Former Introduction Thread Showing 1,901-1,950 of 6,846

[Trevor]

Hi all.
Getting back to what this part of the discussion is all about. I'm old in comparison to most of you here (I'm in my fiftieth year as I write). I'm a big fan of the classic era of Sci-Fi (Asimov, Aldiss, Dick, Heinlein etc) and can quite easily forgive the timescale errors that now exist in this older fiction, mainly because I can remember the excitement of the first human on the moon ;)

I do read more modern fiction as well but I don't seem to enjoy it quite as much. Anyways, here is a list of my reading this year:

Helliconia by Brian Aldiss
The Keys To Paradise by Robert E Vardeman
Dune Messiah By Frank Herbert
Children Of Dune by Frank Herbert
The Three Stigmata Of Palmer Eldritch by Philip K Dick
The Curse Of The Chosen by Ian Irvine
The Destiny Of The Dead by Ian Irvine
The Naked Sun by Isaac Asimov
Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach
Earthworks by Brian Aldiss
MASH by Richard Hooker
Martian Time-Slip by Philip K Dick
The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger by Stephen King
The Sands Of Mars by Arthur C Clarke
The Killing of Worlds by Scott Westerfield
Foundation by Isaac Asimov

I'm currently reading Foundation and Empire (in reality, the whole trilogy for the second time!)

I look forward to joining in other topics real soon :D

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon]

Al wrote: "And now the good news.

I've created a "discussion" topic for all you folks who want to advertise your new SF/Fantasy book (or found a new one you want to promote).

Please read the rules in the fi..."

I don't really understand why this is necessary.

1) We already have a folder in this group for author promotions, but most authors who spam groups aren't going to read the rules and are no more likely to use that thread than the entire folder devoted to them.

2) The thread you linked to isn't even in this group. I'm hoping this was just a mistake and not a subversive attempt to get people to sign up for another group. I mean, that would make you guilty of the same sort of thing this thread is ostensibly meant to stop, and I can't imagine that would be the case... so, yeah, definitely assuming it was in error.

[Al "Tank"]

Colleen ~blackrose~ wrote: "Al wrote: "And now the good news.

I've created a "discussion" topic for all you folks who want to advertise your new SF/Fantasy book (or found a new one you want to promote).

Please read the rule..."
... not a subversive attempt to get people to sign up for another group. I mean, that would make you guilty of the same sort of thing this thread is ostensibly meant to stop, and I can't imagine that would be the case... so, yeah, definitely assuming it was in error.

Saw a need after the recent flame-storm. Tried to fill it. Nothing more.

Clare Boothe Luce was right. (sigh!)

Someone moved it to the author section which is a nice thing. No one has to "sign up" to be a member as far as I know (there didn't seem to be an option for that when I created it and I wouldn't have invoked it if I could).

The author section seems to be made up of individual threads by each author who is trying to create a buzz for his/her book. This allows simple announcements to be gathered in one place, which is probably what most people are seeking.

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon]

Al -

Despite the snarkiness of my response, I really am assuming it was just a mistake.

The thread you made is in the "SciFi and Fantasy eBook Club". The thread we are currently in is the "SciFi and Fantasy Book Club" (note the lack of the e in front of Book).

So if someone from this club clicks on that link, but is not part of the eBook club (like me), they'd have to join that group in order to post.

I assume you meant to make the thread in this group, and just put it in the wrong group, since the names are very similar.

[Al "Tank"]

Oooooops. My error.

Cause: clicking on links from the daily summary GR sends out of threads I'm following.

(Al hides his head in shame and slinks away).

[Kent]

Ala wrote: "Heyas Alex, welcome to the group.

Feel free to post your work over in our Author's forum. And also make yourself at home chiming in on any of the other discussions we've got going, including our r..."

I apologize for asking what's probably a stupid question, but how do you get to the author's forum? I wouldn't mind posting a story or two there, if I can.

