Reader/Writer

Episodes

1. 76

   Taking Kids to Conventions

   Ben and Mary Ellen discuss taking kids to conventions with Scott Roche. What do conventions do well, what do they not, and what could they do better?

   Jun 21, 2015
2. 75

   #WeNeedDiverseBooks

   A discussion moderated by Justin Landon on the diversity in books. Panelists are Delilah S. Dawson, Myke Cole and Cinda Williams Chima. From the programme: "This group was formed to address the need for all types of diversity in children's literature. The hashtag has been used to highlight…

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   Jun 14, 2015
3. 74

   Balticon Wrapup

   Ben and Mary Ellen discuss their trip to Balticon! Our picks this month:

   Jun 8, 2015
4. 73

   Romancing the Vulcan

   Why do we enjoy characters that are emotionless interacting with "normal" emotional people? Wesley Chu moderates with panelists Whitney Ross, Amy Sundberg and Tom Doyle. From the programme: "Emotionally restrained heroes were popular in the age of reason; after Romanticism swept Europe, Jane...

   May 24, 2015
5. 72

   SPOILERS: Avengers: Age of Ultron

   It's been two years since we've done a SPOILERS episode, but this couldn't be passed by! Dave Robison, Starla Huchton and Jennifer Melzer join Ben in discussing the movie. If you haven't seen it yet, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

   May 17, 2015
6. 71

   I Suck

   In this panel from ConFusion 2015 Jim C. Hines moderates how much Merrie Haskell, Myke Cole, John Scalzi and Robert J. Bennett suck. From the programme: "A panel of authors play "dueling suck" with their own works, trying to see who can best generate a vacuum"

   May 11, 2015
7. 70

   Jared Axelrod & J.R. Blackwell

   We talk to the awesome creative couple Jared Axelrod and J.R. Blackwell. Promos from Mighty Marvel Geeks and Get Published. Our picks this month are:

   May 3, 2015
8. 69

   How To Like Problematic Things

   Sometimes the things we like come with baggage. Topics that weren't treated well, authors who don't align with popular opinion, voting slates. This panel, recorded in January, discusses some of those things. Moderated by Phillipe McNally, panelists Jeannie, Amy Sundberg and Sarah Gibbons. From…

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   Apr 27, 2015
9. 68

   Mary Sue and the Fake Geek Girls

   A discussion about women and girls in fandom from ConFusion 2015. Moderated by Mari Brighe with panelists Jeannie, Cherie Priest and Delilah S. Dawson. From the programme: Let's talk about our favorite female characters and female fans (and maybe a word or two about why fandom keeps trying to...

   Apr 12, 2015
10. 67

    Good to Be Back!

    We're back, finally! Ben and Mary Ellen talk about what they've been up to during the hiatus. Our picks for this month:

    Apr 5, 2015
11. 66

    Doomed, I Tell You! Doomed!

    This is our final panel from Balticon! Panelists are Val Griswold-Ford, Diane Weinstein, Martin Berman-Gorvine and Paul E. Cooley. From the programme: "Panelists discuss the value (or lack thereof) of doom and gloom speculative fiction."

    Jan 18, 2015
12. 65

    GLBT Issues in YA

    A panel from Balticon on GLBT issues in Science Fiction and Fantasy. Moderated by Jared Axelrod, with panelists Hugh O'Donnell, N. R. Brown, Carl Cipra, and James Daniel Ross. From the programme: You want to address GLBT issues in your YA SF/F, but you're straight and you only have one queer…

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    Jan 11, 2015
13. 64

    The Transition

    A panel on transitioning from independent author to large publisher, moderated by Jared Axelrod, with Philippa Ballantine, A Kovacs and Scott Sigler. From the programme: Experiences of New Media authors moving to the mainstream literary world - Podcasters and ePublishers discuss the experience of...

    Jan 4, 2015
14. 63

    Veronica Giguere

    Ben and Mary Ellen talk to Veronica Giguere about narrating audiobooks and voice acting, writing, and other things. I apologize for the quiet audio in some sections. I couldn't bring the volume up without it sounding horrible.

    Dec 21, 2014
15. 62

    10 Cool, Underused Ways to Travel In Space

    A panel on space travel with Andy Love moderating, with Catherine Asaro, Pamela Gay, Charles E. Gannon and Geoffrey Landis. From the programme: "Scientists discuss ideas for space travel that have been underutilized or could be due for reintroduction into the genre"

    Nov 9, 2014
16. 61

    Matt Tobin

    We have Matt Tobin, creator of Aeon Timeline, back to find out what he's been up to! Our picks for this month:

    Nov 2, 2014
17. 60

    Cosplay

    We have a talk with Jared Axelrod and Bill Doran about cosplay, costume and prop making. If you're getting ready for Halloween or looking to build something for next year's convention season, this is the episode to get you started!

