So I'm sitting at my desk, working on my script, when my writing partner Paul strolls in, tape measure in hand. "Hold this,"he says, handing me one end and casually walking to the other side of the office, unfurling the thing so he can get the exact length of the room. "Uh, what…
January 14, 2009: Scalzi and Stargate, Together At Last
Back in 2006, I read a novel that totally blew me away and single-handedly revived my passion for literary SF: Old Man’s War by author John Scalzi. It was smart, humorous, and unbelievably entertaining. So entertaining, in fact, that I ended up recommending it to anyone and everyone - friends, fans, and family alike. And…
January 13, 2009: Production Developments, Literary Discussion, and A Debacle of Olympic Proportions
Well, just a quick blog entry today as I’m off to have dinner with author John Scalzi and wouldn’t want to besmirch the image of the polite and prompt Canadian. Suffice it to say that today was an interesting day. We walked through Stage 4, the Destiny standing set, and it’s looking mighty impressive. And…
January 12, 2009: On Basilisk Station, by David Weber
Upon her graduation from the Royal Matincoran Naval Academy, Honor Harrington is given command of the HMS Fearless. In her first combat simulation, Honor demonstrates exceptional tactical prowess in leading the Fearless and its crew to a most unlikely victory, earning her the ire of rivals who make it a point to deal her a…
January 11, 2009: The 4 Best Stargate: Atlantis Episodes I Never Got to Write
Over the course of the series run, many an idea gets pitched out that never ends up seeing the soft blue light of a laptop screen. For whatever reason (production concerns, similarity to other stories, a failure to excite the other writers, the fact that your idea is shite, etc.), that seemingly golden notion that…
January 10, 2009: Finale
Even though last night’s episode marked the official end of Stargate: Atlantis, the series, it really ended for many of us several months ago when the sets went dark for the last time. Yes, it was a wonderful ride and, yes, there is a movie (and possibly more) to look forward to, but that…
January 9, 2009: Swag! Sausage! Sooners! And the Mailbag!
In the past, as part of the ongoing Book of the Month Club discussions on this blog, I’ve given away prizes to random participants. Lucky winners have received signed books, magazine subscriptions, and signed scripts (among many other things). But, next week, those taking part in our discussion on David Weber’s On…
January 8, 2009: Bob Checks In, Mailbag, and The Weird Food Purchase of the Day
Hey, I heard from Bob Picardo today. He’s doing well but feeling somewhat nostalgic as the series draws to its official end tomorrow night. Apparently, he has one final interview to do, the last of his Atlantis-related duties. Until, of course, we start shooting the movie. I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again, and…
January 7, 2009: A Surprise Guest Blogger, Sugarless Day #4, and the Mailbag
Talk about signs of the apocalypse! First we had snow in Vegas. Then we had the New England Patriots fail to make the playoffs. And now, my writing and producing partner Paul Mullie has agreed to do a fan Q&A. This from a guy who has made it a point to shun all fan forums…
January 6, 2009: Back in the Office, My Top December Reads, and The Most Shocking Rose Ceremony Yet!
Almost didn’t make it into the office today. Hell, I almost didn’t make it out of the alleyway behind my house. I backed out of the garage and then spent a good fifteen minutes spinning my wheels in frustration before finally managing to work my way free. In retrospect, good thing I was delayed because,…
January 5, 2008: Snow 1 Fondy 0
I was just finishing up the teaser to my SGU script when my cell phone rang. It was Fondy. “I need you to come help me,”she said. “Bring a shovel!” Turns out she was on her way to meet with her bookkeeper, turned down one of Vancouver’s countless unplowed side streets, and got stuck.…
January 4, 2009: A Guest Blogger Announcement and the Most Horrific Weird Food Purchase of the Day Yet!
Allow me to start off today’s entry with some exciting news - before, of course, seguing right back into the tedious offerings that typify this blog. Executive Producer/Writer/Co-Creator Robert Cooper has agreed to come by an field your questions about his piece de resistance, his chef d’oeuvre, his hors d’oeuvre and Atlantis swansong: Vegas. Yep,…
January 3, 2009: Back on the Homefront. And the Weird Food Purchase of the Day.
Well, I’m back in Vancouver and not a day too soon it would seem. Lawren was snowed in for so long that he worked his way through the canned food AND his shoes. I shudder to think what would have been next on the menu if we’d ended up flying in tomorrow instead. Yes, I…
January 2, 2009: Brad Wright Answers Your Questions
Today, rather than regale you with an elaborate account of how my mother made me apply her hairdryer to the sliding back door in an effort to melt the ice that had frozen it shut so that she could clear the kitchen of hot pepper fumes and oil, I’m turning this entry over to Brad…
January 1, 2009: New Year Crash and The Weird Food Purchase of the Day
Happy New Year! I hope everyone has slept off last night’s excesses. I, alas, have been thoroughly exhausted all day, the result, I suspect, of a number of things: a late night, that New Year’s Eve feast, a double-dessert crash, an uncomfy bed, and a trio of Weird Food Purchase of the Day video installments.…