Former Introduction Thread Showing 3,001-3,050 of 6,846

[Kira]

Hello, new here! I'm Kira, currently live in Oregon, mom of two teens and one toddler, and lover of sci-fi/ fantasy books. My fave author has al2ways been Anne McCaffrey (I just read the Acorna's Children-First Warning, which is the only one I had not read), but I love Piers Anthony, Orson Scott Card, Terry simmons, elizabeth anne scarborough... and more :o) I've been out of touch with the book scene for 2 years and lookin for new reads!

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Hi Kira, welcome. Oops, and Angela...almost missed you. Welcome anyone else I may have missed LOL.

[Vee]

New to this group and Goodreads groups in general. Just got a Nook and have been enjoying some great free e-books by new authors. Also currently re-reading "Dragonflight" the first in the Dragonriders of Pern series, it is easy to see why it is such a timeless classic. Some of my favorite new finds are Karen Azinger's Silk and Steel Saga. She is a Portland, Oregon based author and I live in Portland Oregon so of course I think that is pretty cool! And yes as a Portland resident I am also a huge fan of the "Grimm" tv series which takes place here (and is really filmed here!)too. I have also very much enjoyed TC Southwell's "The Queen's Blade" series. First book is FREE as an e-book which admittedly is what got me going in the first place!

Learning to write screenplays is on my "to do" list as well.

Anyway, this looks like an interesting group and I am excited to hear of new and interesting finds out there!

Ronna

[Vee]

oh and other leads as to which of the free e-books out there are worth reading is greatly appreciated!
Ronna

[whimsicalmeerkat]

Welcome, Ronna!

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Hi Ronna, and welcome. I'm a huge Grimm fan to...and that's saying something since I'm not on the whole a TV fan. I posted a link to the comic-con discussion over on the Action Adventure Aficionados group.

Welcome again.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

By the way...is the Mau cat yours?

[Vee]

Yes, that is my cat!

[Mike (the Paladin)]

I'm owned by 4...pictures on my profile...what's his or her name? Not Majique is it?

[Al "Tank"]

Ronna wrote: "oh and other leads as to which of the free e-books out there are worth reading is greatly appreciated!
Ronna"

The ones offered for just a day or so are usually the best. Look for books that are in the Amazon Prime system ($0 to Prime Members) and are also free to everyone else.

No guarantees here, but your chances of getting a good book are better. You still need to read the sales blurb and perhaps the sample.

By the time someone else noticed one and told you, it probably wouldn't be free any more.

If you like classic literature, browse Project Gutenberg for books that are no longer in copyright. They're all free.

[Mikebeezlikedat]

Hey all! My name is Mike and I'm a audiobook master. Born in Syracuse NY, stayed until the age of 30 and moved south. I currently reside in Charlotte NC with my wife and 5 children, 18 year old twins (away at school) 14 and 11 year olds and our chocolate lab "Java". I am a Motor Coach Operator ( sexy name for a over the road bus driver) and I enjoy listening to books as I travel, it keeps my mind active and keeps me focused.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Hi Mike (the name sounds familiar for some reason...). Welcome to the group. I got started listening to audio books (back then books on cassette) when I was spending hours in my service vehicle. They are great when you're driving, but I listen to them all the time now, whenever I'm doing anything that prohibits print reading. Think you'll like the group.

[whimsicalmeerkat]

Welcome, peoples!

[J.]

Hello all new peeps!

[Chelsea]

Hi, all. I'm a 26 year old waitress from Texas (Upscale place. It's harder than it looks). I write a lot, paint a lot, read WAY WAY WAY too much (there is a kindle app on my phone. this is the only reason why I HAVE a phone. Is so I can read wherever I go)

The last book I read was Home from the Sea by Mercedes Lackley. I loved it. Next up is something by David Weber. I tend to read a book in a day, so I don't usually keep track of what I've read new--I reread a LOT. My copy of Saggitarius Whorl, by Julian May, is missing pages due to rereading.

