http://www.dragonpage.com Conversations with the Creators of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Thrillers! Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:03:52 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 2004-2011 podcast@farpointmedia.net (Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole) podcast@farpointmedia.net (Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole) 1440 http://www.dragonpage.com/images/farpointmedia/tDPC2C144x144.jpg http://www.dragonpage.com 144 144 http://feeds.feedburner.com/tDp/C2C Conversations with the Creators of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Thriller fiction today! Conversations with the Creators of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Thriller fiction today! If you love SF literature, are an author or aspire to become one, you'll enjoy this podcast. Science, Fiction, Fantasy, Literature, Writers, interviews, reviews Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole podcast@farpointmedia.net no no http://www.dragonpage.com/2012/02/06/cover-to-cover-462/ http://www.dragonpage.com/2012/02/06/cover-to-cover-462/#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:35:43 +0000 Summer Brooks http://www.dragonpage.com/?p=3465 Rewrite Update: Mike M details his first plunge back into rewriting Mistress of the Dragon in 12 years, and the guys talk about the deconstruction process and the details to focus on that can improve story depth and detail.]]> http://www.dragonpage.com/2012/02/06/cover-to-cover-462/feed/ 0 0:35:59 Mike S points out that the real kidney punch to B&N was done by Apple a few weeks ago with their ebook textbook deals, and the guys talk about how these deals could change how teachers teach and how people learn. Rewrite Update: Mike M detai[...] Mike S points out that the real kidney punch to B&N was done by Apple a few weeks ago with their ebook textbook deals, and the guys talk about how these deals could change how teachers teach and how people learn. Rewrite Update: Mike M details his first plunge back into rewriting Mistress of the Dragon in 12 years, and the guys talk about the deconstruction process and the details to focus on that can improve story depth and detail. Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole no no http://www.dragonpage.com/2012/01/30/cover-to-cover-461/ http://www.dragonpage.com/2012/01/30/cover-to-cover-461/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:56:32 +0000 Summer Brooks http://www.dragonpage.com/?p=3423 Discussion: Mike S talks about the importance of developing a private audience, separate from the groups you're cultivating on Twitter, Google+, Facebook, and other social networks. What's your favorite site for book reviews? Send them in, or mention them here... we'll collect the info and compile them into a list that we will use later to help publicize the finished stories after the process here. And yes, Summer is still taking applications for Dragon Page book reviewers. Wanna play?]]> http://www.dragonpage.com/2012/01/30/cover-to-cover-461/feed/ 4 0:31:32 Discussion: Mike S talks about the importance of developing a private audience, separate from the groups you're cultivating on Twitter, Google+, Facebook, and other social networks. What's your favorite site for book reviews? Send them in, or men[...] Discussion: Mike S talks about the importance of developing a private audience, separate from the groups you're cultivating on Twitter, Google+, Facebook, and other social networks. What's your favorite site for book reviews? Send them in, or mention them here... we'll collect the info and compile them into a list that we will use later to help publicize the finished stories after the process here. And yes, Summer is still taking applications for Dragon Page book reviewers. Wanna play? Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole no no http://www.dragonpage.com/2012/01/16/cover-to-cover-460/ http://www.dragonpage.com/2012/01/16/cover-to-cover-460/#comments Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:33:17 +0000 Summer Brooks http://www.dragonpage.com/?p=3419 Julie of the Wolves. Rewrite Status update: Mike M has cracked open his old manuscript, and reread it to better evaluate where it currently stands so he can determine which direction he wants to go with it. Mike S talks about asking more questions about your story in order to discover more about your world, your characters, and how those questions may lead you to tell a better story than the one you originally had in mind.]]> http://www.dragonpage.com/2012/01/16/cover-to-cover-460/feed/ 0 0:33:22 Mike S brings up some salient points about the legal tussle going on between HarperCollins and Open Road Media over the definition of "ebook" because of a new electronic version of Julie of the Wolves. Rewrite Status update: Mike M has cracked op[...] Mike S brings up some salient points about the legal tussle going on between HarperCollins and Open Road Media over the definition of "ebook" because of a new electronic version of Julie of the Wolves. Rewrite Status update: Mike M has cracked open his old manuscript, and reread it to better evaluate where it currently stands so he can determine which direction he wants to go with it. Mike S talks about asking more questions about your story in order to discover more about your world, your characters, and how those questions may lead you to tell a better story than the one you originally had in mind. Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole no no http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/12/26/cover-to-cover-459/ http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/12/26/cover-to-cover-459/#comments Mon, 26 Dec 2011 18:30:58 +0000 Summer Brooks http://www.dragonpage.com/?p=3418 http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/12/26/cover-to-cover-459/feed/ 6 0:26:58 Would you be interested in receiving PDFs of sample chapters from authors, writing prompts or assignments or items of that ilk? Let us know your thoughts on that! Mike S lays out some steps to keep in mind when you start your 2012 writing project[...] Would you be interested in receiving PDFs of sample chapters from authors, writing prompts or assignments or items of that ilk? Let us know your thoughts on that! Mike S lays out some steps to keep in mind when you start your 2012 writing projects, then the guys mark Mike M's starting point in tackling the re-edit of his book, itemizing what he should do for character and story breakdowns. Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole no no http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/12/12/cover-to-cover-458/ http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/12/12/cover-to-cover-458/#comments Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:30:57 +0000 Summer Brooks http://www.dragonpage.com/?p=3393 Listener Questions: Tad from Mesa is one of the few who has an old edition of Mistress of Dragons and he's interested to see how the new version evolves, really enjoyed Stackpole's At the Queen's Command, and wants to know if there's an update on the Talion Revenant sequel ebook challenge. Mike S stresses the importance of keeping notes, having a way to make notes and take down story ideas -- whether that's pen and paper or iPhone or iPad, and giving yourself permission to allow the first draft to not be perfect and just complete it. They also talk about the plan to tear down and rebuild Mistress of the Dragon, and what to expect during the process.]]> http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/12/12/cover-to-cover-458/feed/ 1 0:29:30 Listener Questions: Tad from Mesa is one of the few who has an old edition of Mistress of Dragons and he's interested to see how the new version evolves, really enjoyed Stackpole's At the Queen's Command, and wants to know if there's an update on th[...] Listener Questions: Tad from Mesa is one of the few who has an old edition of Mistress of Dragons and he's interested to see how the new version evolves, really enjoyed Stackpole's At the Queen's Command, and wants to know if there's an update on the Talion Revenant sequel ebook challenge. Mike S stresses the importance of keeping notes, having a way to make notes and take down story ideas -- whether that's pen and paper or iPhone or iPad, and giving yourself permission to allow the first draft to not be perfect and just complete it. They also talk about the plan to tear down and rebuild Mistress of the Dragon, and what to expect during the process. Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole no no http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/11/28/cover-to-cover-457/ http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/11/28/cover-to-cover-457/#comments Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:01:09 +0000 Summer Brooks http://www.dragonpage.com/?p=3355 Mistress of the Dragon, and the listeners doing the assignments and asking questions via voicemail. Discussion: Alison in Denver airs her frustrations about the ever-increasing prices of ebooks, seemingly changing from week to week, and asks whether there's a guideline for consumers to effectively register their complaints about the out of scale ebook prices.]]> http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/11/28/cover-to-cover-457/feed/ 3 0:28:11 The new "Cover to Cover" will be switching to an every other week schedule, mostly to give the guys and the listeners time to do the actual work required... MRM doing the writing for Mistress of the Dragon, and the listeners doing the assignments an[...] The new "Cover to Cover" will be switching to an every other week schedule, mostly to give the guys and the listeners time to do the actual work required... MRM doing the writing for Mistress of the Dragon, and the listeners doing the assignments and asking questions via voicemail. Discussion: Alison in Denver airs her frustrations about the ever-increasing prices of ebooks, seemingly changing from week to week, and asks whether there's a guideline for consumers to effectively register their complaints about the out of scale ebook prices. Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole no no http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/11/14/cover-to-cover-456/ http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/11/14/cover-to-cover-456/#comments Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:35:27 +0000 Summer Brooks http://www.dragonpage.com/?p=3329 Perfectly Invisible, while Mennenga stretched his muscles as a TV show director with the new and improved Slice of SciFi TV. Starting in January, follow along with the guys as they delve into some "best practices" for writers who want to self-publish and digitally distribute their own works, from preparation to production to marketing and sales.]]> http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/11/14/cover-to-cover-456/feed/ 5 0:31:14 Mike M and Mike S jump back in the saddle, chatting about what they did on their extended summer vacations: Stackpole went to a few conventions (Gencon, Origins), and published his first digital original book, Perfectly Invisible, while Mennenga str[...] Mike M and Mike S jump back in the saddle, chatting about what they did on their extended summer vacations: Stackpole went to a few conventions (Gencon, Origins), and published his first digital original book, Perfectly Invisible, while Mennenga stretched his muscles as a TV show director with the new and improved Slice of SciFi TV. Starting in January, follow along with the guys as they delve into some "best practices" for writers who want to self-publish and digitally distribute their own works, from preparation to production to marketing and sales. Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole no no http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/05/30/cover-to-cover-455/ http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/05/30/cover-to-cover-455/#comments Mon, 30 May 2011 23:36:04 +0000 Summer Brooks http://www.dragonpage.com/?p=3178 Interview: This week, Mike and Mike chat with MD Lachlan about the first book in his new series from Pyr Books, Wolfsangel. What happens when you take a werewolf story and combine it with Norse mythology and legends? This series is one look at how that could have happened.
