SF Journalist Mack Meijers Praises “Man of War”

Mack Meijers, who interviewed me for his podcast program back in October, had this to say about the Man of War books in relationship to SF writing in general.

“It’s a bit of a trend today, in many ways even a preferred trend. I recently had a bit of a discussion with some people at 47North and Tor, on the topic. One of the things which really popped up was that there is a strong preference for what is known as “consumable reading”, which follows the “evolution by action” format – mostly. I found it interesting that they made a distinction there in observations on published and self-published works, with the latter being more likely to get noticed if following that format, akin to screenwriting today in the science fiction genre.

“That said, it’s my observation that it is not a golden rule. As mentioned, I had that conversation with Mr. Gunn, as well as other authors, but it is also visible in the sales data from marketplaces like Amazon itself. There are exceptions. Even more, it is remarkable to see that when new writers don’t follow that general approach, they’re actually quite likely to rise to the top of the curves (and get picked up for publishing).

“Not to make a sales plug or something, but I had a conversation recently on a show with such an author (H. Paul Honsinger) in the sub genre of military science fiction, which turned out to be exactly such an exception to the “rule”. Not movie focused, or screenwriting focus, or action based evolution. Instead it was writing reminiscent of quite a few decades past. Rich atmosphere, decision based evolution, clear depth of field & character – and the authors books are quite the hit. I don’t know if it’s permissible to post the link, but to me it was quite a refreshing find.”

http://www.adventuresinscifipublishing.com/2013/10/clinging-to-the-wreckage-how-to-save-science-fiction/  (scroll down to his second comment)

Hear a Short Reading from “To Honor You Call Us”

Mack Meijers, host of the truly excellent “Science Fiction Spotlight” podcast program, gave a brief reading from the first volume of my “Man of War” series, To Honor You Call Us, on his show.  If you will look at the right hand border of this page, you will see that I have cleverly installed a “widget” that will let you listen to that reading just by clicking on the play button.  Or, if you prefer, you can navigate to the program’s page for the reading by clicking on the link below.

Maybe I’ll put a few readings up on this page sometime.  Of course, if I do it, it won’t be with Mack’s truly posh English accent.  Or, it could be, as I actually am pretty good with accents and do a passable Received English (also known as BBC English) accent.  Naaaa.  If I do it, I’ll do it with my normal voice, which is nothing to write home about.  Anyway, here’s the link.

http://authorsontheair.com/reading-military-science-fiction-from-man-of-war-by-h-paul-honsinger-on-the-science-fiction-spotlight/

New Link for HPH Podcast Interview

New Location for HPH Podcast Interview

Authors on the Air has moved some things around on their web site.  The underlined text in the body of this post is the new link for where you can currently hear the program where Mack Meijers interviews me about my work, Science Fiction in general, and lots of other stuff.  The Widget on the right side of this page should continue to work as another way for you to hear this program.

Amazingly Cool Video Trailer

The people at the wonderful “Science Fiction Spotlight” podcast program put together stunning trailer for the upcoming interview with me.  It works out more as a trailer for the books than for the program.  I have to say that it really blew me away.  I literally got chills.  Give it a watch, if you would.

Exciting Podcast Interview

I spent about an hour and a half today on Skype with Mack Meijers, the host of a podcast program called “Science Fiction Spotlight.”  The interview will air in the next few weeks and be permanently available for listening.  We talked about my two existing novels, my upcoming book. Science Fiction, the creative process, and lots more.  It was a fun discussion with an insightful, well-read, and truly intelligent interviewer.  As soon as the air date and the listening URL become available, I will post them here and on my Facebook pages.

Many authors talk about these kinds of interviews as being grueling, but I genuinely had a good time.  It was very much like one of those college bull sessions where you and a friend happen to blunder into a topic about which you are both deeply interested and both have a lot of knowledge.  We could have talked for hours and, after the interview was over, actually continued talking for another half hour.

I’ve listened to some other episodes of this show, and they are all very enlightening.  Mack Meijers could easily be a Science Fiction literary critic–he sees into the bones and sinews of people’s writing.

Anyway, URL and air date for the show coming up.  I hope all of you give it a listen.