The Sword and Laser discussion

Hey all, sorry for the short notice, we're interviewing Bradley P. Beaulieu on the show today.

What would you like us to ask him?

1) What's your process like for developing the interconnected civilizations of your fantasy worlds? Any tips for other writers looking to do sophisticated worldbuilding inspired by real history?

2) What one thing does every fiction writer considering doing a Kickstarter to support their work need to know?

3) What has podcasting taught you about being a writer and/or publishing professional?

Thanks for opening up this Q&A with Brad Beaulieu, Tom...

You have had success with traditional publishing, Kickstarters, short stories, podcasting and more. What do you see as the most effective ways to bring your works to fans? Are there any trends you are seeing that will become more prevalent?

What drew you to Russian and Slavic myths and legends as the basis/ inspiration to your first series?

N.K. Jemisin speaks in her introduction to The Killing Moon of the challenges of "de-historifying" when drawing inspiration from real cultures and histories. How did you find the process with both your existing series and the arabian nights inspired series you are working on.

Here is the bit in Nora's introduction if it makes it clearer "Like most fantasy writers, I have found it challenging to write material influenced by real (if bygone) cultures. In some ways I think it would have been easier to write pure historical fiction, because then I could have used all the artistic and factual information provided by scholarship and science. Since this is a fantasy novel, not a history text, I found myself in the odd position of having to de-historify these tales as much as possible—in effect stripping away the substance of reality while leaving behind only the thinnest broth for flavoring. My goal was to give homage; my goal was not to ape reality. Armchair Egyptologists, you have been forewarned..."

If you need more - we have a few budding writers in the group what advice would he give to them and how does he feel other writers and teachers such as Nancy Kress have helped hone his craft.

I hear that you are working on a new book called "Twelve Kings in Sharakhai." Can you tell us anything about what it is about?

What was your inspiration for the magic systems used in the Lays of Anuskaya trilogy?

Are there any particular nonfiction books on Russian or Slavic myth that you would recommend?