Geek Survival Guide

Promotion, Promotion, Promotion!

gsguide@gmail.com (Zach Ricks) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:30:18 PST

Someone on Twitter said something last night about some podcasts needing new promos. So then I looked at my last promo for GSG... and realized I had put it together in May of last year.

Ooops.

So, here’s a new promo, starring my adorable daughter, Queso, and her Aunt.

Enjoy!

Download GSGPromo0210.mp3

GSG 2010.2 - Percy Jackson!

gsguide@gmail.com (Zach Ricks) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:50:46 PST

Kind of building off the Alien Hybrid episode, today we talk about surviving being a demigod of some sort. I mean, sure you’ve got at least one divine parent, but it’s not like they’re hanging out to read you bedtime stories. And they’re always sending you on errands. Deadly errands! Today’s ep talks about The Lightning Thief, a pretty good yarn. There are also shoutouts to Clash of the Titans, the Odyssey, and Jason and the Argonauts.

Next week, we talk Dragons! Specifically, His Majesty’s Dragon, by Naomi Novik. Until then, hey, do a little reading, why doncha?

UPDATE: I got word pretty quickly that the audio levels weren’t right. I’ve re-mixed and reloaded the file, but it may take a little while for Libsyn to reflect the changes. If you can’t hear me over the music, first, I totally apologize. And second, give it about an hour, and libsyn should have a corrected file.

Thanks! and Enjoy!

Download GSG2_002.mp3

GSG 2010.1 - Zeppelins!

gsguide@gmail.com (Zach Ricks) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 21:30:09 PST

Because they’re pretty much the defining characteristic of steampunk - well, that, gears, and a certain flair for fashion, and because I did this performance at Balticon last year, and as far as I know it was never released, here’s the fabled Lost Steampunky Episode of GSG.

Oh - for those of you who were curious - Ben Sherwood. The statistics are (mostly) accurate when applied to airlines, and were pulled from his research.

And for the next episode in two weeks, Percy Jackson and the Mythological Survival Techniques! Or just the Lightning Thief. Either way.

Enjoy!

Download GSG2_01.mp3

Mad Poet Files is live!

gsguide@gmail.com (Zach Ricks) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:29:04 PST

Ayup, as I said in the last podcast, the first short story from me is now live at www.madpoetfiles.com.

If you’d like to subscribe to that feed, it’s at http://feeds.feedburner.com/madpoetfiles. I’ll update this with itunes and other information as it comes in, and I’ll update this with a central "Zach’s Big Hairy Feed" when that’s live.

UPDATE: iTunes Link is right here.

Hope you enjoy the new podcast!

Next Topic: Steampunk, and the Avatar Bad Movie Bingo sheet

gsguide@gmail.com (Zach Ricks) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:47:25 PST

Had a couple of great e-mails and twitters today, with some good ideas.

First, someone suggested that if I’m going to be reading books in the future, I might consider putting an Amazon affiliate link to them here on the site. With two weeks between episodes, if I put a follow up on the site the next day, it should be plenty of time for someone who wanted to follow along / support the cast / etc. to order and get the book I’d be talking about. Of course, doing that is totally up to you. If you don’t order with an affiliate link, or if you support your local Bricks & Mortar Bookseller, or even your Local Library, I’m totally okay with that. Heck, how will I know?

So, with that in mind, the next episode will be on surviving particular Steampunk scenarios. Good resources for that include Girl Genius, (available at the affiliate link, or to read for free at Phil and Kaja Foglio’s site - www.girlgeniusonline.com, I read the whole thing over the last couple of months, and Queso is reading it now - really enjoying it). Also, a book I just finished - Cherie Priest’s Boneshaker (a fun adventure novel, including rebellious teenagers, struggling mothers, dirigibles, mad science, and - of course - zombies).

And once I get down with what I’m currently reading, (hey, maybe you’ll want to follow me on Goodreads) I’ll probably see if I can get my hands on and get through Scott Westerfield’s Leviathan before that ep drops.

