Introduction and welcome thread! Showing 3,701-3,750 of 4,412

[Tom]

Zina wrote: "Hi all,
I'm Zina, and I'm Russian (don't hold it against me!:D), reading both in Russian and in English (mostly in English these days, as I'm now in sunny SoCal).
Books are my joy, solace and food ..."

Hi Zina, why would we hold that against you? Books are universal, meant to be a bridge across what divides us. I couldn't welcome you more!!!

[David]

Hello my name is David and I'm addicted to Sci Fi. In my youth my parents allowed me unrestricted access to TV (all 4 channels) I started with Star Trek and progressed to Space 1999. When I could not get a fix I found myself hanging out at the library. Through the years since then and the advent of the internet my addiction has only grown. I'm hoping to gain support from this group with my addiction.
Thank you.

[Gaines]

Hi Zina and hi David! :-)

[Gaines]

..and Mitch and Martin and Brian! Welcome.

[Tom]

David wrote: "Hello my name is David and I'm addicted to Sci Fi. In my youth my parents allowed me unrestricted access to TV (all 4 channels) I started with Star Trek and progressed to Space 1999. When I could n..."

Wow, Space 1999, I haven't heard that one mentioned in a long time. But I remember watching it, thinking it as a kid too.

Welcome.

[Garrett]

Hi, I'm Garrett. I've been in this group for a while but decided it was time to be a part of it starting with this month's group read selection. So, my favorite genres are mainly sci-fi and fantasy, I discovered my love for books in middle school but only read less than 50 throughout high school. My all-time favorite would be Idlewild by Nick Sagan. I don't have a lot of time to read these days but when I do get sucked in all other activities seem secondary.

[Gaines]

Nice to meet you Garrett!

[ltcomdata]

Why have a welcome post at all if there gazillion members in the group? Is anyone going to red my introduction, which is the gazillion and first?

Those were my first thoughts on the request to introduce myself. But then I realized that the introduction can stay here as an archival post, and if someone ever notices my comments in the group and is bewildered enough by them to become curious about me they can probably hunt down this post and check out what I say here.

Therefore, I am addressing you, bewildered reader, who has come to this out of the way post in search of understanding to your bewilderment: You will find none here. I am as bewilderingly enigmatic here as everywhere else.

And if you are one of those pitiable souls tasked with having to read this post whether you search for it or not, I apologize. This gazillion and first post could have been much shorter, and here I made it far too long... And just to make your task a little less lonely, I am hereby promising to read 3 introductions.

But to answer the actual questions posed: (1) Hello. (2) The Sword and Laser group was mentioned to me in one of my book groups as an inter-webpage group where intelligent discussions happen about science fiction and fantasy books. I came for that, and that is what I hope to get out of the group. Not so much on fantasy books, but more so on the science fiction stories. (3) I like books on many subjects: history, religion, mathematics, science, great literature, and, of course, science fiction. Not so much those on English grammar or fantasy. But my knowledge of science fiction authors is not broad enough to have favorites. Outside science fiction, no one can beat G.K. Chesterton for a fun read: that is, if you happen to like British authors who have a knack for pointing out the obvious.

[Rob, Roberator]

J. wrote: "Why have a welcome post at all if there gazillion members in the group? Is anyone going to red my introduction, which is the gazillion and first?"

I read all the introductions, though rarely respond to any of them.

[Bryan]

Greetings everybody,

I'm Bryan, and I've grown up as a solid sci-fi and fantasy reader ever since elementary school. The Samurai Cat books I stumbled into as a kid were a juicy, pulpy sci-fi and fantasy hot mess of illustrated adventures through the LOTR, Lovecraft, John Carter, Conan and the King Arthur universes that really crystallized the possibilities of all the cool and crazy stuff of these genres.

My favorite authors have been Neal Stephenson, John Scalzi, Michael Crichton, GRRM and Heinlein. I'm guilty of reading maybe too much Dragonlance and Terry Brooks, and the space opera/hard sci-fi of Alistair Reynolds, Ian Banks and Neal Asher blew my mind. I've read some of Halo series books also and I was pleasantly surprised that they were pretty good! (especially Fall of Reach) Currently I am pushing to expand my author diversity exposure, including plans to read Ann Leckie, Jim Butcher and Susanna Clarke.

[John (Taloni)]

J. wrote: "Is anyone going to red my introduction"

I red it, and it didn't make me blue.

Also, Bryan: Samurai Cat books were awesome. I got a bunch of them at conventions during my youth. Regrettably all lost in various moves.

