Ken Liu, author of The Grace of Kings tells us about the inspiration for his worlds, his domain name, how translation has helped him as a writer, and why silkpunk is a thing (but probably not the thing you’re thinking).

We’re joined by Charlie Jane Anders to wrap up her book, All the Birds in the Sky. Did you know Kevin has a secret history? What anime inspired Ernesto? These things, as well as all the winners of all the awards on this episode.

Jim McDoniel, author of An Unattractive Vampire, is not only the second author to get published in the Sword and Laser collection, he’s also a truth-sayer. About vampires. Like how they aren’t sparkly (usually). Return to the vampire roots with him!

We’re checking in on All The Birds in The Sky by Charlie Jane Anders and why some people were put off by Patrica and Laurence’s parents. Trust us, so were Patricia and Laurence. Also it’s March Madness and we have the hot inside track on the April fantasy winner and how YOU can pick it.

We chat with J-F Dubeau, author of The Life Engineered, first book in the Sword and Laser Inkshares collection. Find out whether the thousand year old robots in the book had any real life inspirations and whether they have sex. We’re guessing you’re slightly more interested in one of those questions than the other.

We’re very excited about the debut of our first Sword and Laser Inkshares collection book, The Life Engineered by JF Dubeau. We’re a little bummed that Tom forgot to bring more than water to drink. We’re super-excited about the Nebula Award nominees. And we were a little bummed at some of the reactions to The Sword of Shannara. But Vickie helped us out with an amazing Terry Pratchett quote, and all was well in Swordandlaserville.

We’re very excited about the debut of our first Sword and Laser Inkshares collection book, The Life Engineered by JF Dubeau. We’re a little bummed that Tom forgot to bring more than water to drink. We’re super-excited about the Nebula Award nominees. And we were a little bummed at some of the reactions to The Sword of Shannara. But Vickie helped us out with an amazing Terry Pratchett quote, and all was well in Swordandlaserville.

Sometimes some people just want a story you can take your brain off and enjoy. If that’s not you, keep your rain off my cotton candy. Also an awesome new effort to Kickstart an Ursula K. Leguin documentary and more great books becoming TV shows!

Yes you can nominate your favorite novels, short stories, TV scripts and— oh look, fancasts! We also discuss the line between inspiration and appropriation regarding Sword of Shannara.

We congratulate the winners of our Inkshares contest and name the book that will be joining our Sword and Laser collection. Plus, why you shouldn’t be angry at George R. R. Martin and how Catherynne M. Valente’s Radiance is like a Tone Poem.