Coffee in Space

116. Fighting against the robot horde, with J. S. Dewes (Rubicon)

Get J. S. Dewes' newest book, Rubicon, at the Nook Bookstore in Baldwin City, Kansas. Worldwide shipping available. You can learn more about Jenny's work at her website HERE. You can also catch up with her latest news at her Instagram. Subscribe to the Coffee in Space newsletter so you can stay up to date on all podcast episodes and news about the interviews! Coffee in Space is a crowd funded effort. To support the show, head over to Buy Me a Coffee and well....buy me a coffee! Thank you ...

115. Restarting the human population, and how difficult it will be for some to do so, with Kristy Gardner

Kristy Gardner was a wonderful guest, and I enjoyed talking to her about so many thing. For one, she's a former food blogger. You're going to love our chat on Canadian food and my love for poutine. Also, cheese curds. Kristy is also a cookbook author. You can get that book HERE. We had a great talk about sexual identity, and in the process, discovered the difficulties of restarting the human population after an apocalypse. I think we got to an uncomfortable agreement about the entire thing...

114. Indian Tea and Cyberpunk make Dan a Smarter American, with Lavanya Lakshminarayan

I'm so glad to introduce you to Lavanya Lakshminarayan, a writer from India. Lavanya was so kind to me as I learned how to pronounce her name and how to interact with her and her culture. I think you'll learn a lot. Culturally, we discussed a few main points. First, tea and coffee, which I think you'll enjoy for the fun of it. Turning serious, we discussed the caste system, relating to an article from the BBC. Finally, we discussed the issue of Seattle banning caste discrimination, in an ar...

113. How to write SFF with Tiffani Angus and Val Nolan

Tiffani Angus and Val Nolan have written a new book for writers of science fiction, horror, and fantasy...and you need it in your tool box like...right now. Spec Fic for Newbies: A Beginner's Guide to Writing Subgenres of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror. Get your copy today from The Nook Bookstore.  Get to know more about Tiffani Angus at her Instagram or website. Learn more about Val's work at his Twitter feed. Subscribe to the Coffee in Space newsletter so you can stay up to date o...

112. Indie author turned trad publishing deal, with Jane Hennigan

Jane Hennigan is an indie author success story. To learn about her journey, and the story that propelled it, was such a privilege. We had a great chat that I think you'll enjoy! When you're done with the episode, get a hold of Moths and get your post apocalyptic fix! You can learn more about Jane's work at her website HERE. You can also catch up with her latest news at her Facebook Page and at Twitter. Subscribe to the Coffee in Space newsletter so you can stay up to date on all podcast e...

111. Science Zombies! With Morgan Busse

Get a hold of Secrets in the Mist and get your steampunk fix! You can learn more about Morgan's work at her website HERE. You can also catch up with her latest news at her Facebook Page, Instagram, and at Twitter.  Subscribe to the Coffee in Space newsletter so you can stay up to date on all podcast episodes and news about the interviews! Coffee in Space is a crowd funded effort. To support the show, head over to Buy Me a Coffee and well....buy me a coffee! Thank you for your support! *...

110. Writing in Multiple Genres with Melinda B Hipple

Melinda B Hipple (Raven, Imperium Publishing) joins me today to talk about writing multiple genres, editing for Imperium Publishing, and of course her book, Raven. Today's episode is a companion piece to Episode 107, with Niki Manbeck and her independent bookstore. You can learn more about Melinda's work at her website HERE. You can also catch up with her latest news at her Instagram Page. Get a copy of her science fiction novel Raven today! Melinda recommends Carl Sagan's Contact, and in...

109. Binge writing a Space Opera, with Cathy McCrumb

Cathy McCrumb joins me today for her second time on the show. I'm so grateful to get her on to talk about binge writing, space operas, and her newest novel, Aberration. By the way, catch my first interview with Cathy on Episode 67. You can learn more about Cathy's work at her website HERE. You can also catch up with her latest news at her Facebook Page and at her Goodreads page. Subscribe to the Coffee in Space newsletter so you can stay up to date on all podcast episodes and news about ...

108. Una McCormack and Picard Season 3 Preview!

Season 3 of Picard starts this week and I wanted an expert to talk with me about it, so I went to the rolodex (yes, I still have one of those-kinda) and asked Una McCormack to join me on the show. Una has been on two other episodes of Coffee in Space. In Episode 80 we talked about Una's work in the Dr. Who and Firefly enterprises, and in Episode 81 we talked directly about her novel, The Last Best Hope. Una is also the author of Second Self, which focuses on the backstory for Raffi Musiker...