M.D. also talks about his background and experiences with gaming and his thoughts on magic and science, and the limitations of Hollywood magic.]]> http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/05/30/cover-to-cover-455/feed/ 3 0:33:02 Interview: This week, Mike and Mike chat with MD Lachlan about the first book in his new series from Pyr Books, Wolfsangel. What happens when you take a werewolf story and combine it with Norse mythology and legends? This series is one look at how [...] Interview: This week, Mike and Mike chat with MD Lachlan about the first book in his new series from Pyr Books, Wolfsangel. What happens when you take a werewolf story and combine it with Norse mythology and legends? This series is one look at how that could have happened. M.D. also talks about his background and experiences with gaming and his thoughts on magic and science, and the limitations of Hollywood magic. Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole no no http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/05/16/cover-to-cover-454/ http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/05/16/cover-to-cover-454/#comments Tue, 17 May 2011 02:03:55 +0000 Summer Brooks http://www.dragonpage.com/?p=3177 http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/05/16/cover-to-cover-454/feed/ 6 0:31:48 Book News this week: The guys talk a little more about an article that goes deeper into the numbers from the AAP report on ebooks outselling paperbacks, and elaborate a little more on the challenges of auditing ebook sales. Mike Stackpole has a seri[...] Book News this week: The guys talk a little more about an article that goes deeper into the numbers from the AAP report on ebooks outselling paperbacks, and elaborate a little more on the challenges of auditing ebook sales. Mike Stackpole has a series of articles on digital publishing and self-publishing over at his website. Interview: This week, Mike and Mike chat with Brad Beaulieu about his new novel, The Winds of Khalakovo, an epic fantasy series from Night Shade Books in the same vein as George R. R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire”. Brad talks about the Russian and Persian influences on the story and how those informed the development of character and cultural traits of the story as he was writing it, and about the writing symposiums he’d taken at GenCon and other conventions with various genre authors, and how those classes helped his writing craft. Keep an eye out for the sequel, The Straits of Galahesh, in April 2012. Link: Bradley P. Beaulieu Link: Night Shade Books Submitting Listener comments: If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know! “Cover to Cover” has it’s own call-in line, 206-350-READ! That’s 206-350-7323, or just email Michael with a comment you’ve recorded yourself! Dragon Page Social Community: Twitter: @dragonpage Facebook: The Dragon Page Second Life: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wind%20River%20Territory/50/129/22 Forums: Dragon Page @ FarPoint Forums Promo: Carina Press Promo: Dragon’s Fire, Wizard’s Flame by Michael R. Mennenga Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole no no http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/05/10/cover-to-cover-453/ http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/05/10/cover-to-cover-453/#comments Tue, 10 May 2011 15:31:55 +0000 Summer Brooks http://www.dragonpage.com/?p=3176 http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/05/10/cover-to-cover-453/feed/ 1 0:31:13 This week, Mike and Mike chat with Ian Fydell about the first book in his Exodus Trilogy, "Breathing Space". Ian talks about his trilogy, the message about environmentalism he wanted to get out there through his fiction, how his publisher, Legwork, [...] This week, Mike and Mike chat with Ian Fydell about the first book in his Exodus Trilogy, "Breathing Space". Ian talks about his trilogy, the message about environmentalism he wanted to get out there through his fiction, how his publisher, Legwork, helped him get the book together, and his massive marketing efforts. Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole no no http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/05/03/cover-to-cover-452/ http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/05/03/cover-to-cover-452/#comments Tue, 03 May 2011 17:35:42 +0000 Summer Brooks http://www.dragonpage.com/?p=3175 http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/05/03/cover-to-cover-452/feed/ 3 0:32:32 Discussion continues on creating, publishing and marketing for authors marketing their own works themselves. Interview: This week, Mike and Mike chat with Tee Morris and Pip Ballantine about their new collaborative novel, Phoenix Rising: A Ministry [...] Discussion continues on creating, publishing and marketing for authors marketing their own works themselves. Interview: This week, Mike and Mike chat with Tee Morris and Pip Ballantine about their new collaborative novel, Phoenix Rising: A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Novel, sort of a steampunk flavored adventure in the fashion of “The Avengers” or “The X-Files”. Tee and Pip talk about opening up their universe to other authors to create stories for, as well as their own collaborative writing and editing process working on this novel and the sequel. Catch them at the Steampunk World’s Fair in Somerset NJ, Balticon, Worldcon in Reno, and a host of other places. Link: The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Link: Phillipa Ballantine Link: Tee Morris Submitting Listener comments: If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know! “Cover to Cover” has it’s own call-in line, 206-350-READ! That’s 206-350-7323, or just email Michael with a comment you’ve recorded yourself! Dragon Page Social Community: Twitter: @dragonpage Facebook: The Dragon Page Second Life: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wind%20River%20Territory/50/129/22 Forums: Dragon Page @ FarPoint Forums Promo: Carina Press Promo: The Gmail Podcast Promo: Dragon’s Fire, Wizard’s Flame by Michael R. Mennenga Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole no no http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/04/26/cover-to-cover-451/ http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/04/26/cover-to-cover-451/#comments Tue, 26 Apr 2011 18:46:58 +0000 Summer Brooks http://www.dragonpage.com/?p=3173 http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/04/26/cover-to-cover-451/feed/ 6 0:39:42 It’s an all voicemail episode! Hopefully everyone who’s had questions or comments will have them answered here. Voicemails: Web Genii has begun gushing on Twelve by Jasper Kent, and wonders if there’s some unwritten rule that force[...] It’s an all voicemail episode! Hopefully everyone who’s had questions or comments will have them answered here. Voicemails: Web Genii has begun gushing on Twelve by Jasper Kent, and wonders if there’s some unwritten rule that forces publishers in each