[Gaines]

Nice to meet you :-)

[Cori]

Hi! I'm Cori! I most recently read Ernest Cline's Ready Player One and Armada (late to the party but got to read them back to back). I enjoy all types of books. Some of my heroes are Tamora Pierce, Gail Carriger, Kelley Armstrong, Garth Nix, and Neil Gaiman. New people I've discovered recently who are having a huge impact on me are Ernest Cline, Shelley Adina, Rachel Aaron/Bach, and Naomi Novik.

[John (Taloni)]

Sebastian -

Self promotion is allowed and there's even a forum for it, courtesy of our friendly hosts. Have a look over at the "Author Promo (Share Your Stuff!)" folder.

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...

[Gaines]

Hi Cori, hi Sebastian :-)

[Christina]

Hello everyone!! I've been listening to the Sword & Laser podcast for years, but didn't realize there was a group here until my friend Gaines there posted. :)

Some of my favorite authors:
* Robin Hobb (my ALL TIME fav)- read her stuff!!
* GRRM
* Patrick Rothfuss
* Brandon Sanderson

Too many to name. I'm currently reading the Godspeaker Trilogy by Karen Miller - I liked her other work, too.

Cheers!

[Jeff]

Hi I am jeff and I found this group through the podcast. I am looking forward to reading some good books

[D.W.]

Cool. I've seen the show on Youtube. I love scifi and fantasy and just finished my first novel, now on Kindle. Looking forward to interacting with all the people here!

[Megan]

Hello all! I'm Megan and I'm a long time sci-fi and fantasy fan. I'm currently reading Windswept by Adam Rakunas and really enjoying it. I love too many authors to list, but my current obsessions are NK Jemisin, Ramez Naam, and Marie Brennan. Looking forward to chatting about books!

[Gaines]

Hello Benjamin, Demi, Megan, Susan, and Simon. Nice to meet you all :-)

[Calliope]

Hey everyone! I'm Mike. I'm currently burying myself in books of all varieties - weirdly, Ernest Hemingway right now. I'm trying to become more well read! But I'm mainly a sci-fi/fantasy guy. Neil Gaiman, Pat Rothfuss, Brandon Sanderson, Lev Grossman, Scott Lynch, are all among my favorites.
Nice to meet you all!

[Gaines]

Hullo Mike :-)
I mainly read sci-fi and fantasy, too, but now and then I'll take brief sojourns into other genres as well. I recently re-read a Faulkner novel I hadn't looked at since high school.
Anyways, nice to meet you!

[Cindy]

Hi, everyone. Was introduced to the podcast by my husband. We listen to the show on the way to visit my niece every week. Love it! Thought I'd finally join the Goodreads discussion. I'm more laser than sword. For our local book club we had a few fantasy books and I just couldn't get through them. Though for movies and TV I do like some fantasy, I'm mostly laser there too.

Most recent book read that fits was The Martian. I loved that book so much I was sad when it was finished. I will be reading it again. Can't wait for the movie.

Looking forward to getting involved in discussions and finding more great reads to try.

[[deleted user]]

Hello, everyone! I'm Dani; I work as a paralibrarian for a public library system. I was introduced to Sword & Laser by seeing that my local bookstore has a meetup group inspired by the podcast. I haven't been able to attend a meeting yet, but I hope to be able to do so soon (library stuff keeps me busy!). It's lovely to meet you and I look forward to connecting with you all. :)

[Damiana]

Hello, AlthoughI have been a member for sometime I don't believe I've posted to this thread yet. My name is Damian Dimock and I am a creative writing student at University of South Florida. I expect to graduate in December with my BA and I am hoping to pursue an MFA next year. I have had poems published in my school's lit. journal Thread Vol.9, Slipstream #35, and Florida Gulf Coast University's Mangrove Review.

I love reading Science Fiction, but have recently gotten into Fantasy, (Shakespeare's history plays and the Sword & Laser love led me to The Song of Ice & Fire,) & Horror, (I've really only read Lovercraft & Stephen King and I'd like to learn more about this genre.)

Unfortunately my classes keep my from reading along. I'm usually catching up on the groups books months later. I usually don't care about spoilers, (I enjoy the journey and the craft as much as the turns and the what-happeneds.)

Happy reading people :)

[Lynda]

I realized that I never came on here to introduce myself. I'm Lynda, and I joined Swords & Lasers a while back as I plan to start going to the Tacoma, WA meetup group. Life and scheduling hasn't made the later part happen, but I've been reading along, and thought it's time to get involved with the group, if you'll have me.

As a little girl, I think my into to fantastical rhelms came through Madeleine L'Engle - I actually wrote her a letter, and she wrote me back. Still have the letter in a scrapbook somewhere. Also The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was the first time I remember not being able to put down a book, and not wanting to leave a made-up world.