    Oct 20, 2014
18. 59

    One Question: After the First Draft

    Another One Question special from Balticon 48, in an epic crossover episode with The Roundtable Podcast we see what it's like on the other side of your first draft. We find out what awesome writers do after they've finished their first draft. We get insight from: Jared Axelrod J.R. Blackwell…

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    Oct 12, 2014
19. 58

    Paul E. Cooley

    Ben and Mary Ellen are joined by author Paul E. Cooley to discuss his new book The Black, his journey from indie to hybrid author, and being a co-host on the Dead Robots Society Podcast. Our Audible picks for this month:

    Oct 5, 2014
20. 57

    42 Reasons You Should Write for Young Adults

    Another panel from Balticon 48, this panel is moderated by Collin Earl, and features Mike D'Ambrosio, Mark Jeffrey, and Brian Rathbone. From the programme: "Editors and other publishing professionals talk about the YA Market"

    Sep 21, 2014
21. 56

    Review of "The Three"

    Ben and Mary Ellen discuss The Three by Sarah Lotz. Our picks for this month are:

    Sep 7, 2014
22. 55

    One Question: When Is An Idea a Good Idea?

    One thing many writers never have a shortage of is ideas. How do you know if an idea is worth exploring and writing though? We discuss this very question with Starla Huchton with answers from Balticon 2014! Our guest answers come from Charles Gannon, Chris Lester, Christopher Morse, Phillipa...

    Aug 17, 2014
23. 54

    Creating Your Universe Without Breaking Natural Laws

    Our first panel from Balticon 48! Featuring DC Wilson, Peter Bryant, Myke Cole and Michael Underwood. Description from the programme: "Scientists look at the blatant disregard for basic reality in some science fiction and answer questions from today's authors on how NOT to repeat those faux pas."

    Aug 10, 2014
24. 53

    Price Wars

    Ben and Mary Ellen discuss their hiatus, Guardians of the Galaxy and their feelings on the Amazon v. Hachette "situation". Our Audible picks for this month:

    Aug 3, 2014
25. 52

    Michael R. Underwood

    We talk to Michael R. Underwood about his new book Shield and Crocus, "The New Weird" and how he approaches his novels. Our Audible Picks for this month:

    Jul 6, 2014
26. 51

    50th Episode "One Question" Special!

    It's our 50th episode live from Balticon! We got Dave Robison in a room with a crowd and we heard answers to the One Question "What makes a good supporting character?" We heard pre-recorded answers from Adam Christopher, Mur Lafferty, Justin Landon and Tom Merritt, as well as from Micheal R....

    Jun 15, 2014
27. 50

    Legendary Romance

    Our final panel from Confusion 2014. We hear from six authors, Jacqueline Carey, Sarah Zettel, J.C. Daniels, Sam Sykes, Merrie Haskell and Cindy Spencer Pape. From the programme: "The Trojan War was fought for the love of one woman. Arthurian legend would be incomplete without the love stories....

    Jun 9, 2014
28. 49

    Abigail Hilton

    We talk to Abigail Hilton about her writing, the influence of science, and other upcoming work. Our Audible picks this month: Promos for Farlost and Nutty Bites

    Jun 2, 2014
29. 48

    Fixing Inconsistencies in Your Own Works

    While we take some time to prepare for Balticon next weekend, here's another panel from ConFusion 2014. Kameron Hurley, Ron Collins, Howard Tayler, Janet Harriett, Catherine Shaffer and Christine Purcell discuss keeping things consistent across a series. From the Programme: "You have just...

    May 18, 2014
30. 47

    Updating the Canon

    Another panel from ConFusion 2014. Myke Cole moderates with panelists Sarah Gibbons, Janet Harriett and Mike Carey. From the programme: "Books, and those who write them, are sometimes elevated to the status of canon. In science fiction as in fantasy, there are works that are considered must reads...

    May 11, 2014
31. 46

    Controversy!

    We talk to our first Hugo-nominated guest Justin Landon of Staffer's Book Review and the host of the new podcast from Tor.com, Rocket Talk. We talk about the Hugos, how his Hugo-nominated book came to be, and giving a good review. Our Audible picks this month:

    May 4, 2014
32. 45

    Pandemic Review

    Ben and Mary Ellen review Scott Sigler's newest book Pandemic. If you don't want spoilers, stop listening after the promo for Farlost from John Mierau.

    Apr 16, 2014
33. 44

    Superheroes Belong to Everyone

    Another panel from ConFusion 2014 in Detroit, MI. Panelists Anne Gray, Candra Gill and Mark Oshiro discuss diversity in comics and Spec Fic in general. From the programme: "Many of us love superheroes because as kids we wanted to be like them, but what happens when you don't see any superheroes…

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    Apr 8, 2014
34. 43

    Occurrences of the Peculiar Sort

    We talk to Tee Morris and Philippa Ballantine about The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, The Shared Desk and Kickstarter campaigns. Promos for Farlost and Tales From the Archives. We are asking our listeners to help out and support the show by donating on our Patreon page. Visit...

    Apr 1, 2014
35. 42

    Writing Westerns

    Ben talks to Matthew Pizzolato from The Western Online about writing westerns.