region to begin the typography for a book from scratch, or if they could or would share; Trampas weighs in with his opinions on the Kindle, Nook, and Android; new listener Blair asks a few questions on ISBNs and first-time author ages; Kurt asks Stackpole for an iPad follow up report; John Dodds asks ebook publishing, particularly about sales tracking from publishers (hint: you can do it yourself!); Gary congratulates Mike, Mike and Dragon Page on it’s 9th anniversary; Sean from Edwards laments that his local library is only open 3 days a week, and are soliciting ideas to generate revenue and keep their doors open more; Bionic Geek asks about ways to do notes and highlighting in PDFs in ereaders; Sean asks what might be the best way to rerelease a revised edition of an ebook that previously wasn’t ready for public consumption; Josh comments on the old MFA program discussion; Birder asks what ebooks Mike and Mike have that he can go get; Rift in Bucks Cty runs down the features of the devices that he makes use of and why, since many people are going to need more than one device for everything; Sean from Edwards broke down and will be buying an iPad this year; Rift asks if the guys have heard about Dorchester publishing ebooks they didn’t have rights for; Arkle complains that Mke got him in trouble at work; Kevin from NC realized he was avoiding all the books with sexy women in skin-tight leathers, bare midriffs and heavy weaponry because he doesn’t like urban fantasy, and that’s what those covers scream; Sandra is one of those rare folks that will read a book and watch TV at the same time (Summer used to do that a lot before she had 50 websites to babysit!); Jason from Denver thanks the guys for the Steampunk’d recommendation, and he wants more Chance Morrigan tales, and where to find more steampunk in general; Redshirt doesn’t enjoy the color screen ereaders; Jason in TN thanks the team for having Pamela Sargent on the show; Ben in Tampa wonders if illustrations might make their way back into ebooks; Trampas asks how the process of getting a book in Kindle format works; Sean from Edwards reports that Electronic Arts reported that digital game sales exceeded physical game sales Submitting Listener comments: If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know! “Cover to Cover” has it’s own call-in line, 206-350-READ! That’s 206-350-7323, or just email Michael with a comment you’ve recorded yourself! Dragon Page Social Community: Twitter: @dragonpage Facebook: The Dragon Page Second Life: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wind%20River%20Territory/50/129/22 Forums: Dragon Page @ FarPoint Forums Promo: Dragon’s Fire, Wizard’s Flame by Michael R. Mennenga Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole no no http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/04/18/cover-to-cover-450/ http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/04/18/cover-to-cover-450/#comments Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:24:54 +0000 Summer Brooks http://www.dragonpage.com/?p=3172 http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/04/18/cover-to-cover-450/feed/ 4 0:32:32 Mike M comments on the fiasco that ensued when an author reacted in a vicious and bizarrely self-destructive manner in the public comments on a review of her work, which was a fair review but the type of story wasn’t to his tastes. So is bad p[...] Mike M comments on the fiasco that ensued when an author reacted in a vicious and bizarrely self-destructive manner in the public comments on a review of her work, which was a fair review but the type of story wasn’t to his tastes. So is bad publicity really better than no publicity in the long run? How far is too far? Interview: This week, Mike and Mike chat with legendary SF author William F. Nolan (Logan’s Run) about his latest collection of novellas, Kincaid: A Paranormal Casebook. The stories are a blend of mystery and paranormal horror that are certain to entertain fans of both genres. Bill also talks about his writing process, the importance of writing what still excites you or else the readers will never be excited, how he what he wants to write chooses him, what writers influenced him in his youth, and how he’s looking forward to the feature film remake of Logan’s Run, and more. Link: Rocket Ride Books: KINCAID: A Paranormal Casebook Submitting Listener comments: If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know! “Cover to Cover” has it’s own call-in line, 206-350-READ! That’s 206-350-7323, or just email Michael with a comment you’ve recorded yourself! Dragon Page Social Community: Twitter: @dragonpage Facebook: The Dragon Page Second Life: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wind%20River%20Territory/50/129/22 Forums: Dragon Page @ FarPoint Forums Promo: Technorama Promo: Dragon’s Fire, Wizard’s Flame by Michael R. Mennenga Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole no no http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/04/12/cover-to-cover-449/ http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/04/12/cover-to-cover-449/#comments Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:30:38 +0000 Summer Brooks http://www.dragonpage.com/?p=3170 http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/04/12/cover-to-cover-449/feed/ 2 0:33:18 Mike Stackpole talks about more of the publishing details behind Amanda Hocking’s new print deal, specifically the fact that Amazon was a bidder and had partnered with a traditional publisher for the print editions of the new books. He also ta[...] Mike Stackpole talks about more of the publishing details behind Amanda Hocking’s new print deal, specifically the fact that Amazon was a bidder and had partnered with a traditional publisher for the print editions of the new books. He also talks about the difference in sales numbers between his print editions and the digitial edition sales he’s doing on his own, and they talk about where the tipping point might actually lie. Interview: This week, Mike and Mike chat with Alex Bledsoe about his new book, Dark Jenny from Tor Books. While it’s the third book set in this universe featuring many of the same characters, it’s not a “trilogy” by the standard sense of the word. He talks about his roots in reading pulp mysteries, and how that influenced his decision to create a fantasy novel in that same style, where the characters are having new adventures, but where readers