The 2012 Hugo Award Nominations

The finalists for the 2012 Hugo Award have been announced. I'm delighted to be nominated a sixth time in the category of Best Professional Editor - Long Form. I'm thrilled to have made the ballot again, and also thrilled to see so many other deserving people (many of them friends) all over the list. The awards will be presented at Chicon 7, the 70th World Science Fiction Convention, which is to be held on August 30 to September 3, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601. Good luck to us all!

Chiseled in Rock

Today, I am interviewed by Chiseled in Rock, the Official Blog of the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. We talk about science fiction and fantasy publishing, but also about film and television, and answer the all important question Star Trek or Star Wars. Here's a taste, but please check out the whole interview:

CIR: Is there a type or style of science fiction and fantasy that you would recommend aspiring writers pursue or avoid? For example, are there topics that are overdone or ones that you think need greater exploration?

LA: That’s a dangerous question. You can’t really write for what you perceive the market to be, because by the time you’ve put the year or two in that it takes to write a novel, spent the year or more it takes to sell it, and then gone through the year it takes to publish it, whatever you thought was the hot category is half a decade out of date. We have a husband-wife author team, Clay and Susan Griffith, who have a very hot vampire-steampunk novel. You’d think they were capitalizing on a trend, but the truth is that steampunk wasn’t hot when they started and they joke that they saw vampires fall in and out of fashion twice while they were working on the first manuscript. That being said, as long as Game of Thrones is on HBO, the industry will be looking for another gritty, epic fantasy, and I personally am curious to see someone bridge the gap between urban fantasy’s core female readership and classic sword & sorcery fiction. But don’t write to someone else’s expectation. Write what you are moved to write. If it doesn’t excite you, how can it excite anyone else?

Starship Troopers - Invasion

Sure, why not?

High Praise Indeed

Jon Sprunk's Shadow's Master is getting some very high praise:

"Sprunk sets old-fashioned sword and sorcery in a noir fantasy that should appeal to fans of Michael Moorcock's Elric novels and the 'Thieves' World' stories by Robert Lynn Asprin and Lynn Abbey." - Library Journal

"As good as we're likely to get until the next Fritz Lieber shows up" - Critical Mass

Superman vs Batman

Smart Pop Books has made my essay, "A Tale of Two Orphans: The Man of Steel vs The Caped Crusader," available for free this week only. The essay comes from The Man from Krypton: A Closer Look at Superman, edited by Glenn Yeffeth.

Functioning Fine Thank You

In episode 93 of the Functional Nerds podcast, Patrick Hester and John Anealio welcome Lou Anders back to the show to chat with E.C. Meyers about Young Adult Fiction.



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Skyrim

Last month, I broke a six year game hiatus and bought Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. I've been playing for about a month now. And I am finding the playing of it to be incredible. Without being spoilery - The basic set up is that a Roman like power has taken a sudden and increased interest in policing the northernmost edge of their territories, Skyrim, home to a Norse type people called the Nords. This is building towards a civil war, and apparently I'll have to pick a side at some point.

My character started off avoiding both favors and conflicts, just exploring and staying out of the way of big events,  but because of mistreatment at the hands of the "Imperials," I found I didn't mind stealing from them or local Jarls who were obviously in their pocket. Gradually, my character is coming to sympathize with the Nords and tries not to steal from Nords or harm Nords. I say "tries," because I did steal some coins from a table in an inn, only to hear the innkeeper tell a maid that she wishes she could afford to keep her on full time. I felt guilty and spent the a good deal on breakfast there the next morning.

Then, I needed to practice lockpicking. It was night, I was outdoors, and figured I'd pick a stable door. I had no interest in thievery, just saw it as a low risk chance to bone up on my skills. I was spotted, panicked, and stole a horse. I felt guilty, tried to take it back, panicked again, then rode off on it. I stumbled on a bridge and fell in a swift current, was knocked unconscious and the horse was killed, smashed on a rock. Man, I felt bad about that horse.

I've decided I won't back up to the last save. My character lives with their mistakes. So I felt terrible that I'd stolen a horse and killed it a half mile later. But that's what I did.

Then two weeks ago, I entered someone's house, sat at their table, and tried to talk. I accidentally hit the wrong button and stole some food off their table in their view. I put it back, then put back more than I intended, so took my food back again. The woman cried thief and attacked me with a dagger. I ran back, trying to get away and very deliberately not drawing my weapon. But my trigger happy hireling, obviously defending me, whipped out her sword and cut the woman down. At which point a blood curdling shriek to my left made me aware that we had murdered an innocent woman in view of her little boy. He cried "oh my gods know" and ran out into the street. And we rode out of town fast.