    Mar 15, 2014
36. 41

    Bright Lights, Big Science

    Ben is on his first convention panel at ConFusion 2014. From the programme: Catherine Shaffer, Brian Gray, Ben Delano "Marvel Entertainment recently announced the "Be the next Jane Foster" STEM mentoring program and contest, and even hygiene products are getting in on the act (AXE's "Be an...

    Mar 8, 2014
37. 40

    Happy Accidents

    We talk with author and graphic artist Starla Huchton about her upcoming book Evolution: Angel, marketing strategies for independent authors, and book covers. Promos for Scott Sigler's Pandemic and Tales from the Archives: Vol. 3 We are asking our listeners to help out and support the show by...

    Mar 1, 2014
38. 39

    One Question: What Makes a Good MacGuffin?

    The MacGuffin is often a maligned element of storytelling. Most of the time, when you hear it mentioned, you are meant to tread carefully, if not avoid the trope. However, at ConFusion 2014, Ben asked a few authors how you can use a MacGuffin well. These are the responses from Brad Beaulieu…

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    Feb 15, 2014
39. 38

    More Dumb Questions

    It's the return of the Dumb Questions panel from ConFusion! Myke Cole moderates again this year with guests Jacqueline Carey, Nancy Fulda, Sam Sykes and Laura Resnick. It's the one panel where smart questions are discouraged. Includes promo for The Dunesteef Audio Fiction Podcast

    Feb 7, 2014
40. 37

    Reading The Amazing Spider-Man

    We have a chat with Matthew Wayne Selznick about his upcoming project, Reading the Amazing Spider-Man, theme, and Selznick Serials. Promos for The Guild of the Cowry Catchers and Scott Sigler's Pandemic. Matthew has offered a $4 discount to our listeners who pre-order Reading the Amazing...

    Feb 1, 2014
41. 36

    Writing the Superhero

    The superhero story is a genre that has become increasingly popular over the past 20 years. Superheros have touched every medium: novels, radio, television, movies, and now also live in online videos and podcasts. Ben talks to 4 authors, Adam Christopher, Andrew Mayne, Christopher Morse and…

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    Jan 15, 2014
42. 35

    Good Character

    We talk to Myke Cole about his upcoming book, Breach Zone, and building good characters. Promos for Saturday Morning Media and The Way of the Buffalo. Our picks this month are: Monster Hunter Alpha by Larry Correia Five Billion Years of Solitude by Lee Billings

    Jan 1, 2014
43. 34

    Dynamic Voice Acting

    A panel on Dynamic Voice Acting from Balticon. Moderated by Alex White, panelists are Stephen Granade, Starla Huchton and Veronica Giguere. Promo for The Dunesteef.

    Dec 15, 2013
44. 33

    SPOILERS! Thor: The Dark World

    Another Reader/Writer SPOILERS! panel. Dave Robison and Myke Cole join Ben to talk about Thor: The Dark World. Likes, dislikes and the old "Dead/Not Dead" conundrums of comic movies. Here's your nine pence. Also, you can check out our last SPOILERS! panel about Iron Man 3.

    Dec 7, 2013
45. 32

    Death Warmed Over

    Just the hosts this episode, and we discuss Death Warmed Over, Book 1 in the Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. series by Kevin J. Anderson. Promos for Quirks & Quarks and The Bent Bullet. Our picks for this month: The Ghost Brigades by John Scalzi Dreadnought by Cherie Priest

    Dec 1, 2013
46. 31

    Google+

    The Google+ for Authors panel at Balticon 2013. Moderated by Dr. Pamela Gay, featuring Brand Gamblin, A Kovacs and A.C. Wise. Promo for Nutty Bites

    Nov 15, 2013
47. 30

    Aeon Timeline

    We talk to Matthew Tobin of Scribble Code , creator of Aeon Timeline, about what's behind his software, camera AI, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Promos for Functional Nerds and Dead Robots Society. Our picks for this month: Death Warmed Over by Kevin J. Anderson The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie King of...

    Nov 1, 2013
48. 29

    One Question: Writing Tools

    In this special episode, we discuss with the wise Dave Robison one question: "What is your most important tool for writing? " With answers from authors and podcasters at Dragon*Con we give you a run-down of things to help you during the upcoming NaNoWriMo challenge! We hear from the great minds…

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    Oct 15, 2013
49. 28

    Sailing the Ship

    We talk to Scott Sigler and A Kovacs at Dragon*Con about podcast fiction, building a universe and keeping on track. Promos for Nutty Bites and Way of the Buffalo Our Audible picks this month are: A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin Boneshaker by Cherie Priest

    Oct 3, 2013

    37m
50. 27

    Military in Sci-Fi and Fantasy

    The military's portal in speculative fiction is discussed by people with military experience. Panelists are: Joseph Zieja, John Hemry/Jack Campbell, Myke Cole, Brad R. Torgersen and David Voderberg Promo for The Dunesteef.

    Sep 15, 2013