don’t need to read all of the stories in order to be able to follow what’s going on. Alex also talks about how he loves how the Internet is bringing fans and writers closer faster, and all the guys reminisce over their own personal fanboi moments. Link: Alex Bledsoe: Official Website Submitting Listener comments: If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know! “Cover to Cover” has it’s own call-in line, 206-350-READ! That’s 206-350-7323, or just email Michael with a comment you’ve recorded yourself! Dragon Page Social Community: Twitter: @dragonpage Facebook: The Dragon Page Second Life: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wind%20River%20Territory/50/129/22 Forums: Dragon Page @ FarPoint Forums Promo: Romy Nelson’s Ingredients for Life Promo: The Gmail Podcast Promo: Dragon’s Fire, Wizard’s Flame by Michael R. Mennenga Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole no no http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/04/05/cover-to-cover-448/ http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/04/05/cover-to-cover-448/#comments Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:01:51 +0000 Summer Brooks http://www.dragonpage.com/?p=3169 Interview: Kevin J. Anderson and Brian Herbert join us this week in the middle of their book tour to talk about Hellhole, their most recent collaboration and the first in a trilogy set in a new original universe. They talk about their collaborative process, the future of the Dune series, listening to (or not listening to) critics, and why not to buy Christmas presents before December 21, 2012. ]]> http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/04/05/cover-to-cover-448/feed/ 2 0:35:01 Interview: Kevin J. Anderson and Brian Herbert join us this week in the middle of their book tour to talk about Hellhole, their most recent collaboration and the first in a trilogy set in a new original universe. They talk about their collaborati[...] Interview: Kevin J. Anderson and Brian Herbert join us this week in the middle of their book tour to talk about Hellhole, their most recent collaboration and the first in a trilogy set in a new original universe. They talk about their collaborative process, the future of the Dune series, listening to (or not listening to) critics, and why not to buy Christmas presents before December 21, 2012. Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole no no http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/03/22/cover-to-cover-447/ http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/03/22/cover-to-cover-447/#comments Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:45:32 +0000 Summer Brooks http://www.dragonpage.com/?p=3167 http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/03/22/cover-to-cover-447/feed/ 2 0:34:52 News: The guys talk about the argument going on where publishers are pushing to “limit” on the number of times an ebook can be borrowed from a library and read, as well as restricting the regional coverage as to where a person can borrow[...] News: The guys talk about the argument going on where publishers are pushing to “limit” on the number of times an ebook can be borrowed from a library and read, as well as restricting the regional coverage as to where a person can borrow an ebook from. Talk also covers Random House’s recent agreement to the agency model, and the attraction of ease of use as compared to the extra work involved with trying to obtain a product under the table. Interview: This week, Justin Gustainis joins Mike and Mike to discuss his new projects, including the recently released Those Who Fight Monsters, an occult detectives anthology he edited for EDGE SF. Justin talks about why he put together this anthology, who he had contacted to contribute, what he expected and what he didn’t expect during the creation of this book. He also talks about the long-delayed third book in his Quincey Morris series, Sympathy for the Devil, and working with a publisher that was in the process of being sold, and what he might have to do with a book under contract to a house that might no longer exist. Fortunately, the Solaris sale proceeded and the book will be released in July, along with Hard Spell, which is the first book in a new series from Angry Robot Books. Submitting Listener comments: If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know! “Cover to Cover” has it’s own call-in line, 206-350-READ! That’s 206-350-7323, or just email Michael with a comment you’ve recorded yourself! Dragon Page Social Community: Twitter: @dragonpage Facebook: The Dragon Page Second Life: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wind%20River%20Territory/50/129/22 Forums: Dragon Page @ FarPoint Forums Promo: Romy Nelson’s Ingredients for Life Promo: The Gmail Podcast Promo: Dragon’s Fire, Wizard’s Flame by Michael R. Mennenga Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole no no http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/03/15/cover-to-cover-446/ http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/03/15/cover-to-cover-446/#comments Tue, 15 Mar 2011 17:48:02 +0000 Summer Brooks http://www.dragonpage.com/?p=3164 http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/03/15/cover-to-cover-446/feed/ 2 0:33:35 News: Mike and Mike talk about Borders filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and the ripple effects those store closings may create through the rest of the books and publishing industry, in addition to the shifts in sales of physical books and ebooks. I[...] News: Mike and Mike talk about Borders filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and the ripple effects those store closings may create through the rest of the books and publishing industry, in addition to the shifts in sales of physical books and ebooks. Interview: This week, Patricia Briggs joins the guys to talk about her newest book, River Marked, the 6th and newest book in her Mercy Thompson series. In this story, she not only explores Mercy’s Native American heritage, but also delves into a true monster tale. Patricia talks about some of the social exploration she delves into through her urban fantasy universe, and about the research she does in various cities and locations to work those into her stories, including the river monster for River Marked! Link: Patricia Briggs Official Website Submitting Listener comments: If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know! “Cover