I’d like to start off today’s entry by announcing June’s Book of the Month Club –
Swordspoint, by Ellen Kushner
From the publisher: “On the treacherous streets of Riverside, a man lives and dies by the sword. Even the nobles on the Hill turn to duels to settle their disputes. Within this elite, dangerous world, Richard St. Vier is the undisputed master, as skilled as he is ruthless–until a death by the sword is met with outrage instead of awe, and the city discovers that the line between hero and villain can be altered in the blink of an eye.”
“Hailed by critics as “a bravura performance” (Locus) and “witty, sharp-eyed, [and] full of interesting people” (Newsday), this classic melodrama of manners, filled with remarkable plot twists and unexpected humor, takes fantasy to an unprecedented level of elegant writing and scintillating wit. Award-winning author Ellen Kushner has created a world of unforgettable characters whose political ambitions, passionate love affairs, and age-old rivalries collide with deadly results.”
Discussion the week of June 14th with author Ellen Kushner – who, by the way, sounds like a real sweetheart in the emails we’ve exchanged. She also forwarded me a heads-up which will undoubtedly prove of interest for readers already familiar with her work:
“I am thrilled to announce the publication of my new story, “The ManWith the Knives,” in a limited edition chapbook from Temporary Culture.
The book is 32 pages, exquisitely bound & designed, with an original frontispiece & interior decorations by Thomas Canty. Canty’s work has long been associated with mine, beginning with the amazing cover he painted for my first novel, Swordspoint. The new story concludes the events begun in Swordspoint, but can be read on its own.
The official pub date is Monday, May 3rd. All are invited to the party in Manhattan, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at James Cummins Bookseller, 699 Madison Avenue, 7th floor (between 62nd & 63rd), NYC.
Temporary Culture is printing 420 books only. When they’re gone, they’re gone, so it is recommended that you order yours now. 400 books will be bound in handsome paper covers, at a price of $15.00 each (+ postage). 21 copies will be hand bound, offered by subscription at $250.00 (+postage). A few copies will be offered with an inserted original pencil drawing by Thomas Canty for the book (price upon request).
For details, including ordering information, please go to: http://www.avramdavidson.org/themanwiththeknives.html
Ellen”
If you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to drop by.
Also, a reminder that you have approximately two weeks to finish up May’s Book of the Month Club: The Prisoner, by Carlos J. Cortes. Discussion on the Philip K. Dick Award-nominated novel the week of May 8th.
Hey – Cynthia, my house guest visiting from London, cooked for me last night, serving up a splendid four course black truffle dinner which saw her use every pot, pan, plate, and utensil in my kitchen. The blow by blow –
While the execution of some of the dishes were wonting, all of the flavors were there and the meal ultimately proved both memorable and satisfying. Service throughout was professional and friendly. Recommended.
Let’s cap today’s entry with puppy pics –
Some mailbag:
Trae writes: “Who wrote the violin music? It didn’t sound like Joel, but he has done some surprising things before. Who played the violin? Whose idea was it?”
Answer: It’s actually a classical piece, one so challenging that the production had to hire a virtuoso to play it (source: Lawren Bancroft-Wilson. I need to get him to do a Q&A).
Eric.Stewart writes: “so she tried the plant in a tea and realized it made her headache go away so she decided to give it to Wray! didn’t she get the warning not to ingest “crap” 
in the first trimester of a pregnancy!!”
Answer: There are many potential test subjects aboard Destiny. Also, for a time there, Tamara didn’t realize she was pregnant.
Eric.Stewart also writes: “Beside where did Young found the thread and the needle to sew socks. I don’t recall seing him jump throw the gate with his sewing kit !!”
Answer: Needle and thread would have no doubt been included in any survival kit they had the foresight to take with them when they evacuated Icarus Base.
Sean D. writes: “Who are your top 5 favorite authors (who are currently alive)?”
Answer: Hmmm. Off the top of my head: Joe Abercrombie, John Scalzi, Jeffrey Ford, George R. R. Martin, and Iain M. Banks.
fsmn36 writes: “I realize you aren’t involved in the business aspect of Syfy as a network, but have they ever given you a reason for the long hiatuses for shows?”
Answer: I believe it’s a way for them to offer their viewers year-round original programming.
John writes: “In relation to a question answered today about how Stargate Universe is in no danger of being delayed or shelved, then why have Stargate Revolution and Stargate Extinction been put on hold indefinitely?”
Answer: The industry-wide slump in DVD sales definitely figures into this particular equation given that the success of both Ark of Truth and Continuum were built on direct-t0-video models.
Hugh writes: “If either of the films are rejected by the studio and are not made, can you release the scripts for them?”
Answer: That’s not up to me. MGM owns the script.
Snakey writes: “What is the difference, if any, of posted credits saying; Story by… or Teleplay by… or Written by… ???”
Answer: Someone receives a Story by credit for coming up with the idea for an episode but not writing the script. Someone receiving a Teleplay by credit wrote the script based on someone else’s idea. Someone receiving a Written by credit came up with the story idea AND wrote the script.
Shawn Cassidy writes: “I notice watching old episodes that in the end credits there is a name for “Casting” the next screen shows “Canadian Casting”. Since the show in made in Canada, why are there two casting people and does the first guy get paid for doing nothing (Sweet job! must be a Union thing)?”
Answer: Since we shoot in Vancouver, Canada, we try to cast locally whenever possible – thus the need for a Canadian casting director. Occasionally, however, we may not find what we’re looking for in Canada or wish to cast a particular established actor (like, say, a Robert Knepper) – in which case we’ll use our American casting director.
Kymm writes: “Due to online viewership, we, Science Fiction fans, are our own worst enemy.”
Answer: Something we are all painfully aware of. SF fans tend to be more tech savvy consumers, and tech savvy consumers are more likely to download or DVR their shows.
Shannon writes: “Maybe you (or someone in the comments section) can point me to this if you’ve already mentioned it – which eps did you write this season?”
Answer: Space and the two-parter season-ender – Incursion I and II.
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