107. Indie Bookstore Blues (and success!) with Niki Manbeck

Today's guest is Niki Manbeck, owner and chief operator of The Nook in Baldwin City, Kansas. I love good, independent bookstores, and so it is with great joy that I bring this episode to you. All links below are from The Nook, so any purchase you make goes directly to support Niki's operations, not Amazon. Niki's story is one of mental fortitude, humility, and ambition (yes, they can both be present at the same time!). I think you'll really enjoy learning about indie bookstores and what th...

106. Short and Long Fiction with Garrett Ashley

Dr. Garrett Ashley is a well-published short fiction writer who has stories in Asimov's Science Fiction, Analog Science Fiction and Fact, and Strange Horizons (online).  You can learn more about him and his work at his WEBSITE or on TWITTER. We also talked about thriller stories, with Melinda Leigh's Bree Taggart taking center stage, as well as Laura Lippman's Baltimore Blues. I also recommend the great Maltese Falcon and other books of the noir genre. Subscribe to the Coffee in Space n...

105: Denise Crittendon: Where it Rains in Color

To learn more about Denise Crittendon’s writing, check out her WEBSITE. You can also follow her on TWITTER. Like the podcast episode? You can "Buy me a Coffee" to support the show! Thank you! Subscribe to the Coffee in Space newsletter so you can stay up to date on all podcast episodes and news about the interviews!  * Links in these show notes may be affiliate links. I may make a small percentage from your purchase. I would always want you to buy from a local, independent store, but if y...

104. Nanci Schwartz: Robber Barron Trilogy

Nanci Schwartz, author of the Robber Barron Trilogy, joins me for this episode to talk the trilogy, and more specifically, Robber Barrons, the lead title. To learn more about Nanci Schwartz’s writing, check out her WEBSITE. You can also follow her on TWITTER. Like the podcast episode? You can "Buy me a Coffee" as a thank you! I'll even give you a free short story to show my gratitude. Thank you! Finally, please consider subscribing to the Coffee in Space newsletter so you can stay up to ...

103: Brandon Crilly: Catalyst

Thank you so much for faithfully listening to my show. You have a lot of choices when it comes to podcasts that talk about books and interview authors, and I want to be the go-to in your app of choice. So...how can I get better? I want to hear from you!  What am I doing well and what should I be doing to be everyone's choice in podcasts? Let me know!  That email address is comments[at]coffeeinspacepodcast.com. Thank you! Now, let’s get to this week’s episode. Brandon Crilly comes to the sho...

102: Madeleine Mozley: Blood for Blood

Madeleine Mozley joins me again today for her third visit to the studio. She's becoming quite the regular around here! Always glad to chat with her about her dystopian fiction and writing in general. Today we'll talk about her new book Blood for Blood, dystopian fiction, and hope. That hope part is really important. You won't want to miss it! Maddie has a book trailer for Blood for Blood that you can watch on Youtube HERE. You can listen to Madeleine's other episodes here: Episode 43: Pos...

101. Chinese Apocalypse Fiction with Xueting Christine Ni

I have a special place in my heart (and my TBR pile) for apocalypse fiction. What I had never understood was the difference between eastern and western ideas about apocalypse. In my typical western mindset, I just assumed everyone viewed it more or less the same. Boy, was I wrong! Like, epically wrong. And I'm so grateful that I have a friend like Xueting to help me figure it out. I'm still ignorant, but at least I know just how ignorant I am. Thank you, Xueting. Xueting also appeared in ...

100. Hugo Girl Podcast

Today I'm celebrating 100 episodes! Thank you all for listening throughout the two plus years of Coffee in Space. I can't think of a better way to celebrate 100 episodes than having the gang from Hugo, Girl! The Podcast. First learned about the Hugo Girl Podcast by way of Seth Heasley's podcast, Hugo's There. I spoke with Seth at length in Episode 83. I'll be forever grateful for him for that recommendation. I've enjoyed a lot of what Lori, Haley, and Amy say on their show. I think you will...

99. Michael Mammay: Weight of Command (Audible Exclusive)

Michael Mammay is a repeat offender on Coffee in Space, with this being the third time I've had him on. I've had him on the show to talk this week about his recently released novel Weight of Command, out now exclusively on Audible.com. We talk a lot about what it would be like to be a young officer suddenly in charge of saving not only your command, but also stopping a war. And on top of that, trying to figure out who killed all the other officers! As my career progressed through the Navy...