to Cover” has it’s own call-in line, 206-350-READ! That’s 206-350-7323, or just email Michael with a comment you’ve recorded yourself! Dragon Page Social Community: Twitter: @dragonpage Facebook: The Dragon Page Second Life: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wind%20River%20Territory/50/129/22 Forums: Dragon Page @ FarPoint Forums Promo: How to Grow Your Geek Promo: Slice of SciFi Promo: Dragon’s Fire, Wizard’s Flame by Michael R. Mennenga Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole no no http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/03/07/cover-to-cover-445/ http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/03/07/cover-to-cover-445/#comments Tue, 08 Mar 2011 03:46:52 +0000 Summer Brooks http://www.dragonpage.com/?p=3163 http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/03/07/cover-to-cover-445/feed/ 2 0:36:08 Stackpole has seen a rough cut of the new Conan the Barbarian feature (since he’s writing the novelization), and since he can’t tell us any real details, he teases us in just telling us he’d seen it, but he likes Jason Momoa as Con[...] Stackpole has seen a rough cut of the new Conan the Barbarian feature (since he’s writing the novelization), and since he can’t tell us any real details, he teases us in just telling us he’d seen it, but he likes Jason Momoa as Conan, and he likes that this movie is closer to the Robert E. Howard stories than the previous movies. Interview: This week, our guest is Jon F. Merz, and the latest book in his Lawson Vampire series is The Kensei. Lawson is fixer in the vampire world, and his primary mission is to protect the secrecy of their existence. Jon also talks about his newfound conversion to being an ebook proponent, his forays into writing a young adult series, and about their independent production of a pilot for “The Kensei” and plans to shop that around as a television series. The first four books in the Lawson series are out of print, but newly available in Kindle and Nook formats, so it’ll be easy for you to catch up! Links: Jon F. Merz Official Website Listener Feedback: Oscar from Sweden calls to thank Mike and Mike for helping his writing via The Secrets and Dragon Page, and to tell us he’s been inspired to started up his own small press (Oscar! Email us your website links so we can send people your way!) Submitting Listener comments: If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know! “Cover to Cover” has it’s own call-in line, 206-350-READ! That’s 206-350-7323, or just email Michael with a comment you’ve recorded yourself! Dragon Page Social Community: Twitter: @dragonpage Facebook: The Dragon Page Second Life: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wind%20River%20Territory/50/129/22 Forums: Dragon Page @ FarPoint Forums Promo: The Gmail Podcast Promo: Technorama Promo: Dragon’s Fire, Wizard’s Flame by Michael R. Mennenga Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole no no http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/02/28/cover-to-cover-444/ http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/02/28/cover-to-cover-444/#comments Tue, 01 Mar 2011 05:46:42 +0000 Summer Brooks http://www.dragonpage.com/?p=3161 http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/02/28/cover-to-cover-444/feed/ 3 0:28:44 Voicemail: Web Genii mentions a blog post that talks about meaduring the numbers of book torrent downloads, and wants to know if electronic book sales currently count towards the New York Times Best Sellers Lists; she also asks what might be the sen[...] Voicemail: Web Genii mentions a blog post that talks about meaduring the numbers of book torrent downloads, and wants to know if electronic book sales currently count towards the New York Times Best Sellers Lists; she also asks what might be the sense is behind regional restrictions of electronic books. Mike S reminds us that the NYT lists are based on number of books purchased by bookstores to sell, not actual copies sold… USA Today’s lists are based on actual books sold out of bookstores. You never thought you’d hear Ayn Rand being used to examine the difference between information that should be free and entertainment that should be paid for, didja? The Library: New additions to the studio Library this week: Flip This Zombie! by Jesse Petersen; Agatha H and the Airship City by Phil and Kaja Foglio; Grail by Elizabeth Bear; Jack: Secret Vengeance by F. Paul Wilson; The Raven Queen by Jules Watson; Shadow Fever by Karen Marie Moning; Across the Universe by Beth Revis; Extreme Perspective for Artists by David Chelsea Submitting Listener comments: If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know! “Cover to Cover” has it’s own call-in line, 206-350-READ! That’s 206-350-7323, or just email Michael with a comment you’ve recorded yourself! Dragon Page Social Community: Twitter: @dragonpage Facebook: The Dragon Page Second Life: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wind%20River%20Territory/50/129/22 Forums: Dragon Page @ FarPoint Forums Promo: Slice of SciFi Promo: Dragon’s Fire, Wizard’s Flame by Michael R. Mennenga Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole no no http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/02/22/cover-to-cover-443/ http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/02/22/cover-to-cover-443/#comments Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:00:26 +0000 Summer Brooks http://www.dragonpage.com/?p=3160 http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/02/22/cover-to-cover-443/feed/ 2 0:33:42 Mike and Mike continue the discussion from previous episodes, about the business of publishing and electronic self-publishing. Remember, when dealing with contracts and items that might not be explicitly covered, be safe and ALWAYS get it in writing[...] Mike and Mike continue the discussion from previous episodes, about the business of publishing and electronic self-publishing. Remember, when dealing with contracts and items that might not be explicitly covered, be safe and ALWAYS get it in writing. Interview: This week, our guest is Alan Dean Foster, and his latest SF novel is The Human Blend, and his newest book is a memoir, Predators I Have Known (coming out as a first print digital edition). In The Human Blend, he explores a world where genetic engineering and body modifications are widely in use, including as punishments for criminals. It’s the first book in his new “The Tipping