Eyewitness to PNH Outburst Refutes CHORF Cover Story

This blog's regular readers may recall Tor Science Fiction Manager Patrick Nielsen Hayden's unprofessional outburst in response to my editor's appeal for reconciliation at this year's Hugo Awards. Now, more than three weeks after the fact, Teresa Nielsen Hayden emerges with a markedly (and conveniently) different version of events. Lamplighter's…
September 15, 2015
Nethereal Review at Yard Sale of the Mind

Nethereal Review at Yard Sale of the Mind

I'm greatly pleased to report that the redoubtable Joseph Moore has reviewed Nethereal with his customary insight and wisdom. Here's a sample: Nethereal is an exercise not so much in world-building as in universe-building. Niemeier creates a universe only superficially related to ours, and then explores the differences. This universe is…
September 12, 2015
Project Updates

Project Updates

I've been blessed with an abundance of projects lately, so I thought I'd update everyone on what's in store for the near future. First up, I'll be rejoining Daddy Warpig and Dorrinal tomorrow at 4 PM Central for a brand-new episode of Geek Gab, which made its highly anticipated and triumphant…
September 11, 2015

New Statement on the Hugo Data from Sasquan

Cathy Mullican sends this new reply to my demand that Sasquan follow the non-binding resolution passed at this year's business meeting and release the Hugo Award nominating data. The nominating and voting statistics are available from http://www.thehugoawards.org/content/pdf/2015HugoStatistics.pdf -- this is the data that has been released by every Worldcon since…
September 10, 2015
Review: Hard Magic by Larry Correia

Review: Hard Magic by Larry Correia

A friend was recently asked which novel is the best introduction to Larry Correia's work. She recommended Hard Magic: Grimnoir Chronicles Book I, and I was reminded that, although I've read and enjoy the book, I haven't reviewed it yet. This post is meant to correct that oversight. NB: I'll do my…
September 9, 20152 Comments
Hugo Committee Reneges on Resolution to Release Data

Hugo Committee Reneges on Resolution to Release Data

In a move that's par for the course in this drama-fraught Hugo Awards season, the Sasquan committee has announced their intention not to follow through on a non-binding resolution to release anonymized data pertaining to the 2015 award nominations. Back at Sasquan, the BM passed a non-binding resolution to request…
September 8, 2015
Geek Gab Returns

Geek Gab Returns

Huzzah! Geek Gab returns. I wasn't able to make it due to a scheduling conflict, but Daddy Warpig and Dorrinal capably hold their own. Listen to their discussion of BBC's Sherlock and the 2015 Hugo Awards controversy here.
September 6, 2015
Amazon Stumbles Over Parody Book

Amazon Stumbles Over Parody Book

Regular visitors to this blog will have noticed my generally favorable disposition toward Amazon. I consider it a public service to refute the deceptive zombie memes spread by Amazon's less scrupulous detractors. These actions are rooted in my commitment to support what's best for readers and authors. In most cases…
September 4, 2015
How to Write Romance

How to Write Romance

Didn't expect a guy who likes space battles, gun porn, and horror films to write about romance, did you?  Well, like others in my theological tradition, surprise is among my chief weapons. I recently finished the final draft of the second Soul Cycle book, Souldancer. While Nethereal had some romantic elements, romance is…
September 3, 2015