[[deleted user]]

We have an folder in our group for Authors to post their work. Seen here:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...

And I know there are groups that are solely for authors, you just have to search for them :)

[Al "Tank"]

One way to find stuff is go to the group home page, click on discussions, and browse down the list. All sorts of interesting (and some that aren't depending on your interests) subjects.

[Bluelily3]

I'm Mishayla. (Originality: American. My mom made my name up, ha ha.) I'm 25, and I've been reading since I can remember. All my life I have been struggling with Asperger's Syndrome, and thanks to my supportive family, I deal with life's obstacles pretty well. I act pretty normal around people, but my mind tends to turn inward. I guess that's why I love reading books so well, because you don't have to be on guard and try to look "natural" all the time. My hobbies are reading, writing, and elaborate and complicated counted cross stitch. (The more difficult it looks, the more I like it!) Fantasy and sci-fi have always been special me, because my imagination seems to have been there when I was born. I enjoy writing my own stories, but keep it on a personal co-author level with my sister. We've been building characters from the foundation up since we were children, and now they are too much a part of us to share with the public. I live with my mom and sister, and I do my own part to keep the house going. We are all single, and loving it! Three women, ruling over one household! Gotta love it!

[whimsicalmeerkat]

Welcome, Mishayla!

[Bluelily3]

Thanks, Denae! ^_^

[[deleted user]]

Hi, I'm Brondt. I've been reading some of the discussions in this group for a while and finally decided to chime in. I love fantasy, have done since the Lord of the Rings movies first came out. Not much of a sci-fi fan, though. Apart from Tolkien, my favourite authors are Brandon Sanderson, Raymond Feist, and Terry Brooks. I'm an author as well. I just released my first ebook this month and I have a second coming out early May. I look forward to joining some of the great discussions in this group. Cheers!

[[deleted user]]

Welcome Mishayla and Brondt :)

[Diane]

Hi. I've been reading science fiction since the early 70's. I've read Asimov, Heinlein, Clarke, and more. Later I discovered fantasy novels, and fell in love with the genre. A few of my favorite authors are Tad Williams, Robert Jordan, George R.R. Martin, Terry Brooks, and, most recently, Brandon Sanderson.

I've met one science siction writer in my life. In 1976 I attended the very first Star Trek Convention held in Seattle, where I met David Gerrold. He wrote "The Trouble with Tribbles" episode, as well as the book by that name. His novel The Man Who Folded Himself is an interesting read.

I've joined this group for fun and to discover new books. I will try to participate in discussions, but I'm not making any promises! :)

~Diane H.~

[Jon]

Welcome, Diane. Wow, you met the guy who create tribbles! How cool is that?

[[deleted user]]

Welcome Diane and Rachel :)

Pacific NorthWest representin'?

[[deleted user]]

woot! :P

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon]

Wet...

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon]

Can't say much about that. It hasn't been much warmer in PA thus far, either. Though it was in the 80s yesterday.

[[deleted user]]

I think I saw the Sun earlier.

At least, it was something bright in the sky.

Might have just been a UFO.

I don't even remember what the sun looks like anymore...

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon]

Black hole sun?

[[deleted user]]

won't you come...and wash away the raaaaaaaain


*cries*

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon]

Have you heard th acoustic version of that song? Talk about crying - eesh.

[[deleted user]]

Acoustic version? ew no.

[[deleted user]]

Hello. I'm Dex and I'm very happy to be here. I'm fast approaching retirement and trying to slow my life down to enjoy the things that matter. Not much of a computer genius but wanted to give this thing a go. I read lots of books, usually some average ones, so hoping for a few recommendations to help me decide what to buy. I love fantasy. Just started A Game of Thrones and just finished Jake West: The Keeper of the Stones which I thought was great. Bit disappointed with TV episode on Game of Thrones so think I'll tape it until I have read the book. Thanks

[[deleted user]]

Hiyas Dex :)

[Rory M]

My name Rory the author of the new fiction book KING CLAYSHON THE FREEDOM MAKER. I been reading all kinds Sci-fi book for over 40yrs , and i love it. I am very happy to be on here, and to get to know other authors work. I love making friend with people that love sci-fi. I am going to love reading other people post on here. It help me in all kind of ways with my books. I can see what reader are doing and thanking about today books.