Now, I'm a big fan of classic sci-fi: Phillip K Dick, Ray Bradbury, and the like. I've also been thoroughly charmed by Ernest Cline. On the fantasy-side, in high school, I really loved Terry Brooks and I was into George R.R. Martin, before being into GRRM was cool (and then cliche).

[[deleted user]]

Damian wrote: "Hello, Although I have been a member for sometime I don't believe I've posted to this thread yet. ..."

Welcome. If you are looking for more horror Clark Ashton Smith is much like Lovecraft. You might enjoy his take on the Lovecraft mythos. He wrote mostly (only?) short stories. So you can fit them into a crowded schedule here and there.

I'll put in a plug for Lord Dunsany. Although he didn't write horror, mostly fantasy, his short stories remind me of Lovecraft. I find I enjoy them most when taken in small bits. A story or two at a time.

William Hope Hodgson is an excellent horror author I recently discovered. I don't read much in that genre but his storytelling was so good I've read several of his books. They are available on Project Gutenberg, so you can give them a try for free.

I never enjoyed Dracula, but Lair of the White Worm by Stoker was a good read if you want to get back to the "roots" of horror. Dracula is told as a series of letters, diary entries, newspaper clippings. This trail of evidence is used to build the story. I found the technique not to my taste. Lair is told as a story.

[Freddy]

Hello Adventurers, Space Pirates and Mercenary Wizards both!
I'm Freddy van Zandt, a writer, reader, and student of Fantasy and Science Fiction. I'm not the kind to read a book idly. I mark pages with vital information to how systems and magics work, then cross-reference them with future events to make sure everything checks out. I've given lectures the mechanics of Fantasy, and love to talk about anyone's story, no matter how rudimentary the concept or cliche the premise. In my eyes, there's a good story itching to emerge behind every half-cocked idea, just waiting for the right inspiration to make it awesome!

[Derek]

Hello all!

I don't have a lot to say other than I'm excited to hang out with others who share one of my passions!

I'm a Christian father of six, live in Washington state, and my favorite authors are Robert Jordan, David Gemmell, and many many more. Thanks!

[Lynda]

Hi Derek! I'm also in Washington State. Did you know there's a Tacoma Meetup Group tied in with Swords and Lasers? They meet the first Sunday afternoon of the month.

[AndrewDahl]

Hi!
Just posted something in quick burns, and realized I haven't dropped a line in here, so... Hello! Nice to meet you all!

I'm Joao, from Portugal, and oh boy am I happy to follow Sword And Laser.

The podcast is amazing, with just the right balance of fun, entertainment and info.
I've discovered so many good books, that my to-read list is the largest I've ever had.

Cheers! see you around.

[Corey]

Greetings and Salutations!

Corey here. Always looking for new books to read, especially for long nights underway. Can't wait to start catching up with what's on the bookshelf and maybe someday we can read one of my favorites.

Favorite authors? T. A. Barron, J. R. R. Tolkien, Orson Scott Card, Isaac Asimov, Ayn Rand. (Not necessarily a top five, just the first that came to mind.)

[Derek]

Thanks Lynda! I live a little farther north near Everett but I will keep that in mind!

[Scott]

Greetings one and all, my name is Scott. I've been addicted to science fiction/fantasy my whole life, with my favourite authors being Brian Jacques, Terry Brooks, David Gemmell and George R R Martin. I've actually just released my peculiarly Australian science fiction novel, The Ancient Isle, which I hope will add something original to the best of genres. Pleased to meet you all and happy I am to be surrounded by those of a like mind.

[Gaines]

Hi Derek, Joao, Corey, and Scott :-)

Nice to meet you all.

[XxLuViNtHeUsEdxX]

Hi! I'm Odette. Heard about this group through a podcast. I've wanted to join a book club for a while but seems like most groups don't read the stuff I really like reading. I like fantasy, sci-if, fiction, etc. but will read almost anything. I'm an lvn working full time and taking classes so I need something that is just for fun. My favorite author is George R.R. Martin. Looking forward to new books and good discussions!

[Gaines]

Hello Odette :-)

[Victoria]

Hey everyone, I'm Victoria. I've come across a lot of S&L videos in the past and as I've become more and more active with Goodreads, I decided it was about time I joined some groups.

I read just about every genre, but Fantasy is my favorite so Sword and Laser seemed like a good fit.

I went several years without reading a lot, but over the last two years my reading frenzy returned and I realized I didn't have a lot of friends who enjoy reading and discussing books as much as I do. I'm hoping the groups I joined will amend that and I look forward to all upcoming books and discussions.

[Gaines]

Welcome Victoria! 'Looking forward to talking about books with you :-)

[Kell]

Good temporal length period to you, I'm Kell!