98. Victor Manibo: The Sleepless

You can learn more about Victor Manibo's work at his website HERE.  He is also active on Facebook and Twitter, where you can connect with him or ask questions about his story and characters. Pick up a copy of The Sleepless and get reading today! In particular, we talk a little about survivor's guilt and hope in recovering from suicide, writing queer characters as a queer author, and modern noir in SFF.  Like the podcast episode? You can support the show by buying me a coffee! Once you clic...

97: The Book Eaters, by Sunyi Dean

Interview with Sunyi Dean, author of several short stories and the novel, The Book Eaters. In this episode, we discuss the book, of course, but also the main character and why she has no choice but to do the things she does. Get an idea of her writing style with her flash fiction piece in Flash Fiction Online. When you've finished with this episode, take a listen to the first time Sunyi was on the show HERE. To learn more about Sunyi’s writing, check out her website at: (WEBSITE LINK). You...

97: Sunyi Dean: The Book Eaters

Interview with Sunyi Dean, author of several short stories and the novel, The Book Eaters. In this episode, we discuss the book, of course, but also the main character and why she has no choice but to do the things she does. Get an idea of her writing style with her flash fiction piece in Flash Fiction Online. When you've finished with this episode, take a listen to the first time Sunyi was on the show HERE. To learn more about Sunyi’s writing, check out her website at: (WEBSITE LINK). You...

96. YA Urban Fantasy with Sandra Fernandez Rhoads

"A person who comes from privilege privilege doesn't know how to write about a patched backpack, so how did we get to the patched backpack?" I am so grateful to this week's guest, Sandra Fernandez, who answered my question with respect, knowledge, and power. We delve deeply into writing about economically-poor characters, YA fantasy concepts, and of course, her novel Mortal Sight. You're going to want book two as well, so here's the link for Realms of Light as well. You can learn more abo...

95. Talking Fantastical Sci-Fi with J. Dianne Dotson

*All links today support Mysterious Galaxy bookstore in San Diego. Enjoy your shopping experience! I know I did! Long time listeners may remember Episode 79, where I talked a little about Dianne as part of a larger interview with Gareth Powell. Fans of either writer will want to grab that episode as well because this couple is one of the greatest things going on in sci-fi right now. Both appeared on panels at the Cymera Festival in the UK. I enjoyed this conversation so much, as we delved ...

94. Ren Hutchings: Under Fortunate Stars

Sponsored by Anne Corlett's The Author Toolbox. Visit Anne's website to learn more about The Author's Toolbox. I had a great time recording this episode with Ren Hutchings. We discussed her debut novel, Under Fortunate Stars. As always, we talked extensively about the characters and their journey. I think you'll appreciate what Ren brings to the table, and I think you'll enjoy her novel. When you've listened to the episode, check out this original song that was written for the voyage of th...

93. Samit Basu: The City Inside

92: Characters and their Journeys

Visit Anne Corlett's website to learn more about The Author's Toolbox. I take a few minutes this week to talk about characters we love and the journeys they take, which is the new focus of Coffee in Space. I hope the time we spend together today is fruitful for you and that it helps you understand the new direction the podcast has taken since the two year anniversary. 

91. Kathy Tyers: Firebird (and Series)

Visit Anne Corlett's website to learn more about The Author's Toolbox. Disclaimer: This episode includes an interview with a Christian author, who writes science fiction and military/paramilitary thrillers. If you are concerned about discussions of faith, please consider skipping this episode and checking in again next week. Thank you! You can learn more about Kathy's work at her website HERE.  She can also be found on Facebook also. Like the podcast episode? You can support the show by b...

90. RWW Greene: Mercury Rising

Visit Anne Corlett's website to learn more about The Author's Toolbox. Check out Modest Coffee's podcast, No Bad Reviews to learn the real story of coffee in space, as well as a whole lot more about coffee. I love most of the interviews I have on my show, but not many go to the level of my talk with RWW Greene, who's latest work, Mercury Rising, is out now from Angry Robot. It's a great alt-history book with threat of alien invasion, space battles, and social upheaval. I think you'll enjo...

89. Anne Corlett: The Author's Toolbox

Anne and I have been friends for a few years now and I'm so grateful to have met her. Through her Wifi-Scifi events, the Wifi-Scifi writers group she hosts, and one on one mentorship, my writing went from a mess of conflicting POVs, flat characters and uninteresting dialog, to a request for a writing sample from a literary agent. Anne's mentorship took me from ground zero and built my confidence to where I'm certain that I'll be a traditionally published author soon. Which is why I'm so hig...