Point” trilogy. Alan is also a conservationist and lover of the natural world, and has spent the last few years traveling the globe and interacting with some of its most dangerous creatures. Predators I Have Known chronicles his adventure travels around the world, taking readers through the heart of the Amazon on the trail of deadly tangarana ants, riding on the back of an elephant on safari in India in search of the elusive tiger, and face to face with Great White sharks off the coast of Australia. Open Road Media, the publisher, has also incorporated some of the video that Alan has shot over the years into the ebook, along with a few of his media interviews. Link: Alan Dean Foster @ Open Road Media Link: @openroadmedia on Twitter Feedback Wanted: What do you think about submitting writing related questions to “Cover to Cover”? What do you think about having authors read chapters as part of the show? Call in or email in with your thoughts! Submitting Listener comments: If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know! “Cover to Cover” has it’s own call-in line, 206-350-READ! That’s 206-350-7323, or just email Michael with a comment you’ve recorded yourself! Dragon Page Social Community: Twitter: @dragonpage Facebook: The Dragon Page Second Life: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wind%20River%20Territory/50/129/22 Forums: Dragon Page @ FarPoint Forums Promo: Romy Nelson’s Ingredients for Life Promo: Dragon’s Fire, Wizard’s Flame by Michael R. Mennenga Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole no no http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/02/14/cover-to-cover-442/ http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/02/14/cover-to-cover-442/#comments Tue, 15 Feb 2011 02:32:17 +0000 Summer Brooks http://www.dragonpage.com/?p=3158 http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/02/14/cover-to-cover-442/feed/ 3 0:37:26 The guys talk about the USA Today article that ran last week about authors who are making lots of money through ebooks, and they also talk about the changing marketplace for books and the expanding community building that’s happening between a[...] The guys talk about the USA Today article that ran last week about authors who are making lots of money through ebooks, and they also talk about the changing marketplace for books and the expanding community building that’s happening between authors and readers. Mike Stackpole also promises to update us on what he can talk about after his LA trip for the novelization of the new Conan movie. Link: Authors catch fire with self-published e-books Link: Is there hope for small bookstores in a digital age? Interview: This week, Angela James, Executive Editor of Carina Press, joins us to talk about the digital book marketplace, and some of the changing trends in reading habits, reading formats, and options for a wider range of authors, and more. Carina Press is the digital firsts imprint for Harlequin, but it’s not focused solely on romances… they have selections in steampunk, science fiction, mysteries, paranormal fiction, romance crossovers, and some other smaller fiction niches for readers to choose from and for authors to create stories for. Feedback Wanted: What do you think about submitting writing related questions to “Cover to Cover”? What do you think about having authors read chapters as part of the show? Call in or email in with your thoughts! Submitting Listener comments: If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know! “Cover to Cover” has it’s own call-in line, 206-350-READ! That’s 206-350-7323, or just email Michael with a comment you’ve recorded yourself! Dragon Page Social Community: Twitter: @dragonpage Facebook: The Dragon Page Second Life: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wind%20River%20Territory/50/129/22 Forums: Dragon Page @ FarPoint Forums Promo: The Gmail Podcast Promo: Dragon’s Fire, Wizard’s Flame by Michael R. Mennenga Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole no no http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/02/08/cover-to-cover-441/ http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/02/08/cover-to-cover-441/#comments Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:35:49 +0000 Summer Brooks http://www.dragonpage.com/?p=3155 http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/02/08/cover-to-cover-441/feed/ 4 0:32:26 Mike Stackpole talks about his latest project, Conan the Barbarian, which is the novelization of the new movie which is currently in post-production. Hopefully he will give us a full impression of the film once he’s seen it! Interview: This we[...] Mike Stackpole talks about his latest project, Conan the Barbarian, which is the novelization of the new movie which is currently in post-production. Hopefully he will give us a full impression of the film once he’s seen it! Interview: This week’s guest is Mercedes Lackey, whose newest anthology Trio of Sorcery from Tor Books is a collection of two stories featuring her popular urban fantasy heroines, Diana Tregarde and Jennifer Talldeer, plus a new story with a new heroine, technoshaman Ellen McBridge. This collection could be the reboot to both the Diana Tregarde series and Jennifer Talldeer series, which have had readers waiting for a long time for new tales! Mercedes also talks about the “Secret World Chronicles” podcast novels, how they were inspired by “City of Heroes” game play and role playing experiences. She also discusses what she sees as the appeal of superhero fiction, in both graphic and prose formats, and how they are used and portrayed in the “Secret World” stories. “Secret World Chronicles” has been sold as a series of print novels from Baen, and the first book, “Invasion”, will be available in bookstores in March 2011. Official Website: http://secretworldchronicle.com/ iTunes URL: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-secret-world-chronicle/id211347249 Feedback Wanted: What do you think about submitting writing related questions to “Cover to Cover”? What do you think about having authors read chapters as part of the show? Call in or email in with your thoughts! Submitting Listener comments: If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know! “Cover to Cover” has it’s own call-in line, 206-350-READ! That’s 206-350-7323, or just email Michael with a comment you’ve recorded yourself! Dragon Page Social Community: Twitter: @dragonpage Facebook: The