[Norman]

My name is Norman J. LaFave and I am a new author. I was reading the main page of this group and I am confused by something.
I would never want to promote my book in an inappropriate place, but the group introduction is confusing. The moderator mentions a "folder" to mention books to the group but there is no link given.
Am I missing something?

[[deleted user]]

Welcome

The folder is located here:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...

[Norman]

Thanks so much Ala...I do appreciate it. I am hoping to learn alot on this discussion board to help my writing.

[[deleted user]]

Be sure to look for a good Authors/Writers group to join as well. Having others in the same/similar situation would probably be of immense help and support for you :)

[Rik]

My name is Rik, and I'm sitting here on a gorgeous Easter Saturday afternoon typing messages into my pc when I should be out in the sun working on a new tanline! I really need to invest in one of those eReader thingies.

Anyways, my first and greatest reading love has been science fiction - because of my middle age I grew up with the writers of the 70s and 80s. My proudest literary achievement must be making it all the way through "The Worm Ouroboros" ... at the eighth attempt. And I love revisiting favourite books - I'm currently working my way through Stephen Donaldson's Gap series - for the fourth time.

[Riley]

hi I'm nicola, I'm a publisher and writer HI!

[Norman]

Hi nicola. What do you publish?

[[deleted user]]

Welcome Rik and Nicola :)

[whimsicalmeerkat]

Welcome to both of you!

[Joe]

Hi,

I'm a professional (and sometimes even best-selling) sci-fi and fantasy / comedy writer of VideoGames, Feature Films, TV, Novels and Comix...

I once wrote a sci-fi comedy videogame that sold over 1 million copies (LOONEY TUNES: ACME ARSENAL on PS2, Wii and 360). It was essentially a satire of the `Terminator' and `Back To The Future' movies.

I love reading sci-fi and fantasy stuff - by the likes of:

- Douglas Adams (eg Hitchhiker's Guide)
- Kurt Vonnegut (eg Breakfast of Champions)
- Flann O'Brien (eg The Third Policeman)

My own writing site is at: www.joeteevee.com

And my (free) novels (as a Writer) are here: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/joeteevee

(I hope it is ok to post these links here...)

I am still trying to find another sci-fi fantasy book as good as `The Third Policeman'...

If anyone here knows of one, please share it!!!


Cheers

JoeTV

[Norman]

Hi Joe,

I have a book for you...message me.

Norman

[[deleted user]]

Welcome Joe. Never heard of The Third Policeman, but it's piqued my curiosity now. Added to my TBR list :)

[Joe]

Thanks Norman and Ala :)

Cheers

JoeTV

[Michael]

Hey there...I just joined Goodreads yesterday for the purpose of finding a group like this. My name is Michael and I live in Chicago. I took a long sabbatical from reading but, about two years ago something clicked and I jumped back in, with a vengence with "The Song of Ice and Fire" cycle.

Since then, I've gravitated to reading, at least right now, early 20th century weird writers, i.e. Lord Dunsany, Arthur Machen, H.P. Lovecraft, C.L. Moore, Algernon Blackwood, William Hope Hodgson, etc. etc. These writers resonate with me and truly provide sustenance for my weirdo supernatural/horror appetite.

Additionally, I've been reading some of the so called "new weird". M. John Harrison's Viriconium stories were, while not an easy read (lazy readers who like everything neatly tied up in nice little packages with tidy little info-dumps...watch out!!), quite excellent. China Mieville's Perdido Street Station also lived up to the massive amount of hyperbole spewed out over the years.