So, my "basically good" character has stolen from a poor innkeeper, stolen and killed a horse, and cut down a woman in front of her son. And feels terrible about it.

And yesterday I got my housecarl Lydia killed. The fact that I didn't like her (and she doesn't seem to have liked me) makes the guilt worse.

This is so different from all the sick things you can do in GTA or something. You could play Skyrim as a psychopath and kill everyone (though I suspect you'd be cut down by bounty hunters before you got very far) or you can play it as a white knight and help everyone. But what amazes me is the way I'm playing as someone who is trying, but not always succeeding, in being good, and has done some terrible things. I'm amazed at the way that my intentions combined with the game environment is creating a moral character personal beyond what just I, or just the game, wants for her to have. I've never played a game this nuanced before in my life.

I'm going to be playing it for a long time.

The SF Signal Podcast: 2012 Sword & Sorcery Mega Panel (Pt 1)

Today, SF Signal has posted the first of their new series of sword & sorcery themed podcasts with a focus on contemporary works and authors. Episode 108 features a panel of such S&S notables as Scott H. Andrews, editor of Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Violette Malan, of the Dhulyn and Parno novels, and James L. Sutter, co-creator of the Pathfinder RPG, fiction editor of the Pathfinder Tales line, and author of the B&N Top Ten fantasy novel, Death's Heretic. And then there's me, relevant to this discussion as editor of many fine S&S novels, as well as co-editor of the WFC, Locus, and Shirley Jackson-nominated anthology, Swords & Dark Magic. S&S is a subgenre near and dear to my heart, and this podcast was a tremendous pleasure. Do check it out, and thanks to Patrick Hester and Jaym Gates for making it happen.
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Enhanced Game of Thrones (UK Only)

Oh, I hope the US publisher is looking into this. Also, I'd love it if iBooks had a feature that allowed you to "upgrade to the enhanced version" if you've already bought the non-enhanced.

Fan Made John Carter Trailer

This fan - cut trailer for John Carter is better than anything the studios have put out. So much so that's it's pumped my excitement for the movie up a notch.

DC ENTERTAINMENT OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCES “BEFORE WATCHMEN”

I, for one, am very curious to hear the backstory on how this came about...

DC ENTERTAINMENT OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCES “BEFORE WATCHMEN”

This summer, DC Entertainment will publish all-new stories expanding on the acclaimed WATCHMEN universe. As highly anticipated as they are controversial, the seven inter-connected prequel mini-series will build on the foundation of the original WATCHMEN, the bestselling graphic novel of all time. BEFORE WATCHMEN will be the collective banner for all seven titles, from DC Comics.

“It’s our responsibility as publishers to find new ways to keep all of our characters relevant,” said DC Entertainment Co-Publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee. “After twenty five years, the Watchmen are classic characters whose time has come for new stories to be told. We sought out the best writers and artists in the industry to build on the complex mythology of the original.”

Stepping up to the challenge is a group of the comic book industry’s most iconoclastic writers and artists – including Brian Azzarello (100 BULLETS), Lee Bermejo (JOKER), Amanda Conner (POWER GIRL), Darwyn Cooke (JUSTICE LEAGUE: NEW FRONTIER), John Higgins (WATCHMEN), Adam Hughes (CATWOMAN), J.G. Jones (FINAL CRISIS), Andy Kubert (FLASHPOINT), Joe Kubert (SGT. ROCK), Jae Lee (BATMAN: JEKYLL AND HYDE), J. Michael Straczynski (SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE) and Len Wein (SWAMP THING).

BEFORE WATCHMEN includes:

-       RORSCHACH (4 issues) – Writer: Brian Azzarello. Artist: Lee Bermejo

-       MINUTEMEN (6 issues) – Writer/Artist: Darwyn Cooke

-       COMEDIAN (6 issues) – Writer: Brian Azzarello. Artist: J.G. Jones

-       DR. MANHATTAN (4 issues) – Writer: J. Michael Straczynski. Artist:  Adam Hughes

-       NITE OWL (4 issues) – Writer: J. Michael Straczynski. Artists: Andy and Joe Kubert

-       OZYMANDIAS (6 issues) – Writer: Len Wein. Artist: Jae Lee

-       SILK SPECTRE (4 issues) – Writer: Darwyn Cooke. Artist: Amanda Conner

Each week, a new issue will be released, and will feature a two-page back-up story called CURSE OF THE CRIMSON CORSAIR, written by original series editor Len Wein and with art by original series colorist John Higgins. There will also be a single issue, BEFORE WATCHMEN: EPILOGUE, featuring the work of various writers and artists, and a CRIMSON CORSAIR story by Wein and Higgins.