And because there was a request for it, here’s the PDF of the Avatar Bad Movie Bingo sheet I put together.
Enjoy!

GSG Special Episode: 2010 Kickoff!

gsguide@gmail.com (Zach Ricks) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 23:37:40 PST

Big plans. Big plans. Maybe a big head on me. Yikes.

Anyway, this isn’t comedy - it’s another of those "meta" episodes that turns up from time to time here, where we step out from behind the curtain and discuss where I see us headed over the next little bit. That bit being between now and April. Anyway, not everyone will enjoy this. If this isn’t your bag, maybe you wanna try Phil Rossi’s Eden?

Anyway, enjoy my rambling, self-absorbed, pretentious twaddle, if you care to try! Oh, and the cover art is the Bad Movie Bingo Sheet for Avatar. I think that’d be a bit harder to pull for Sherlock Holmes... but I could probably do it.

Download GSGSpecial2010Kickoff.mp3

GSG NaNoWriMo Tip 30 - Continue? Y/N

gsguide@gmail.com (Zach Ricks) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:59:00 PST

Because all of this has happened before... and all of this will happen again... here’s day 30 of 30 days of GSG Quick Tips.

In this episode you get a few words of encouragement and warnings considering...
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Don’t Just Write in November. Keep It Up. And try different kinds of writing. Edit. Learn your craft. Storyfix. I Should Be Writing. Writing Excuses. How To Think Sideways. (How To Revise Your Novel is an upcoming course... I’ll link to it when it becomes publicly available.)

Here’s a link to last year’s project.

Here’s a link to this year’s project.

If writing isn’t your thing, give yourself a pat on the back, and go find your thing. If it IS your bag... then you’re not alone. Now Go WRITE!

Enjoy!
Download GSGNaNo30.mp3

GSG NaNoWriMo Tip 29 - Last Chances and Sphinxes

gsguide@gmail.com (Zach Ricks) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 21:59:00 PST

Because I Love You, Flash, but we only have hours to save the Earth, FLASH!... here’s day 29 of 30 days of GSG Quick Tips.

In this episode you get a few words of encouragement and warnings considering...
One Day More (I do not start singing Les Miserables at this point, though I was sorely tempted).
Using this month to get you past the First Gate to the Southern Oracle.

Enjoy!
Download GSGNaNo29.mp3

NaNoWriMo Weekend Update #4

gsguide@gmail.com (Zach Ricks) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 21:59:00 PST

Because really, we’ve only just begun... here’s the fourth (and final!) weekend update brought to you by GSG Quick Tips.

In this episode I get to sit back and listen to Doug Rapson over at Geek Acres regale us about... me? Really? Well, true. No underground bunker, no henchmen, nary a minion in sight. Yet.

Enjoy!

Download gsg_NWu04.mp3

GSG NaNoWriMo Tip 27 - SO CLOSE, but not to a weirdness magnet

gsguide@gmail.com (Zach Ricks) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:51:27 PST

Because Johnny Cage loved those sunglasses... loved them so darn much... here’s Day 27 of 30 days of GSG Quick Tips.

In this episode you get a few words of encouragement and warnings considering...
Being close. Being really, really darn close. Three days left. Go for it.
AND don’t hang around weirdness magnets.
Also, werewolves are nice people, but The Hulk Rule applies.

Enjoy!
Download GSGNaNo27.mp3

GSG NaNoWriMo Tip 26 - Percentages and Drafts

gsguide@gmail.com (Zach Ricks) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:03:11 PST

Because Werewolves are MUCH COOLER than sparkly vampires, here’s Day 26 of 30 days of GSG Quick Tips.

In this episode you get a few words of encouragement and warnings considering...
Taking some time AWAY from writing. (Just a little bit).
You’ve got JUST enough room for another twist, and some awesome action. Pack it in there! It’s just a first draft, right? Does it have to make sense? No. You can fix it in post. CRAM IN THE AWESOME!
And enjoy it!