It's a pleasure to be here and to meet you all. I'm the author of a good deal of fantasy/sci-fi and have been writing for the past six years.

I love reading (surprise) fantasy and sci-fi, but I also like literary, humor, horror, and more.

It's so nice to make your acquaintances!

[David]

Bonjourno fellow S&L fans and fanatics.

Over the course of my life, very few things have remaind consistant, one of which is my love for Science Fiction and Fantasy novels. To become completely absorbed in another world is a fantastic way to kill some time (significantly better than TV).

Some of my favourite novels / series (no particular order) are:

- Dune
- Enders Game
- A Song of Ice and Fire series
- King Killer Chronicles
- Old Man's War

I also love comedy, a good laugh can do a lot of good. Not many avid readers these days, looking forward to discussing anything with respect to my fav genres.

Cheers

[elisabeth]

Heya!! My name is elisabeth, i'm a big scifi nerd! I specifically love books that treat ladies well, but I'm also trash for a good story with AIs and Cyborgs!! Robots 4 the win.

[Elle]

Hi! I am new to reading Sci-Fi and fantasy but love watching Star Trek, Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. As a teenager, I enjoyed books by Tolkien & Ray Bradbury but I have not read many of this genre since then and feel I have been missing out big time! Since I now aspire to have more science, discovery and adventure in my reading life, I decided your club is where I need to be. I hope I can keep up with you picks and look forward to the lively discussions & Podcasts!

[Christopher]

Hello!! I am new to the Sword and Laser (but not to Fantasy/SciFi). I am more a Fantasy guy than SciFi - but I loved Neuromancer, so there are certain types of SciFi I like!

I have found myself more interested in non-vampiric urban fantasy lately (I just recently got into Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid Chronicles)

Haven't touched GRRMartin's books... and I'm going to try not to...

[Gaines]

Hi Kell, David, Elisabeth, Elle, and Christopher :-)
Nice to meet you all!

[D.B.]

Hello to all! Let me introduce myself: I am Douglas "D.B." Stearns, author of the new SciFi series of books called "Harmonic Wars" and I am also new to Goodreads in general. I really look forward to seeing more in my feed from all of you, and sharing some cool stories in the process. I am a retired USAF veteran, and IT project manager who left industry to pursue a new career as a starving author! :-)

Yesterday, I attended a local library Book Club meeting that had read Harmonic Wars. It was very cool fielding questions about this complex story.

My favorite authors include Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson, Tad Williams, Raymond E. Feist, Terry Brooks, Robert Heinlein, Fredrick Pohl, David Eddings, Ray Bradbury and Jack Chalker to name a few.

You can find me on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter, and I accept all friend requests. I love making connections and talking about SciFi and Fantasy. Lately my interests have turned to ancient archeology since my research for Harmonic Wars took me into the realms of Ancient Aliens technology. I have been a guest on both Caravan to Midnight with John B. Wells (August 20, 2015), and Coast to Coast AM with George Noory (Oct 12, 2015) to discuss my research into the Great Pyramid of Giza and other ancient sites and how they relate to Harmonic Wars. Let's chat sometime!

Looking forward to hearing more from you, and talking about my book and others. Have a wonderful day!

[Kate]

I thought I had introduced myself because I've been a [lurker] member of this group forever, but it seems I haven't so, hi! I'm Kate! I'm 30 and I live in Wisconsin.

I read a lot and I read almost any genre. Earlier this year, I burned through a lot of Harry Dresden and Kate Daniels and subsequently burnt myself out on urban fantasy, at least for awhile. Lately, I've been reading a lot of true crime, mystery and gothic fiction.

I mostly read library books, both "from the shelves" and ebooks/audiobooks from Overdrive, and I make good use of my monthly Audible credit.

Favorite authors include Gail Carriger, Seanan McGuire, and very recently, Ruth Rendell/Barbara Vine, but I have more favorite books than authors.

[Gaines]

Hi DB and hi Kate :-)

[BarbaraAnn]

Hi,

I'm Barbara and I'm a book addict. I read pretty much any genre, but a fair number of books I read touch science fiction/fantasy. A few of my favorite authors are Jim Butcher (both Harry Dresden & Codex Alera), Anna Hackett (both Hell Squad and Phoenix Adventures) and Lynn Flewelling. I'm looking forward to discussing books and meeting new people.

[Matt]

Hi,my name is Matt Ostrom. I love Fantasy and Sci-fi. I Am currently reading "Call of the Herald" by Brian Rathbone, and "Drawing Dead" by Brian McKinley. Both are great books. I love to imagine Fantasy worlds and create them in my art. I also love Fantasy music. Bjorn Lynne makes the best Fastasy music there is. Thanks guys. I look forward to more posts.