“The original series of WATCHMEN is the complete story that Alan Moore and I wanted to tell. However, I appreciate DC's reasons for this initiative and the wish of the artists and writers involved to pay tribute to our work. May these new additions have the success they desire,” said Dave Gibbons, WATCHMEN co-creator and original series artist.

“Comic books are perhaps the largest and longest running form of collaborative fiction,” said DiDio and Lee. “Collaborative storytelling is what keeps these fictional universes current and relevant.”

David Hyde | Vice President of Publicity

DC Entertainment | A Warner Bros. Entertainment Group

1700 Broadway | New York, NY 10019

T: 212-636-5450 | F: 212-636-5756

david.hyde@dccomics.com | visit us: http://www.dccomics.com

DC fights Hunger in Horn of Africa

Worth passing on:

DC ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES “WE CAN BE HEROES,”

 AN UNPRECEDENTED GIVING CAMPAIGN TO FIGHT

THE HUNGER CRISIS IN THE HORN OF AFRICA

Featuring Iconic Justice League Characters, Multilayered Campaign

To Leverage All Time Warner Advertising Platforms

Generating Significant Awareness of the Crisis

Multi-Million-Dollar Commitment Will Support

Three Aid Groups Working in Africa:

Save the Children, International Rescue Committee and Mercy Corps

        (January 23, 2012 – New York, NY)  DC Entertainment, home of the world’s greatest super heroes, today unveiled an unprecedented giving campaign to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.  This multi-million-dollar commitment over the next two years will be supported across all Warner Bros. Entertainment’s and Time Warner’s businesses and feature DC Entertainment’s iconic Justice League characters, including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg, issuing the call to action, “We Can Be Heroes.”  The announcements were made at a press conference today in New York by Barry Meyer, Chairman & CEO, Warner Bros.; Jeff Robinov, President, Warner Bros. Pictures Group; and Diane Nelson, President, DC Entertainment.

        We Can Be Heroes will support the efforts of three humanitarian aid organizations working in Africa—Save the Children, International Rescue Committee and Mercy Corps—as part of the global effort to fight the current hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.  The region is suffering its worst drought and famine in over 60 years, with 13 million in need of critical assistance and 250,000 facing starvation in Somalia alone.  Each partner organization was chosen for its track record of effective and expeditious humanitarian aid efforts in Africa.

        We Can Be Heroes will be supported via promotional exposure across all of Time Warner’s divisional advertising platforms (Warner Bros., Turner Broadcasting, Time Inc., HBO), generating millions of consumer impressions and creating crucially needed awareness of this crisis worldwide.  Save the Children, International Rescue Committee and Mercy Corps will equally share a corporate donation of at least $2 million over the next two years comprised of cash donations, employee matching funds and consumer matching funds. 

        “Warner Bros. has a long history of corporate philanthropy and outreach, and this campaign proudly continues that tradition,” said Meyer.  “We are a global company, and this is a global issue.  By marshalling our expertise in consumer and fan engagement and creating global awareness, we hope we’re able to inspire others to join us in becoming ‘heroes’ and make a difference in the Horn of Africa.”

        The Justice League characters were chosen by DC Entertainment both for their global recognition as well as their demonstration of strength in unity and numbers.  The campaign’s graphic identifier features the iconic Justice League characters—Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg—outlined in silhouette against the African continent.  Each of these characters is a super hero in his or her own right, but when they band together as the Justice League, they become an unstoppable force for good and right in the universe—a key message of the We Can Be Heroes campaign. While many individuals may feel powerless to effect change on their own, as part of a global campaign such as this, their efforts, combined with those of other donors, can create a world of change.

        A key launch element of We Can Be Heroes is the campaign’s website, www.WeCanBeHeroes.org.  Here, consumers can make donations which DC Entertainment will match 100 percent (up to $1 million in donations), purchase specially branded merchandise, with 50 percent of the purchase price going to fight the hunger crisis via We Can Be Heroes,  sign up for newsletters and updates, and join the We Can Be Heroes online community.  The site will also feature information on each of the partner organizations and updates on current conditions in the Horn of Africa. 

        “This campaign goes straight to the heart of our core competency, as Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment both have a rich legacy of telling socially relevant, compelling stories with characters embraced by global audiences,” said Robinov.  “The fact that we’re able to take what we do and use it to raise awareness—and inspire action—around a cause as important as this is gratifying.  With the support of the entire Studio and our Time Warner sister companies, this campaign, like the DC Comics super heroes, will make a great impact on an important issue.”

