Lasers, Dragons, and Keyboards Podcast

Sci-fi, fantasy, and writing--who could ask for more?

Tag: Authors

Amy McNew – take two…

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On June 8, 2017

In Interviews, Podcasts

Author Amy Brock McNew

Our guest tonight is Amy Brock McNew, who apparently can’t stay away. Our hosts, though, I’m not sure about. We apparently have two Liberties, and one Josh… I think…

Tonight’s topic… Venison, and how delicious it is! …uh, I mean, we’re talking about Amy’s second book, Reconciliation.

*** SPOILER WARNING***

You might not want to listen to this podcast (Episodes 22 & 23) if you haven’t read the first book in the series. Go read, then come back and listen to this episode.

Go on… we’ll wait…

Wow, it’s a little mushy in here as we talk about putting yourself back in old situations, re-living old hurts and fears as we put our characters in similar situations… and the healing that can come with dealing with those emotions.

Enough of that, let’s go hunt moose and squirrel!

In this episode:

  • Differences in writing Rebirth versus Reconciliation
  • The catharsis of writing
  • Prayer & forgiveness
  • Russian Ninja Barbie!
  • Amy’s passion for helping women get out of human trafficking.
  • Fighting with your husband (as story research)
  • Casting the Reluctant Warriors
  • We are Groot!
  • Reading our own books for pleasure
  • Rebirth NOT on sale now
  • Amy’s combat demo videos!

 

Links:
Amy Brock McNew
Rebirth
Reconciliation
A21
Exodus Road
Eve’s Angels
Destiny Rescue
Stripped Love
Nadine Brandes
Accelerant by Ronie Kendig

Episode 24 & 25 – Tosca Lee!

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On June 9, 2016

In Interviews, Podcasts, Uncategorized

We had the pleasure of having Tosca join us on this episode of LD&K. In between ramblings by the hosts we got to hear how much Tosca loves car chases. And fashion. A donkey race may have been spoken of as well. Believe it or not, that all ties in to her latest book Progeny, due to drop in stores on May 24th!

Stick through the whole thing to hear Tosca’s views on naming favorite authors – and to get some good Audible recommendations! (Pssst! Go to the bottom of the page for an awesome giveaway of a SIGNED copy of The Progeny!)1540340_10152630653828118_4301051613352698061_o

In Episode 24:

We discuss Tosca’s hidden love of fashion, her past as a gamer, and how Biblical fiction doesn’t have car chases.

There is some ‘fun’ discussion about Count & Countess Bathoroy and their torture techniques.

81vihvl5nilLiberty and Tosca come to an agreement on who the best Star Trek Captain is.

 

In Episode 25 :

  • Plotsing, and how Tosca handles plotting. Hint: she references looking at her plot from 30,000 feet is way different than when you’re “boots on the ground”.
  • Panera Mac & Cheese
  • Tosca discusses techniques to overcome writer’s block, even though she doesn’t get it very often.
  • Tosca imparts a ton of wisdom.

Links!
Tosca Lee
MYST
Call of Duty
Shazam/Isis Power Hour
Thundarr the Barbarian
Marion Zimmer Bradley
Thomas Locke
Ronie Kendig
Ted Dekker
Frank Peretti
Ben Wolf
Robert Lipaluro
The 5th Wave
Six of Crows
Red Rising
Legend
Big Magic
Jim Gaffigan

This is the giveaway you’re looking for! –> a Rafflecopter giveaway

Episodes 5 & 6 with K.M. Weiland

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On January 19, 2016

In Interviews, Podcasts, Uncategorized

This week on the podcast we’re thrilled to have historical/speculative author and all-around writing guru, K.M. Weiland. We covered a lot of ground in both episodes, so it’s well worth a listen!

mainavatar2A good deal of our first podcast revolves around Katie’s new book, Storming, which I (Liberty) highly recommend. It’s a great introduction to the dieselpunk subgenre, and besides that, a very enjoyable read. Katie discusses why she set the story in her hometown, and how fun it was to dig into her town’s history. She also talks about some of her story research, which revolves heavily around barnstorming and the absolutely insane stunts people pulled back in the day when barnstorming was popular. She gives some examples, which I think stunned all three of us. Perhaps it will surprise you as well.

Storming coverIn the second podcast, we discuss Katie’s extensive outlining and editing processes. If you’ve never had a chance to read Outlining Your Novel or Structuring Your Novel, you’re in for an eye-opening interview. When we say it’s extensive…well, let’s just say that we were only able to hit the highlights of her process. There’s a reason why it takes three years for her to put out a new novel!

Katie also shares a bit about her overall marketing strategy, and how to set your writing as a priority. Both pieces are very informative and thought-provoking.

As always, we have a lot of laughs, talk about fandoms and superheroes, and wander off-topic a bit.

Thanks so much to K.M. Weiland for joining us! We hope she’ll be back in the future.

Links to things discussed:
K.M. Weiland
Helping Writers Become Authors
Storming
Outlining Your Novel
Timothy Zahn – Thrawn Trilogy
I, Jedi by Michael A. Stackpole
Orson Scott Card
Charles Dickens
Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey/Maturin Series
ChristianWriters.com
Realm Makers
NaNoWriMo
The Creative Penn

Episode 5
Episode 6