self publishing
Publishing Extravaganza Part 1
This week, on a very special Novel Ideas, Gabs has an important message for Ben. Is it time for Ben to finally kick his coke habit? No, it’s time to tell him everything she knows about the publishing industry. Well, as much as she can condense two years of school into two hours of podcast. This episode will air in two parts; the first part is (mostly) about books, the process of making a book, how new media effects the making and selling of books, and a mini-lesson on jargon.
The music bump is “Also Sprach Zarathustra” by Richard Strauss. It was chosen for no particular reason other Ben couldn’t remember using it previously and felt like it was time because there’s no way Gabs is going to be talked into reading 2001 any time soon.
The Martian
For those of you who were expecting Sherlock Holmes… it has mysteriously disappeared. In its place is The Martian by Andy Weir, a hard science fiction account of a lone man surviving on the surface of Mars. We recorded this one with special guest, Adam Milton. In this episode we discuss the resourcefulness of astronauts, the geniuses at NASA, the realities of running an organization, and the power of the human spirit. We also comment on the lack of rain on Mars, the likely effects of months of loneliness on our respective psyches, wacky parody sequels, and potatoes. Because potatoes, that’s why.
The music bump is “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees because it is Mark Watney’s theme song, even if only through an utter lack of alternatives.
Our ratings:
Gabs: 7/10 potatoes. It’s a good book if you’re stuck on a bus.
Ben: 8/10. Big points for science and snark!
Adam: 8/10. For managing to make science interesting.
Novel Ideas 