My favorite authors, in no particular order, are probably:

David Weber
Julian May
Neil Gaiman
Robin McKinley
Patricia Briggs
Stephen King
C.S. Lewis

It's a pleasure to meet ya'll.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Hi Chelsea, welcome.

[Karen]

Hi everyone! I've been on Goodreads for a while but I am new to this group. I've been a big fantasy/science fiction reader all of my life, ever since I first read Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea in fourth grade. I am also a fantasy author. I am currently writing an epic medieval fantasy saga, The Silk & Steel Saga.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Hi, welcome.

[Vee]

Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "I'm owned by 4...pictures on my profile...what's his or her name? Not Majique is it?" Nope his name is Nico, he is one of three bengal cats tromping around my house!

[Mike (the Paladin)]

They all have they're own personalities. Martha is clinging to my shoulder as I type this...one handed.

[whimsicalmeerkat]

welcome, everyone

[Sharon]

Chelsea wrote: "Hi, all. I'm a 26 year old waitress from Texas (Upscale place. It's harder than it looks). I write a lot, paint a lot, read WAY WAY WAY too much (there is a kindle app on my phone. this is the only..."

Glad to welcome someone that reads like I do. I now have an 'envelope' to slide my Kindle in and take it with me whenever I go to town. But I average a book a day or more as well ...

We have some favorite authors in common as well ... I have books by Robin McKinley and a couple of series by David Weber in my permanent collection that I re-read often.

[Andi]

A big HELLO to my fellow SciFi and Fantasy luvin' guys.

My name is Andi Katsina, from Manchester, England, and am staying here in Panama for the next six months, working on promoting my book, both on-line and on the ground.

I'm a writer, primarily of fantasy.

I grew up on a digest of Star Trek and other geeky, cool programmes.

The thing I so luv about fantasy and scifi is the journey it takes you on, and the fact that it gives you a wonderful colourful canvas on which to exercise your own imagination. And let's face it, here on planet earth, SciFi seems to be the leader in all things tech, 'are you reading me Scotty’ : )

Have a super week Guys : over, And out!

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Welcome.

[L.M.]

Hello!

I'm a twenty-something novelist and editor and I just stumbled across this little corner of the web! I ADORE all things fantasy and sci-fi. I learned to read at a very early age. When I went to kindergarten and realized not many other children could read, I was afraid I'd get into trouble, because I always read our take-home books on the first night. As my schooling years progressed, I was placed in advanced reading classes, because I read ALL THE TIME. In high school, I finished my work early and would read the rest of the class period. My teachers let me. They were pretty awesome.

I've always favored fantasy and science-fiction books--ever since I grew interested in the likes of the Narnia stories, Lord of the Rings, and Sevenwaters. Nowadays, my absolute favorite fantasy authors are still Juliet Marillier, Terry Pratchett, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Garth Nix. My favorite science-fiction authors are Orson Scott Card and Frank Herbert.

I'm currently reading The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett. Good stuff.

Glad to be a part of the group!

[Stephen]

Hi All,

My name is Stephen Gordon. I'm 39 years old and live in Larne, Northern Ireland where I work for a heavy manufacturing company. I'm married to Kirsten and have 3 children. Like any family they are a handful and the best thing that ever happened to me.

I grew up on sci-fi and horror novels with a steady stream of comic books. About a year ago I decided I wanted to be a writer so I signed up for a English Literature degree with the Open University. I also setup my own website where I've started posting original short stories for free. (I don't want to be spammy and post links but you can find my site if you Google 'stephen gordon short story').

I'm not in a big rush to put a book out and want to spend a few years getting my story-telling right, reading the best of what's out there and getting feedback on my work from others who enjoy reading the same things I do.

I'd love to get your recommendations for your 'must-read' scifi and fantasy books.

Cheers

Stephen

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Hi L.M., Stephen welcome.

[Jack]

Greeting everyone!

It's wonderful to find a group dedicated to "all things fantasy" I'm a reader of fantasy and a new Author with Twilight Times Books. I look forward to chatting with you all.

Keep writing!