Download GSGNaNo26.mp3

GSG NaNoWriMo Tip 25 - Eat, then Write or Die!

gsguide@gmail.com (Zach Ricks) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:59:00 PST

Because we all need to make a saving throw vs. triptophan-induced napping tomorrow, here’s Day 25 of 30 days of GSG Quick Tips.

In this episode you get a few words of encouragement and warnings considering...
Making your characters earn their ending...
Print vs. A/V...
Write or DIE!
And... we’re thankful for all of you.

Enjoy! (and keep writing!)
Download GSGNaNo25.mp3

GSG NaNoWriMo Tip 24 - On The Appropriate Use of Chicken Scissors

gsguide@gmail.com (Zach Ricks) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:05:26 PST

Because even though I may be in Houston with family, it’s STILL NOVEMBER: Here’s Day 24 of 30 days of GSG Quick Tips.

In this episode you get a few words of encouragement and warnings considering...
Promises you make to your reader. By which I mean, chicken scissors. (Have I mentioned Scott Sigler enough?)
And moving from Frankenstein’s Monster to a beautiful work of fiction.

Enjoy! (and keep writing)
Download GSGNaNo24.mp3

GSG NaNoWriMo Tip 23 - Climactic Pride vs. Epic Prejudice!

gsguide@gmail.com (Zach Ricks) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:59:00 PST

Because My Throat Wouldn’t Let Me Record Four Pirate Episodes In One Night, here’s day 23 of 30 GSG Quick Tips.

In this episode you get a few words of encouragement and warnings considering...
You’ve been building up to the epic conclusion. You’re in the last reel! You know what the last reel of a Bond flick is, right? Marines! Explosions! Jaws! Sharks! Battles in Space! Etc, etc, etc...

Bring the awesome, and enjoy!

Download GSGNaNo23.mp3

GSG NaNoWriMo Tip 22 - One More Shocking Twist!

gsguide@gmail.com (Zach Ricks) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:50:29 PST

Because I Came Here Tonight To Hear The Crowd Go BOOM! Shake Shake Shake the Room: here’s day 22 of 30 days of GSG Quick Tips.

In this episode you get a few words of encouragement and warnings considering...
You’re headed into the final reel! What will you do with this when you’re done? Start thinking about it... but don’t stop writing.

A quick note re: editing when you’re done, given by the FDO himself.
Someone comes to town, someone leaves town.

Enjoy!
Download GSGNaNo22.mp3

NaNoWriMo Weekend Update #3

gsguide@gmail.com (Zach Ricks) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:59:00 PST

Because Doug Rapson is THE MAN... here’s the third Weekend Update brought to you by GSG Quick Tips.

In this episode I get to sit back and listen to Doug Rapson over at Geek Acres regale us about... me? Really? Perhaps this will provide some context (note, I’m not in NOCTURNAL).

Enjoy!

Download gsg_NWu03.mp3.

GSG NaNoWriMo Tip 20 - Write Or Die Or Face Me Clockwork Owl!

gsguide@gmail.com (Zach Ricks) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:41:37 PST

Because what is love anyway? Does anybody love anybody anyway? Of course we do, and that’s why this is Day 20 of 30 days of GSG Quick Tips.
In this episode you get a few words of encouragement and warnings considering...
Write or DIE!
The Divine Wrath of Laurence Olivier and Ray Harryhausen!

And that’s it. We’re getting right down to it. Ten More Days.
Enjoy it!
Download GSGNaNo20.mp3

GSG NaNoWriMo Tip 19 - Podcasting Your Feedback

gsguide@gmail.com (Zach Ricks) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:18:41 PST

Just a quick feedback episode tonight. After tonight, some things clear out of my calendar, and hopefully I’ll be able to catch up (I’m a little behind).

NorvalJoe is a regular contributor to GreatHites.
Leprechauns can be beaten for gold.
And Scott Roche is the author of Archangel. He likes Tumbler. (TumblerNovel.net)

I also mention David Niall Wilson, and Nathan Lowell (again).

