to try to use goodreads more. Seeing as how Veronica consistently mentions books and subjects I'm interested in, I thought it was prudent to join this group.

I'm more interested in the "Laser" aspect than the "Sword", but that is not to say I don't enjoy the latter. Case in point: My boss gave me a ton of Sci-Fi/Fantasy books, and heavily recommended Jim Butcher's excellent Codex Alera series. This in turn led me to devouring all of The Dresden Files in a few months. In general, though, I would have to say that Tolkien is a pretty good measuring stick for my choice of fantasy-style books (focusing more on characters and story, more than magical powers).

On the "Laser" side of things, I tend to like the more believable stories. Good examples would be David Louis Edelman's Jump 225 series, and Isaac Asimov's Foundation series.

I look forward to reading and discussing with you all!

[Jesse]

Howdy,

I both enjoy the Sword and the Laser. I love Joe Abercrombie and Richard Morgan...

[Michael]

Hello all. I'm a lifelong SF/F reader, sometimes scholar, and debut author. My urban fantasy GEEKOMANCY is coming out later this year from Pocket Books. I'm excited to use this venue to see what books people are talking about, and to be in on the ground floor when the S&L show on Geek and Sundry takes off.

[Tiffany]

Hey there!

I'm definitely more of a "sword-reader" than a "laser-reader" and have been a "sword-reader" for as long as I can remember, starting with Lord of the Rings way back when. Since then, I've always had at least one "sword" book on the go, but I'm looking forward to getting more into the "laser" genre with this group.

I'm also pretty excited to join my first book-club and can't wait for the show on Geek and Sundry next week!

[Nate]

Hiya,

I'm Nate. I have just gotten into podcasts on he whole, thanks to Felicia day's Twitter I found my way here (after navigating though Vaginal Fantasy). I can't get enough of it now.

I like audiobooks because I commute to work, my iPad I getting a solid workout, but even now a special book or two get the hardcover treatment.

[CountZeroOr]

Hello, I'm Alex.
I've been a big fan of Science Fiction and Fantasy since, well, grade school, and still do to this day. I also write for the Sci-Fi & Fantasy news web page and do an online video review show.

I ended up hearing about the Sword & Laser podcast through various mentions on This Week in Tech, so I decided to check it out.

[Michael]

Hello,

I recently started listening to the S&L podcast, which lead me to hear. There isn't a book club in the area, so I'm excited to join in on the monthly pick. I'm a digital director for a small web design firm in IN. I'm working on first iPhone game too. I'm currently reading A Storm of Swords and Drift by Rachel Maddow. I'm also a huge comic book nerd; currently loving AvsX and the new Batman run.

[Topher]

Hi,

I'm Topher, I'm from the UK near Liverpool. I've been listening to S&L for a long time now after following Veronica and Tom in the tech scene and hearing one of them mention the podcast.

I have been reading Sci-Fi & Fantasy since I was about 10, prior to which my teachers and family used to pull their hair out trying to get me to read anything due to being dyslexic.

I read both S & L and I have just started going though the Brandon Sanderson books (Currently Book 2 of Mistborn Series) after I emerged from reading all of the Wheel of Time books for a second time.

I love to read on my kindle, I use a red transparency to help me to read properly and not having to flick it from page to page is a god send, and I listen to lots of Audio-books since TWIT got me hooked on Audible.

[Raicara]

Hi. I am Raicara or Gale in RL. I grew up with both parents as readers. Though Mom was mostly Harliquin Romances and Dad Westerns. They both read all the time. My sister and I also became avid readers. I will read any genre or author once or twice. My go to genres are Paranormal Romance, Romance, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, certain Mystery authors, a smattering of other genres and authors. Every so often I go on Non Fiction jags.

Hi.

[Wroderick]

Hi guys,
Just wanted to drop in and say hello. Although I have been a huge Sword and Laser fan, I just now started using Goodreads a bit more. I got introduced to fantasy fiction through Tolkien when I was a child through the persistence and reading sessions of an older brother before I could read myself.

I spent my teens enjoying Ender's Game and the works of William Gibson with a passion for all things cyberpunk. Having taken a long break from reading I finally was able to get back into it after discovering and becoming a huge fan of Jim Butcher through his Dresden Files and the work of Richard K. Morgon with Alter Carbon.

When I am not reading e-books I listen to audiobooks and podcasts while creating digital illustrations on my Ipad.

