Thanks! And good luck all.
With cordial regards,
David Brin www.davidbrin.com
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A SEMI-ANNUAL UPDATE ABOUT BOOKS (and other interesting stuff)
..............................FROM DAVID BRIN
Hello there. You're receiving this because you expressed some level of interest in the works of David Brin - either via www.davidbrin.com/ or by direct mail.
Other authors may have hifalutin "fan clubs". I just keep a long list of people who seem lively and interested in the Future. I'll only get in touch once or twice a year.
TO BE REMOVED from this list, reply with "REMOVE" in your subject line. If you get *multiple copies* - reply to the one you don't want. Type "REMOVE THIS ONE" in the subject line.
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NEWS & UPDATES:
ANNOUNCING the arrival in bookstores of my big new graphic novel - The Life Eaters!
This lavish 144 page hardcover - published by DC/Wildstorm - extends vividly into a full-length saga one of my classic novellas (runner-up for a Hugo Award) called "Thor Meets Captain America", a dark but ultimately uplifting tale - offering chillingly plausible insight to what the Nazis might have really been up to, during World War II.
If you haven't been tracking the incredible advance of graphic novels lately, they sure aren't 'comic books' any more. Critics are already calling Life Eaters 'the biggest thing to happen in the graphic novels since Watchmen or The Dark Knight' !
It was a fascinating experience, writing a detailed script, then supervising artists (like the great Scott Hampton) as well as producers, designers, letterers... very much like directing a mini-movie! Look for The Life Eaters in bookstores during the coming month. .
(Note. Some bookstores don't fully-stock graphic novels, so ask at the store... or consider getting this one online. To order SIGNED first editions, go to http://www.mystgalaxy.com/)
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Something quirky is going on with KILN PEOPLE! The novel came in second for this year's Hugo Award... and the Locus Award... and the John W. Campbell Award... not to mention the Arthur C. Clarke Award... in each case following a different first place finisher!
Now mind you, that variety of winners is a good thing, expressing distinct priorities and tastes of the different panels, with different standards of what constitutes a great novel - some of them emphasizing plot and others 'literary value,' for example. That's fine. Diversity is one of the strengths of science fiction, the genre of exploration and wonder.
So should I feel good that KILN PEOPLE was the universal second choice across such a wide range of tastes?
Sure thing!
Look at it this way -- if you have time to read two science fiction novels this year, now you know which book is guaranteed.
"Kiln People is either the most hilarious serious novel or the most serious humorous novel I have read, possibly both!" - Vernor Vinge
(Signed hardcovers of Kiln People can be ordered direct via: http://www.davidbrin.com/offers.html)
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Be sure and drop by www.davidbrin.com/ now and then! No, I don't update as regularly as some people. (No time for blogs!) The 'news' section may go a month or two between revisions.
But BOY is the site packed with content, ranging from free story downloads and sample chapters to some wild and woolly speculations about the next century, to fan-generated art and philanthropic projects.... all the way to my infamous essays about Star Wars and Tolkien... and so on.
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If your large organization needs a speaker, drop by www.davidbrin.com/speaker.
I may be a bit too expensive for many groups, so I'm also helping the Science Fiction Writers of America to develop a "speaker's bureau for futurists and SF authors". We would welcome experienced volunteers willing to help set one up. It can't hurt to get more voices out there talking up tomorrow.
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A note to GAMERS! Steve Jackson Games and Stefan Jones have re-issued (by popular demand) the legendary role playing system "GURPS Uplift", much expanded over the version that was going for $100+ on eBay! Its unique system for creating new alien species has been tested by tee best game-players and at scientific conferences! For details see: www.io.com/~stefanj or www.io.com/~stefanj/uplift_gateway_home.html
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On a more lofty note, my nonfiction tome - The Transparent Society - is still causing a stir. Several times a month, I'm interviewed by some reporter about privacy and freedom, in my role as "Mr. Openness." If these issues concern you, take a look at: www.davidbrin.com/privacyarticles.html (and below).
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Are you interested in joining other lively minds discussing science, science fiction and issues of the day? The "Brin-L" discussion list doesn't just talk about the works of David Brin. They long ago declared their independent right to toss around all sorts of ideas, only occasionally nodding in my general direction! (sniff!) Seriously, if you are looking for a community of bright folks who love to share fascinating insights, drop by: www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l (the final letter is an "L").
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What's in the pipeline? Well, it's been a slow year. Many distractions. In addition to everything else, I've started my own small software company, filing for a patent (114 claims!) in the field of real time 'meeting ware'... or 'chat'. (Online chat will never be the same.) By January first 2004, we hope to have something to show at www.holocenechat.com. (If only I did this during the 'Venture Capital Nineties'!)
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But yes, a priority has to go to novels! So, guess where I'll be returning next?
Hint... they swim. They talk. They fly....
Time to go. Thanks for reading.
Oh! Sorry, but I must restrict replying to individual emails - normally I try to answer a good sampling, but no guarantees this time. Not with a mailing of several thousand! (Thanks for writing to me in the first place and joining this list.) So forgive me in advance if I just skim any answers, this time.
Let me conclude with a general wish for you all - and our rambunctious civilization - to have joyous holidays leading into a great new year.
With cordial regards,
David Brin www.davidbrin.com
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Miscellaneous:
Hear an interesting recent speech from NPR about TECHNOLOGICAL NIGHTMARES, by a renowned futurist economist at http://www.buwi.org/shows/2003/10/20031026.asp Prof. Streetn offers exceptionally wise perspectives about future threats and opportunities. I'm biased, since he spends five minutes discussing The Transparent Society.
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http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
