A few things I came across recently…
I'm not going to name names in this post. Partly because it would be mean. Partly because I'm only speculating on the reasons why, and have no real proof. But I still wanted to talk about something that's rampant in the word of publishing. It's also rampant in other media like radio, TV, movies, and music. It's Where Are They Now Syndrome.
Back in August 2008, the Fantasy Book Critic posted an article that showcased his pick of the best upcoming 2009 book releases. That spotlight really only scratched the surface of what 2009 had to offer though, so now he is back with Part Two, which is a little bigger, and hopefully, better. So enjoy, and please note that all release dates are subject to change and that any covers depicted are not necessarily the final version.
Certainly, times are tough in publishing. Editors and staff are being laid off. Some publishing houses have instituted acquisition freezes or slowed down acquiring new titles. Apparently, the majority of publishing firms have indicated that raises will be either minimal or non-existent. Overall, in recent months, book sales are down, and Borders Books is teetering on the edge on whether it will even survive.
Does the publishing industry need saving? Does it deserve it?
Like with anything else, if you watch enough fantasy movies over a long enough period of time, you'll start to notice certain trends emerging. Today we're going to take a look at one of those trends: The evolution of women in fantasy from game pieces to players -- or to use a chess metaphor, from pawns to queens.
Artwork gold mine and community site Deviant Art has picked the best artists of the year -- one per month, based on the work submitted to the community.
Uncle Geoff brushes the dust off his voluminous collection of science fiction and fantasy novels and asks the question, just what does make for a good book?