Keep writing!

And enjoy!

Download GSGNaNo19.mp3

GSG NaNoWriMo Tip 18 - It’s Your Voice, but Learn to Sing!

gsguide@gmail.com (Zach Ricks) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:39:19 PST

Because it’s there, here’s Day 18 of 30 days of GSG Quick Tips.

In this episode you get a few words of encouragement and warnings considering...

30,000 words. You Rock. It’s your voice, use it. But learn how. And then practice.

And Enjoy!

Download GSG18.mp3

GSG NaNoWriMo Tip 17 - Keep a’ Goin’, and Shoot for that Moment!

gsguide@gmail.com (Zach Ricks) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:04:15 PST

Because droids aren’t known for tearin’ people’s arms outta their sockets when they lose... here’s day 17 of 30 days of GSG Quick Tips.

In this episode you get a few words of encouragement and warnings considering...
Diggin’ in your heels, and keepin’ goin’. Even world famous authors feel that they stink sometimes. Wait until editing before you really tear yourself a new one. (I’m pretty sure that story came from Mur Lafferty’s I Should Be Writing Podcast...)

And have fun. Shoot for something cool at the end.

And as always, enjoy!

Download GSGNaNo17.mp3

GSG NaNoWriMo Tip 16 - Empires and the Dangers of Marrying their Hot Queens

gsguide@gmail.com (Zach Ricks) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:45:05 PST

Because I ain’t no Hollaback Girl... here’s day 16 of 30 days of GSG Quick Tips.

In this episode you get a few words of encouragement and warnings considering...Beatin’ the stuffing out of your characters. There were only three Star Wars films. (Han Shot First, but we’re talking about This One). And why blood tests before marriage may not be a bad idea after all.
Enjoy!

Download GSGNaNo16.mp3

gsguide@gmail.com (Zach Ricks) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:50:51 PST

Because I’m too legit - too legit to quit... here’s day 15 of 30 days of GSG Quick Tips.

In this episode you get a few words of encouragement and warnings considering...

Boats - which one are you in? And Codes - Pirates don’t have ’em, don’t use ’em, and trying to talk about ’em just makes you an easy target for the relinquishment of your gold, your wenches, and your grog. By the way, you should also be listening to, or have already listened to: Nathan Lowell’s Solar Clipper books.

Enjoy!

Download GSG15.mp3

NaNoWriMo Weekend Update #2

gsguide@gmail.com (Zach Ricks) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:02:53 PST

Because Doug Rapson is THE MAN... here’s the second Weekend Update brought to you by GSG Quick Tips.

In this episode I get to sit back and listen to Doug Rapson over at Geek Acres regale us about... me? Really? Maybe this will give us some context... (incidentally, do you have your copy of 7th Son: Descent yet? Why the heck not?)

Enjoy!

UPDATE: I spaced adding the actual ep. Doh! Thanks to a commenter for the prod!

Download gsg_NWu02.mp3.

GSG NaNoWriMo Tip 13 - Critical Twists!

gsguide@gmail.com (Zach Ricks) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:59:00 PST

Because I don’t know much, but I know I love you... here’s day 13 of 30 days of GSG Quick Tips.

In this episode you get a few words of encouragement and warnings considering...
Feedback from Scott and Rick, how to take criticism (brought to you by Judy Garland), and unexpected twists!

Enjoy!

Download GSGNaNo13.mp3

GSG NaNoWriMo Tip 12 - This is not the greatest podcast in the world, this is just a tribute.

gsguide@gmail.com (Zach Ricks) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:55:00 PST

Because parents just don’t understand... here’s day 12 of 30 days of GSG Quick Tips.

In this episode you get a few words of encouragement and warnings considering...
rewarding yourself for your labors, the benefits of a day off, and not leaving the newb lieutenant as the only guy back in the APC.

Enjoy!

Download GSGNaNo12.mp3