The Sword and Laser discussion

This Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 4PM Pacific, 7PM Eastern we'll be doing a Google Hangout with author Sam Sykes

Got a question for him? Ask it here!

Question for Mr. Sykes: Why did you replace your magnificent monkey twitter avatar with some dude wearing a hoodie? And as long as we've got your attention, why does the pug get all the press? How about more corgi love! Finally, what does the future hold for Lenk, Kataria and the rest of the Tome gang?

Hey Sam! Do you think that social media interaction is an important part of your job as an author? What are some things you do or do not like about having an online presence?

Hi Sam!
I would like to know about your writing process:
Do you plan a lot in advance or are you more of a discovery writer? Is there a part of writing/editing that is especially easy for you? Which part is the most difficult and how do you overcome it?
And while the first three of your books all took part on more or less deserted islands, the fourth sounds more urban if you go with the title. Did you approach it differently than the first three?

Then concerning future work: I loved WISH FOR A GUN. Do you have any plans on writing other short fiction that is independent of the Aeons' Gate universe? I love this universe but it's also very interesting to see you write something different.

I am really looking forward to THE CITY STAINED RED!

Brian wrote: "Hey Sam! Do you think that social media interaction is an important part of your job as an author? What are some things you do or do not like about having an online presence?"

Hmm. We got one author asking another questions. I call plant! ^_^

You're one of the younger notable authors to be published in the fantasy genre, what's that like? Do you feel pressured to rise to the standards of your older contemporaries?

Also, what was it like to meet George R. R. Martin, and why did we not see thousands of selfies with him?

Oooh, I have another question:

What role do you think giant spiders play in the genre of epic fantasy, and why do you think that is? They seem to be a pretty standard beasty in the genre.

He's a funny guy. Should be an amusing interview.

Really enjoyed hearing you talk about reading women in genre fiction at the DANGEROUS WOMEN event in Santa Fe.

I wanted to ask you what your major literary influences are. What books made you want to step out and write your own stories?

You've been very vocal about your love for epic fantasy. Does technology have a place in the worlds you create, or are the main tools/weapons strictly magic or muscle driven?

I want to hear more about beating people up with sharks

Fantasy characters, from what I can tell, rarely give thought to how they are going to spend their autumn/winter years. Assuming they live long enough, where do Lenk and his troupe see themselves thirty years down the road?

I feel like your books rely more heavily on the characters, their personalities, and their interactions than the world they move through. For me, this is my favourite kind of novel. If I am engaged by the personalities, I will happily follow them through anything, because I enjoy spending time with them.

Was this a decision you made consciously - to focus less on world building and more on the characters - or is this just where your strengths lay?