[[deleted user]]

Just came to this from the Geek and Sundry subscription thing - new to Goodreads too :)

I'm Jenni, and I live in Oxford (I'm a Philosophy and Theology student, finals soon!) and I got into my subject via a love of Philip K Dick. Currently in love with the Dresden Files, working my way through the sci fi masterworks series, and trying to find a way into fantasy again - I love it, but I struggle to find stuff I like at the moment.

And that's about it, really :)

[Scarletregina]

Hi I'm Scarlet and though I've had a Goodreads account for a while I'm finally getting around to using it.

I'm an insomniac but my addictions to reading, writing and tweeting help me cope. I'm an avid observer of life and tend to read a lot of non-fiction - philosophy & religious anthropology. Most of the fiction I read is scifi/fantasy and I sadly read a little more YA than I'd like to admit.

[Chaz]

Hi Folks,

I found the podcast through Vaginal Fantasy and am looking forward to the new Geek & Sundry S&L Show.

I read a lot but when reading prose fiction I tend to choose Fantasy about 2 of 3 times with occasional forays into SF. Other books I enjoy tend to come from the Classics section because generally they are there for a reason. Not always though, I hated Jane Eyre.

Anna Karenina is the best novel I have ever read. By a long way. But in terms of Fantasy/SF I absolutely love Stephen Eriksen's Malazan Book of the Fallen series. Other favourites include R.R. Martin, Rothfuss, Pratchett, Asimov, Orwell. My love of reading goes back to when I read Brian Jacques' Redwall series when I was 8 or 9.

I am also a keen comics reader but have only gotten into them in the last few years so have some reading gaps in conspicuous places.

I'm looking forward to getting involved.

[William]

Hi! I'm William and first started reading scifi & fantasy books as a kid. I remember stumbling across a box of books my dad had hidden away and devouring them. The Sword of Shannara trilogy & The Foundation trilogy were my first, and were quickly followed by Tolkien, Pratchett, Lackey, Card, Adams, etc.

I've recently realized just how much my reading has slowed in the last few years and am making an effort to get back into it - hence my delight at finding Sword & Laser through the Geek & Sundry launch campaign.

I'm looking forward to becoming a member of the community and getting to know you all.

[Ian]

Hello

This is me trying hard to be more sociable. My tastes in books feels embarrassingly mundane, I hope to find more diverse treasures.

[Allan]

Hi everyone.

Allan from Brisbane, Australia.

Very long time listener to the show, longer time SciFi fan though I am very definitely on the laser side. Never could get into fantasy after having to study The Hobbit for high school English.

Several times in the show you have mentioned the relationship between Authors and Screen writers. Could you expand on that in future shows as to me screen writers are authors too, and there are some shows on TV that are just downright spectacular. I of course refer to Fringe - we are eagerly awaiting series 4 in Australia.

Keep up the good work whilst I try and fathom out this Goodreads thing.

[Mikaela]

Hi, I'm Mikaela.
I work in a bookstore so I try to read a lot. One of my sections is YA so I end up reading a lot of teen books which is okay but I really want to read more aimed at my age.
I used to read a lot of Sci-Fi and Fantasy when I was younger but have fallen behind in the genre. I love Terry Pratchett but beyond that I've only read a few genre titles. The Song of Ice and Fire and The Lies of Locke Lamora most recently. I really want to get back into a style that I enjoyed so much in the past.

[Timothy]

Hello!

I came here from Geek & Sundry and thought of the idea of joining a book club would be awesome! I just finished reading Moneyball, half-way through the Steve Jobs bio, and I'm starting The Magician for this next round of discussions.

My first foray into fantasy and science fiction literature probably came through the Choose Your Own Adventure series. After that, I moved on to Tad Williams' Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series although I've never made it through the series due to life (I've restarted the series 5 times). I hope to finish it this year.

[Jen]

Hi everyone! I'm Jen.

I've been reading sci-fi/fantasy since I was about 10. I'm always reading a book - I can't remember not having had a book I was currently reading. I usually tend to stick to fantasy books, but I also like other genres (like historical fiction) as well.

I'm hoping to find lots of new books and authors from this group that I might not pick up otherwise.

[Travis]

Hi, I'm Travis. I joined the group forever ago, but am just now getting active in it. I am a loyal listener, and I am excited to see what the videocast will offer! I read a mix of laser and sword. I am currently working on my book pile of shame, which includes Wise Man's Fear and Lies of Locke Lamora....

[Matt]

Hey everyone, I'm Matt.

I'm into both Sword and Laser, but am woefully unread on the "essentials". I also have budding interests in Horrow and Mystery, along with comic books.

I'm exciting to follow along with the club with their launch on Geek and Sundry.