        “The members of the Justice League are an international team of super heroes beloved by a broad range of fans, including men and women, young and old.  This makes them the perfect ‘spokescharacters’ for this campaign,” said Nelson.  “Their dedication to social justice and commitment to band together to defend the helpless brilliantly supports the ideals of the We Can Be Heroes campaign.  The hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa is something we can reverse if we all work together.  I’m proud and grateful we’re able to harness the power and standing of the DC Comics brand and iconic characters as well as for the support from both Warner Bros. and Time Warner that has allowed us to pursue this unprecedented initiative.”

        “This is a tragic situation affecting millions and millions of people.  Everyone has the ability to be a part of the solution and efforts such as We Can Be Heroes help bring us closer to that goal,” said Dr. Jill Biden, who visited refugees in Kenya in August and has worked to raise awareness of the crisis.  “I commend the efforts of DC Entertainment, Warner Bros. and other organizations who are using their global reach to help raise awareness of the crisis.”

        For more information on We Can Be Heroes, visit www.WeCanBeHeroes.org.  For more information on the campaign’s partner organizations, visit their websites: www.savethechildren.org (Save the Children); www.rescue.org (International Rescue Committee) and www.mercycorps.org (Mercy Corps).

# # #

About DC Entertainment: 

DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating its content across Warner Bros. Entertainment and Time Warner.  DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world.  In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes—a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes—to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

Contact:

Nicole Stipp/Fenton                             Courtney Simmons/DC Entertainment

nstipp@fenton.com                               Courtney.Simmons@warnerbros.com

212/584-5000                                    818/977-7764

Kelly Osmundson                         Paul McGuire

kosmundson@fenton.com                   Paul.McGuire@warnerbros.com

415/901-0111                                    818/954-6152

Books I Edited and Art Directed in 2011

Here, for your enjoyment and edification, is a list of all the Pyr novels published in 2011 for which I served as editorial director, editor, and art director. Also included is a list of each work's respective cover artist. Please don't forget to carefully consider illustration and illustrators when you are voting in the various awards and best of the year polls. Our illustrators are an incredible and unique asset of science fiction and fantasy publishing and we should celebrate them. Happy New Year!

Demonstorm (Legends of the Raven 3)
by James Barclay
art by Raymond Swanland

Cowboy Angels
by Paul McAuley
art by Sparth

Thirteen Years Later
by Jasper Kent
art by Paul Young

The Scar-Crow Men (Swords of the Albion Book 2)
by Mark Chadbourn
art by Chris McGrath

Black Halo (The Aeons' Gate Book Two)
by Sam Sykes
art by Paul Young

Expedition to the Mountains of the Moon
by Mark Hodder
art by Jon Sullivan

The Scarab Path (Shadows of the Apt, Book 5)
by Adrian Tchaikovsky
art by Jon Sullivan

The Alchemist in the Shadows
by Pierre Pevel
art by Jon Sullivan

Haven: A Trial of Blood and Steel Book Four
by Joel Shepherd
art by David Palumbo

City of Ruins
by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
art by Dave Seeley

Shadow's Lure
by Jon Sprunk
art by Michael Komarck

The Falling Machine (The Society of Steam, Book One)
by Andrew P. Mayer
art by Justin Gerard

Sword of Fire and Sea (The Chaos Knight Book One)
by Erin Hoffman
art by DeHong He

The Goblin Corps
by Ari Marmell
art by Lucas Graciano

Ghosts of War
by George Mann
art by Benjamin Carre

Ravensoul (Legends of the Raven, Book 4)
by James Barclay
art by Raymond Swanland 

Down to the Bone (Quantum Gravity, Book 5)
by Justina Robson
art by Larry Rostant

The Rift Walker (Vampire Empire, Book 2)
by Clay and Susan Griffith
art by Chris McGrath

Blackdog
by K.V. Johansen
art by Raymond Swanland 

The Restoration Game
by Ken MacLeod
art by Stephan Martiniere

The Dervish House paperback
by Ian McDonald
art by Stephan Martiniere

Fenrir
by M.D. Lachlan
art by Paul Young

The Third Section
by Jasper Kent
art by Paul Young

Mirror Maze
by Michaele Jordan
art by Cynthia Sheppard

Lightbringer
by K.D. McEntire
art by Sam Weber

Hearts of Smoke and Steam (Society of Steam, Book Two)
by Andrew P. Mayer
art by Justin Gerard

Planesrunner (Everness, Book One)
by Ian McDonald
art by John Picacio 

The Doctor and the Kid: A Weird West Tale (Weird West Tales)
by Mike Resnick
art by J. Seamas Gallagher