Dragon Page Second Life: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wind%20River%20Territory/50/129/22 Forums: Dragon Page @ FarPoint Forums Promo: Slice of SciFi: For All Your SciFi Entertainment News Promo: Dragon’s Fire, Wizard’s Flame by Michael R. Mennenga Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole no no http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/01/31/cover-to-cover-440/ http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/01/31/cover-to-cover-440/#comments Tue, 01 Feb 2011 02:39:40 +0000 Summer Brooks http://www.dragonpage.com/?p=3154 http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/01/31/cover-to-cover-440/feed/ 2 0:32:28 Yes, the boys have been busy, but they’re back to dive into book talk just for you! Mike M and Mike S discuss some of the recent challenges facing some of the big bookstores and publishing companies, including sales reporting issues with the N[...] Yes, the boys have been busy, but they’re back to dive into book talk just for you! Mike M and Mike S discuss some of the recent challenges facing some of the big bookstores and publishing companies, including sales reporting issues with the Nook and figuring out different ways to possibly increase recommender links, and marketing tricks for ebook design. Interview: This week’s guest is Shawn Kupfer, whose new book 47 Echo is a military scifi thriller from Carina Press. The story follows the exploits of a prisoner-soldier, Nick Morrow, during a future war with China-North Korea. Shawn’s book is a digital only release from Carina Press, available on Kindle and from Audible now, and Shawn also talks about the bold steps Carina Press is taking with not paying author advances and also not having any DRM in their products. Find Shawn at: http://www.47echo.com Feedback Wanted: What do you think about submitting writing related questions to “Cover to Cover”? What do you think about having authors read chapters as part of the show? Call in or email in with your thoughts! Submitting Listener comments: If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know! “Cover to Cover” has it’s own call-in line, 206-350-READ! That’s 206-350-7323, or just email Michael with a comment you’ve recorded yourself! Dragon Page Social Community: Twitter: @dragonpage Facebook: The Dragon Page Second Life: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wind%20River%20Territory/50/129/22 Forums: Dragon Page @ FarPoint Forums Link: Dragon’s Fire, Wizard’s Flame by Michael R. Mennenga Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole no no http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/01/17/cover-to-cover-439a/ http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/01/17/cover-to-cover-439a/#comments Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:30:24 +0000 Summer Brooks http://www.dragonpage.com/?p=3147 http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/01/17/cover-to-cover-439a/feed/ 5 0:32:37 Mike M and Mike S talk a little bit about some of the gadget developments coming out of CES and some of the gadgets being allowed to pass into oblivion. Voicemail: Trampas finds irony in Summer reading the description of a book featuring characters [...] Mike M and Mike S talk a little bit about some of the gadget developments coming out of CES and some of the gadgets being allowed to pass into oblivion. Voicemail: Trampas finds irony in Summer reading the description of a book featuring characters named Sunshine and Rayne; Mike in Germany asks if there’s a “dummies” level guide that can help authors get started in the electronic publishing realm; Trampas finds irony in eating chicken nuggets while listening to Tracy Hickman talking about cannibalism The Library: New books from over the holidays: Echo by Jack McDevitt; Starbound by Joe Haldeman; The Human Blend by Alan Dean Foster; House of Reckoning by John Saul; Alien Tango by Gini Koch; Dream Fever by Karen Marie Moning; Dreadnought by Cherie Priest; The Buntline Special by Mike Resnick Feedback Wanted: What do you think about submitting writing related questions to “Cover to Cover”? What do you think about having authors read chapters as part of the show? Call in or email in with your thoughts! Submitting Listener comments: If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know! “Cover to Cover” has it’s own call-in line, 206-350-READ! That’s 206-350-7323, or just email Michael with a comment you’ve recorded yourself! Dragon Page Social Community: Twitter: @dragonpage Facebook: Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole no no http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/01/11/cover-to-cover-438a/ http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/01/11/cover-to-cover-438a/#comments Tue, 11 Jan 2011 17:36:17 +0000 Summer Brooks http://www.dragonpage.com/?p=3143 http://www.dragonpage.com/2011/01/11/cover-to-cover-438a/feed/ 1 0:33:19 Mike and Mike recap some publishing news, the big one being that Borders has been delaying payments to creditors, including publishers, because of liquidity issues. Will some of these issues, combined with the increase in ebook sales, mean that loca[...] Mike and Mike recap some publishing news, the big one being that Borders has been delaying payments to creditors, including publishers, because of liquidity issues. Will some of these issues, combined with the increase in ebook sales, mean that local and indie bookstores will have a chance to recover some of their lost marketshares? How will the social aspect of books and book-buying change? Will the shopping and social connection with books become redefined again? Rich from NoCal asks how the new Net Neutrality rules might affect the ability of authors and artists to sell their works themselves, and while the landscape is still new, it is something to keep in mind over the next few years. Feedback Wanted: What do you think about submitting writing related questions to “Cover to Cover”? What do you think about having authors read chapters as part of the show? Call in or email in with your thoughts! Submitting Listener comments: If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know! “Cover to Cover” has it’s own call-in line, 206-350-READ! That’s 206-350-7323, or just email Michael with a comment you’ve recorded yourself! Dragon Page Social Community: Twitter: @dragonpage Facebook: Michael R. Mennenga, Summer Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole no no