[Paul]

Hi I'm Paul,

From the UK, work in computers and found this through G&S. I was always a voracious reader and growing up that was almost always SciFi/Fantasy though I kinda diversified in my 30s.

Looking forward to discussing The Magicians which I read and enjoyed last year.

[Mikey]

Hello friends, my name is Mikey.

I heard about the whole Sword and/or Laser phenomenon from the new Geek and Sundry explosion happening today. I am first, a writer, and have been working in the field of video games for going on eleven years now.

I jumped into novel writing two years ago and grew tired of waiting for months on end for agencies and publishers to get back to me -- so I started a website for serializing my new novels.

It's at http://bozpublishing.com - so please go check it out. I'll be expanding with new authors and stories in the near future, but for now it's just a new, uh, Laser book I'm writing called "The Returners."

I guess I post that here? I don't know. Check it out and hit me up over the contact form on the website.

Cheers!

-m,

[Neil]

Hi everyone

I've just recently got back into reading after barely reading anything for about 15 years.

I've joined a book group with friends but was after a group that read Sci-Fi/Fantasy books. I stumbled across this due to watching the Vaginal Fantasy Hangout and it seems to be just what i was looking for.

I'm looking forward to reading the books and getting involved

[Bassam]

Hi everybody,
My name's Bassam, and I've kind of been a lurker for the past couple of years. I'd only check in with the podcast when it was a book I was already ready, or have already read, to enjoy the discussion.

I think I'm ready to start reading along with the group, especially with the new Video show!

I've enjoyed Swords and Lasers since I was 10, though I had a 10-year gap in my 20s. I'm back in, and ready to devour all the great books that came out in the 2000s that I missed.

My favorite series is Hamilton's Pandora's Star/Judas Unchained/The Void trilogy. It really is a masterpiece.

Edit: How cool would it be to be mentioned on the very first Video show of Sword and Laser! Are you guys gonna keep the new reader greetings in the show?

[Natalie]

Hi everyone!

Im Natalie, from near Toronto, Canada. I was just introduced to this group/podcast/YouTube show by way of Felicia Day & Im very glad to be here.

My reading tastes are a little scattered and I will read anything from romance to murder mystery. Im hoping this group will help me start reading a lot more fantasy/sci-fi.

Looking forward to getting involved and reading along with you all!

[Madison E.]

Hiyo Everyone!

My name is Madison. I joined this thread because of the G&S coverage (like some of the more recent joiners). I haven't read alot of SciFi/Fantasy but I'm looking forward to expanding my variety of reading genres!

I have read Song of Fire and Ice Series on suggestion of my best friend. I did love it. She has recommended a few more for me, but I'm making my way through my to read list.

Two of my favorite authors are Roald Dahl and Jasper Fforde.

I looking forward to watching the upcoming show!

[Kat]

Hey, I'm Kat. I have devoured books since I started to read. I'm primarily a fantasy freak, but I do like some sci-fi and romance as well.

My favorite authors are Laurell K. Hamilton, David Eddings, and most recently Gail Carriger!

My favorite past times are sewing, photo-manipulation and gaming.

You can check me out here.

[Alex]

Hello everyone. I'm Alex and I'm a scifi addict. Joined the group after I watched the Geek and Sundry trailer and it seemed like a cool place to be.

My favourite authors are Peter F. Hamilton, George R.R. Martin and Valerio Massimo Manfredi.
I'll try and join the book of the month discussions whenever I can, so until then keep turning those pages!

[Emily]

Hey everyone! I found out about this group through the Geek & Sundry trailer. I love sci-fi and recently got more into fantasy through the works of Tamora Pierce and George R. R. Martin. Looking forward to reading with you all!

[Jane]

Hello all :)
Im Jane im new to sword and laser I found my way hear from watching the vaginal fantasy hangout that veronica is on also. I love reading and have always loved sci-fi but have recently realised that that mostly means star wars! So im loving being a part of two book clubs this one and vaginal fantasy and exploring other genres more fully, ive already bought 3 new books because of the clubs!!
The only sci-fi/fantasy authors name i can say I love atm is David gaider and any of the star wars authors! hopefully that list will be growing soon :)

[Tim]

Hi, I'm Tim, from near Oxford in England. I've been listening to the S&L podcasts off and on for a few months, having discovered them via Tom's Tech News Today show (which, being in the UK, I watch over breakfast the following morning).
More into laser than sword. Big fan of Dr Who, moreso the classic than the new -- The way the new series has the Dr. using his sonic screwdriver as a universal Get Out Of Jail Free card really gets on my wick-- and very big fan of the Big Finish audio dramas, especially now they have Tom Baker on board.
Currently 2/3 through Mockingjay (the third Hunger Games book - decided to read the first one before seeing the film, and just kept going). After that it'll be Game of Thrones, having just watched the entire blu ray set of S1 over the past weekend.
Also heavily into am dram and have appeared in many of the Stephen Briggs adaptations of Terry Pratchett's Discworld books, which premier locally.