Oceans of Love,

Jack

[Stephen]

Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "Hi L.M., Stephen welcome."

Cheers Mike.

[Raymond]

Hi! I'm a 37-year-old guy living outside of Philadelphia. I'm a stay-at-home dad to my 3 kids (all under 4), full-time student, and a full-time writer. I've also had a few articles also published in Publisher's Weekly. In between all of that, I try to spend some time with my wife and sleep.

When I do get a chance to read, I tend to read more sci/fi than anything else. Right now I'm reading Palma's Map of Time, Gabaldon's Echo in the Bone, and finish the Star Wars NJO series. I love steampunk (read Priest's Dreadnought a few months ago and loved it), urban fantasy (Charles DeLint, Neil Gaiman), and whatever else looks interesting.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Welcome.

[Steven]

Hi everyone,

I am currently in Texas and I love to write and read. I am going to be switching careers soon and moving back to Georgia.

I like both science fiction and fantasy books. I am currently reading Spell Bound by Blake Charlton.

I look forward to participating in the group.

Steve

[Vishal]

Hi peeps. . .I am Vishal from south India. . .born 1993. in college. . .love to read Mostly sci-fi and fantasy. Bit more of a hack and slash fan. I am trying to write one of my own .Well from reading others comments. . .I thinks i am just an amateur in reading. Currently reading a Rys rising book 1
and sword of truth book 5. I hope to read the books mentioned above.

[Mike]

Hello, everyone!

I've been on Goodreads for over a year, but until recently, I was only using it as a glorified "to be read" / "to purchase" list. I finally decided to start taking advantage of the site's other features, which led me here.

I look forward to getting involved in discussions in the future...if you don't kill me for not liking Tolkien, that is!

[Alan]

Mikebfd wrote: ".. if you don't kill me for not liking Tolkien, that is! ."

Nothing wrong with having that opinion - but look at the context. Tolkien started writing well before the Second World War - back in the early 1930s. Times have changed a lot since then, and so have tastes. In fact the war made a lot of the difference - you can see the change of Tolkien's own style round about the "Prancing Pony" episode. Before that he was writing "Hobbit Style" - not quite what we would now call children's fiction, but close. Then came the war, and what he wrote after is rather different - and even that is more than 60 years ago! Times, and tastes, change. And also don't forget that he is regarded as a classic, and has many who have tried to copy him, and largely failed.

In some senses he was a First - there is very little "Elves and Dwarves" fiction aimed at an adult(ish) market before The Ring unless you go right back to the Norse Sagas - in which Tolkien was an expert. So you don't like him now? Fair enough. The original "Dracula" is almost unreadable by modern standards, and so is the original "Frankenstein". Admittedly, both those go rather further back in time, but change happens. Personally, I could do with a lot fewer dragons in my Fantasy literature - but I think I may be swimming against the flow!

[Thomas]

Finally set myself up on Twitter.

@desertstarsbks

In case anyone is interested. ;-)

[Sharon]

Mikebfd wrote: "I look forward to getting involved in discussions in the future...if you don't kill me for not liking Tolkien, that is! "

Welcome and I think you're probably safe. They haven't killed me yet for not appreciating George R.R. Martin or Robert Jordan!

[Alan]

Sharon wrote: " They haven't killed me yet for not appreciating George R.R. Martin or Robert Jordan"

Well done for saying so! How do you feel about Raymond E Feist?

[Sharon]

Alan wrote: "Well done for saying so! How do you feel about Raymond E Feist?"

I've read some of his, some I've liked, some I didn't finish. The most recent I've read of his was Talon of the Silver Hawk and I liked it better than any of his others. Have both the second and third of the series but haven't gotten into them yet.

Generally speaking, I tend not to stay with the long, ongoing series set in a specific world ... too much time, too many characters, too many subplots and often too much time between books.

[Mike]

Sharon wrote: "They haven't killed me yet for not appreciating George R.R. Martin or Robert Jordan!"

I share your opinion of Jordan, but I personally feel that Martin is the pinnacle of fantasy writing. I can respect the fact that other people feel differently, though!