I'm about ready to start a comp. of ghost stories by Fitz-James O'Brien. Looking forward to it!!

Anyway, without blabbering on forever, those are my reading interests. I'm looking forward to reading and posting here. Anyone else want to talk weird fiction with a neophyte, by all means...engage me.

best
Michael

[Joe]

Hi Michael

I'm a Lovecraft fan, and I didn't know about most of those other "weird" authors you mention above... (including the "new weird" ones) So, thanks.

I'm actually a huge fan of the old 50's EC horror comics as well... Some of which, I've recently discovered, were simply adaptations of classic `weird tales' by famous authors...

Anyway - Welcome aboard!


Cheers

JTV

[Tasula]

If you were a romance reader, you might want to start with books that are more PNR than UF or DUF- with a balance of romance and supernatural elements. Books you might want to look at are
Ilona Andrews (Magic series)
Carrie Vaughn (Kitty series)
Charlaine Harris (Sookie books)
Maria Lima
Karen Chance
Jenna Black (The Devil you Know)
Faith Hunter (Skinwalker)
Keri Arthur
Kelley Armstrong (werewolf series, lst I think is Bitten)
Lots more- if you like any of these and want more suggestions, let me know.
Authors to say away from (IMO) are: Sherrilyn Kenyon, Christine Feehan, Marjorie Liu, JR Ward, Lora Leigh- those PNR are mostly romance (lots of feelings and some sex) with only a little bit of plot and action.

[[deleted user]]

Welcome Michael and June :)

June, I think Tasula has you on the right track if you're wanting to read something in the Fantasy genre that is at least similar to your previous reading.

Also, Tasula, what is DUF?

[Michael]

Joe wrote: "Hi Michael

I'm a Lovecraft fan, and I didn't know about most of those other "weird" authors you mention above... (including the "new weird" ones) So, thanks.

Hi Joe...thx for the welcome, nice to see another HPL fan. Eventually I'd like to procure some Lovecraft inspired graphic novels but not sure where to start. I know it's a pretty niche request, but any suggestions?

best
Michael

[Joe]

Ala wrote: "Welcome Joe. Never heard of The Third Policeman, but it's piqued my curiosity now. Added to my TBR list :)"

Hi Ala

This is odd, normally books are for reading pleasure obviously, but in the case of The Third Policeman, I highly recommend the audio book, read by Jim Norton. The language and idioms and actual rhythms of the dialog are simply amazing when read by Norton.

I once read a terrible online review of the book, by a reader where he criticized the writing and the language, but it soon emerged - he was misreading/misinterpreting the entire book...

Incredible but true. Interpretation counts for a lot with The Third Policeman, and also the humor comes through amazingly in the audiobook, in a way it doesn't necessarily when read silently.

Example: (when a fractal Russian Doll cabinet is being unpacked in a memorable scene in the novel) "It reminded me of something I did not understand, and had never even heard of."

Perhaps this kind of super-imaginative fantasy/sci fi writing is not everyone's cuppa, but the book is held in infinitely high regard by all the writers I know... He (Flann O'Brien) was certainly "a Writer's Writer"... And the layers, depth and intelligence of the humor is unbeatable in any work of fiction, in my humble opinion.

I feel you haven't understood "Atomic Theory" until you've read it in the Third Policeman...

Anyway... just my $0.02!

Cheers

Joe

[[deleted user]]

Thanks Joe, I'll see about getting the audio version then. It may be the first audio book I actually get through

[Richard]

Ala wrote: "Also, Tasula, what is DUF?"

I am guessing Dark Urban Fantasy (not Doubt Uncertainty and Fear but related)

[Tasula]

Correct, UF is Urban Fantasy and DUF is Dark Urban Fantasy. What consitutes what is in the eye of the reader.

[[deleted user]]

Huh. Never heard of Dark Urban Fantasy.

I thought it stood for Dystopian Urban Fantasy and was slightly intrigued.