[Zsolt]

Hi, I'm Zsolt, a Hungarian software designer living in Finland. I love sci-fi, fantasy books and board games so I am looking forward to the Geek & Sundry webshow!

Two of my favourite writers are Neil Gaiman and Jonathan Stroud, and I am reading "The Hero of Ages" from Brandon Sanderson.

Best wishes,

--Zsolt

[Sctechsorceress]

Hi everyone! I'm Pat, and like a many others, I found this group because of trailer on the geekandsundry YouTube channel. I've been reading science fiction and fantasy for a very long time. I discovered it courtesy of the New York City Public Library.

I could not possibly pick a few favorite authors, there are just too many whose work I love. And I am always looking for more!

I'm living in South Carolina now.

One of my favorite things to do (other than read, of course) is going to SF conventions.

[Justin]

Hello, everyone. I'm yet another person who found the group through Geek and Sundry. =) I've been a dedicated fantasy and sci-fi reader since middle school, and currently work as a librarian that specializes in teen services. I have way too many favorite authors to list them all, but some standouts are Tad Williams, Guy Gavriel Kay, J. K. Rowling, Lois McMaster Bujold, and the version of George R. R. Martin that wrote the first three Song of Ice and Fire books. Nice to meet everyone!

[Kamil]

hello... I'm me. I'm a fantasy freek whith 19 years of experience. and i'm currently struggling against "the gates of dawn" by Robert newcomb, but since i don't like it's magic system i'll surrender

[Katie]

Hi, I'm Kate. I read a lot of fantasy / paranormal novels, short stories of various genres, and graphic novels.

I own a lot of the classic type books people are mentioning, but they always take a backseat priority-wise to books I get from the library or ones I have on my kindle. I'm gonna get through them all someday...

I'm from Dallas, Texas & I love sports, gaming, and of course reading.

[Ash]

Hi, I'm Ashray. Work in IT during the day but by night I work in IT. Sci-fi/fantasy allows me to maintain balance . I look forward to talking to you.

[Esther]

Hi Everyone, I'm Esther. I love fantasy and a few of my favorite authors are Robin Hobb, George R. R. Martin, Jim Butcher and Lynn Flewelling. There are so many great authors out there, I could go on all day. lol.

I also have an RPG group and I used to do boffing, although now I am too lazy. :) I look forward to meeting you all!

[Joyce]

Hello there. I'm Joyce and I have been lurking around ever since the Daniel Suarez interview. I'm still waiting for my "I'm too cool internet sunglasses". I am looking forward to finally syncing my reading with the group I have been a bit behind because of school. But keep up the good work, the podcast is excellent. I'm a little sad that you can get wine for $5. Here in Canada that would not be good wine.

[Nathan]

Hi, I'm Nathan. Been listening for a long time but finally decided to introduce myself. Mainly only read sci-fi books but this group help introduced me to fantasy and been loving it.

[Quinn]

Hi, I'm Tim. Just found the podcast and everything thanks to Felicia Day. What an awesome group!

[Justin]

Hi, my name is Justin. I've always loved a good story, be it movies, tv shows or any other form of media.
When I was younger with a little more wonder in my eyes and without the experience of knowing that authors could be anything less than mythic storytellers that could do no wrong, I used to consume book after book, not being able to wait to get home to continue right where I left off.
A little more jaded version of now a days me wants to get back to my voracious reading roots. Armed with a new kindle and a new (also first) book club, I hope to dive back in with a new book, or two... dozen (as it seems from what I've heard about this place).

Heard bout this place from Geek&Sundry, which I loved instantly as my new place to loose my time without feeling as guilty as most online places I visit.

[Scotty]

Howdy all, I'm Scotty I enjoy Sci/Fi and Fantasy books but also Mystery and Thrillers. My favorite authors are Robert Jordan, Tana French and Harlan Coben. I'm hoping this group can turn me on to some to authors and series. I have just started reading Game of Thrones.
Also I have never been in a book club before so I'm not sure exactly how it works. So if someone could point the way I'd appreciate it.