Adventures in Sci Fi Publishing is back!

I’ve been meaning to post this for a while, but about a month ago, I noticed something awesome in my podcast catcher: a new episode of Adventures in Sci Fi Publishing!

AISFP is an awesome podcast about the sf&f publishing world–one of the best podcasts on writing and publishing that I’ve found.  It’s hosted by Shaun Farrell, a playright and aspiring writer, and Sam Wynns, who runs the independent bookstore Mysterious Galaxies.  Each show runs about an hour, where they discuss news from the publishing world and typically interview a published author (ocassionally some big names, like Terry Goodkind and Tracy Hickman).

I can’t tell you how helpful I’ve found these interviews: Shaun Farrell knows all the right questions to ask, whether it’s about the writing process, the publication process, where the writers get their ideas, their personal experiences with writing, etc.  Awesome stuff–very useful for an aspiring writer like myself.

A while ago, the podcast went on hiatus (oh no!  not another awesome cast podfading into oblivion!), but now they’re back!  If you haven’t done so, you really should check them out: here is the podcast feed.

In one of the latest episodes, they interviewed author Greg Van Eekhout, who’s debut novel Norse Code is out in stores.  In order to spread publicity about the podcast (and the book), they decided to throw a blogging contest where they give away five copies of the novel.  To be honest, that’s why I’m writing this post–but it’s not the only reason.  Let me tell you about this novel, and I think you’ll see why.

Normally, I don’t usually get interested in a book because of a blurb or a description–especially if the author himself (or herself) gives it.  But Mr. Eekhout’s description of his novel on the show grabbed my attention.  Basically, Norse Code is a story about the Norse legends of the end of the world–Ragnarok–except that they’re all  coming true in our day and age, in Los Angeles.  All the Norse Gods are characters in the novel, including several minor gods, and some mortals as well, including a college student who dies and becomes a valkyrie.  All the major gods know that they’re going to die, but several of the minor gods are destined to survive and rebuild the world after the apocalypse.  Also, the novel has talking, scheming crows–how cool is that?

So yeah, you should check it out.  Also, if you’re an aspiring writer like me, you really should  check out Adventures in Sci Fi Publishing, and I’m not just saying that because of this contest.  I’ve been listening to this podcast since freshman year of college, and it is one of the best writing podcasts I’ve heard.  I’d definitely put it up there with Writing Excuses as one of the essential podcasts I subscribe to.  So check it out!