As for Tolkien, I just think that he was a poor writer (even in the context of the time period). (I also think that he's overrated, but that's not really relevant.)

[Alan]

Mikebfd wrote: "As for Tolkien, I just think that he was a poor writer (even in the context of the time period). (I also think that he's overrated, but that's not really relevant.) "

Tolkien a poor writer? Its all a matter of taste. Try one of his close friends, C S Lewis. The "Silent Planet" trilogy is generally well thought of - but Screwtape Letters are plain boring!
Partly that is because they are full of Christian proselytising - and not so well hidden as it is in his juvenile works (Lion, Witch, Wardrobe) - but the proselytising doesn't necessarily make for a bad book - look at Zenna Henderson!
Further comments?

[Beth]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to Goodreads after using LibraryThing for many years. I'm looking forward to reading everyone's recommendations--recently, I seem to be in a serious re-read pattern, which is fine, but I do need to branch out.

I'm on Twitter @Beth_Raymond, if anyone is so inclined to listen to my ramblings.

[Kim]

Welcome all new members and lovers of science-fiction and fantasy :)

A note to authors - As per group rules please do not promote your book in this thread. Please feel free to start a new thread in the authors section.

[Allen]

I'm a forty-something Kentuckian born in the mountains, now living in the Bluegrass. Grew up on Tolkien, Bradbury, Douglas Adams and others. Now I'm enjoying a revisit to those classics, some new stuff - China Mieville, speculative fiction, the post-apocalypse movement, etc. Also, am looking to rediscover the sci-fi world that I sort of missed. You might say my Kindle is my mid-life crisis, and I love it!

[Racquel]

Hi, everyone! My name's Racquel, but you can call me Rockie. I'm 22 years old and am currently attending college and trying to get myself out there as an author. I love books obviously, but because I haven't always been an avid reader, I'm still trying to build my book collection. I love anything Fantasy, but I'm willing to read just about anything! I hope I get to meet a lot of great people in this group. :)

[Sharon]

Allen wrote: "I'm a forty-something Kentuckian born in the mountains, now living in the Bluegrass. Grew up on Tolkien, Bradbury, Douglas Adams and others. Now I'm enjoying a revisit to those classics"

Welcome and nice to see someone else from KY here though I'm a 'transplant', being a MT native. I see we have many of the same beginnings though I'm considerably older I also started with H. G. Wells, Jules Verne, Ray Bradbury ...

[Mario]

Let me please introduce myself, I'm a man from Poland, irreparably addicted to SF / Apocalypse / Dystopian books. I also read some Fantasy, though I wouldn't necesserily call myself a fan of this genre. Apart from SF, I read a lot of non-fiction, cult, psychology, counterculture stuff. Currently moving from physical books to an ebook land. I still prefer feeling the weight and texture of the book in my hands but on the other hand ereaders are much more convenient when commuting.
Hope to find like-minded (or not at all) readers in this group. Time permitting I hope to contribute regularly to this group :)

[Yolca27]

Hi! I'm in the mid thirties, and I'm from Spain. I love to read Fantasy more than SF, but I'm looking forward to expand my reads in this genre with some recomendations.

[Sharon]

Welcome both Mario and Yolca.

Mario, I'm sure you and I have book we've enjoyed in common, as I particularly enjoy the apocalypse/dystopian theme.

Yolca, I envy where you live. I lived almost 4 years in Spain many years ago as a military wife and loved every minute of it, have always wished I could return.

[Penny]

Hello all. I live in Cape Town but I'm from Johannesburg and am planning to move back as soon as I can! Just need to finish this pesky PhD first.

I love almost all genres of books but fantasy and science fiction are my favourites at the moment. I have some huge gaps in my 'read' shelf which I'm doing my best to correct.

Besides good writing, interesting plots and deep characters, I really enjoy books that make relevant and believable commentary on human nature. How people react to oppression or a severe reduction of resources or people of different cultures and so on.

I spend far too much time on goodreads when I should be working. It's my favourite tool for procrastination :)

Happy reading all!