Solar Clipper Diary

News from the Golden Age

Archive for May 2009

Nina Kimberly Day

Those of you who’ve been around for awhile know that Christiana Ellis’ Nina Kimberly the Merciless is the book that got me started on creating the Golden Age novels. Christiana was having so much fun that I wanted to do it, too.

If you didn’t know, that’s why the fast packet in the beginning of Double Share is named the Christiana Ellis.

Today is the latest in a long line of pod-to-print debuts as Nina Kimberly is released in paper from Dragon Moon Press. In honor of that, Christina has asked all her friends in the podosphere to offer this free PDF version on their blogs and feeds today.

Enjoy this and, if you like it, please support Christiana and the rest of the pod-to-print authors by buying a copy in your choice of format.

I’ve ordered my copy. And I’m gonna get it signed when I see Christiana next week at BaltiCon!

BaltiCon 43

It’s almost here – The 43rd Annual Baltimore Science Fiction Convention. I attended for the first time last year at the last minute, but I’ve been looking forward to this year’s convention all year long. I’m tickled to be on some panels, and to be basking in the reflected glory of all the people that *I* listen to through out the year.

For those who’ll be there, I’m on these panels:

Friday – 6pm – Chesapeake Room – Short Fiction Jam
Sunday – 5pm – Chesapeake Room – Podiobooks: A Novel Way to Listen
Monday – 11am – Derby – Creating a Serialized Audiobook

That’s not to say I won’t be around attending, watching, and working with all my friends from around the podosphere.

Maybe I’ll see you there.

Not Dead Yet

You all deserve an apology and an update so … I’m sorry.

News
The news from here is that the Spring semester is almost over and Day Job issues are being resolved. I have a job for another year. It’s a new and exciting direction for a job that I’ve had for 10 years now, so it’s all good. What that means is that demands on my time should become less urgent, leaving room for writing once again.

My plan is to shelve Cape Grace for the moment and focus on finishing the Trader’s Tales. Captain’s Share is underway and the series will wrap at Owner’s Share. Look for Captain’s Share by the end of the summer and Owner’s by the end of the year. That will be the end of the Trader’s Tales for a while.

While You’re Waiting
While you’re waiting for me you might consider some of these other fine Podiobooks:

Joe Cottonwood’s Clear Heart. It’s about a bunch of carpenters. Sounds about as exciting as a book about a guy who makes coffee, probably, but I loved this one for the story, the production values, and Susan Walker’s reading.

Philippa Balantine’s Chasing the Bard. This delightful tale is based on the premise that William Shakespeare was really embued with bardic magic. This is a very nicely done production with some voices you might recognize from other places. (For those who are looking for a ‘Family Friendly’ listen, avoid the infamous Episode 13. It won’t interrupt the main story flow although it does add a great deal for characterization. Your call.)

Tee Morris’s Billibub Baddings and the Case of the Singing Sword. Mikey Spillane meets JRR Tolkien in this hillarious romp. Sounds off-beat – and it is – but a nice piece of work.

PG Holyfield’s Murder at Avedon Hill. This epic tale of murder and magic is finally wrapping up. By the time you get to the end, the last episode should be posted. It’s been two years in the making and it’s worth the wait.

Terry Fallis’s Best Laid Plans. A novel about Canadian politics? Oh, yes. Terry’s done a great job with this one. Funny, insightful, and well done.

Then there’s always Mur Lafferty, JC Hutchins, Scott Sigler. These are such well-known works, you’ve probably either listened or skipped them from your list, but if you haven’t considered them, please give them a chance.

Other Voices
You might also listen to me in other places. I’ve done some guest spots and interviews here and there:

J. Daniel Sawyer’s Predestination and Other Games of Chance: Antithesis Book I. This is a gritty and not at all safe for work, small children, or some adults. I play the part of Senator Bill Shelley.

Dead Robot’s Society. I was on there being silly with PG Holyfield and the rest of the gang. I had fun being a bit goofy, but there are some comments of questionable taste, so listen with caution.

Guild of the Cowry Catchers is Abigail Hilton’s upcoming release. It’s in production now, but I play the part of Gerard Holovar, the chief of police. I’m not sure where this story will go (I’m only into chapter 10 now and have NOT read ahead) but it’s shaping up to be a really interesting fantasy work. If you like the fantastical, you might like this one. You can get a feel for this universe in Abbie’s previous work, The Prophet of Panamindorah, Book I.

Thanks for hanging in there, Crew! I’ll try to do a better job of keeping you updated.

Jack Wakes Up

Today’s the day another of the Podiobook authors hits the shelves. Seth Harwood’s crime noir saga is out today and in honor of that, he’s giving away these chapters of Jack Wakes Up in PDF format.

I know it’s not sci-fi but for those who like crime stories — and there must be at least a few of you — here’s a chance to try out the newest voice in the genre.

Good luck, Seth!

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