88. Premee Mohamed: The Void Ascendant

Premee is another friend of the podcast, having joined me for two episodes already before this one. You can listen to us chat about her first novel, Beneath the Rising HERE or her thoughts on utopia and dystopia HERE. In this episode, we talk about male friendships, her main characters Nick Prasad and Yenu, and of course, her latest book, The Void Ascendant.  To learn more about Premee’s writing, check out her website HERE. You can also follow her on Twitter (@premeesaurus). Like the po...

00 Coffee in Space Trailer

Welcome to Coffee in Space, the show that brings you conversations about the science fiction characters you love, and the journeys they take. Visit the Coffee in Space website for more information. 

87. Chris Panatier: Stringers

You can learn more about Chris Panatier's work at his website HERE.  He is also active on Facebook and Twitter, where you can connect with him or ask questions about his stories. Pick up a copy of Stringers and get reading today! We kept our discussion at the PG level, but if you want a more adult version of Chris' work on Stringers, HERE is a good article and podcast to get some more background. Like the podcast episode? You can support the show by buying me a coffee! Once you click the ...

86. 2 Year Anniversary Episode!

Ahhh!!!! 2 years!!! I'm so grateful to Ricky Pope, host of Christian Nerds Unite, who took over my show for the week to let me convey what it's meant to be host of Coffee in Space for two years. Make sure you head over to Christian Nerds Unite because it's totally worth your time. When talking about pandemics and the apocalypse, I discuss John Scalzi’s Lock In and Head On, both amazing books.  If you’re looking for a great voice actor, look no further (for British accents) than Kelvin W...

85. Richard Paolinelli: Galen's Way

In December, 2021, I appeared on LA Talk Radio's Writer's Block, cohosted by science fiction author Richard Paolinelli. As a way of saying thanks, I've invited Richard to come on my show to talk about his books and writing systems. You can learn more about Richard Paolinelli's work at his website HERE.  And of course, you can get a copy of Galen's Way or get book two, Galen's Blade. Like the podcast episode? You can support the show by buying me a coffee! Once you click the link, you can...

84. Dan Schwabauer: Maxine Justice

I had the most wonderful talk with Daniel Schwabauer about his latest book, Maxine Justice, Galactic Attorney. The book is a not-so-serious take on first contact with an alien race that wants to take over the world, in a way that you might not expect. Daniel and I talk about his other works too, including Operation Grendel, in addition to his latest novel. As a fellow Kansas native, I had a lot of fun talking with Daniel about writing science fiction with a Christian world view.  You can l...

83. Seth Heasley: Hugos There Podcast

We take a short break this week to focus on reading science fiction in a more general way. Seth Heasley, host of the show, "Hugos There," joins me to talk about reading over 60 Hugo award winners (and counting). We discuss a lot of issues in this episode, but I think you'll appreciate Seth's thoughts on reading books from an era different than our own, with ethics that go along with that. “I like to think of the modern books as in conversation with the more classic ones.” Seth also talk...

82. Khan Wong: The Circus Infinite

Debut author Khan Wong (Angry Robot Books) joins me for this episode to talk about his own circus career, the importance of a pension in writing, and of course, his debut novel, The Circus Infinite. I think you'll really enjoy this very heartfelt interview. Khan really opened up and bared part of his soul with this discussion, and I'm very grateful. Khan Wong is a published poet, has played cello in an earnest folk-rock duo, been an internationally known hula hoop teacher and performer, t...

81. Una McCormack: Star Trek Picard: The Last Best Hope

Part 2 of my interview with Una McCormack, author of 13 Star Trek novels, as well as books in the Dr. Who, Firefly, and other franchises. In this episode, we talk a lot about Star Trek Picard: The Last Best Hope. You can learn more about Una's work at her website HERE.  She can also be found on Twitter also. Like the podcast episode? You can support the show by buying me a coffee or becoming a patron! Once you click the link, you can learn more about how the show got started, where I keep...

80. Una McCormack: Star Trek, Firefly, Dr. Who Author

In this episode, we talk about all of Una's various works, including what it's like to write for multiple Star Trek generations. We also talk about writing Carnival, the latest Firefly novel. Follow or Subscribe to the show to catch the second part of my interview with Una when it becomes available. You won't want to miss us talking about Star Trek Picard: The Last Best Hope! You can learn more about Una's work at her website HERE.  She can also be found on Twitter also. Like the podcast ...

79. Gareth Powell: Stars and Bones

I've wanted to get Gareth Powell, author of 16 books and several shorter works, on my show for over a year and a half. We first met at Anne Corlett's Wifi-Scifi event online and I took the opportunity to get my hands on his newest work, Stars and Bones, as soon as it became available from the publisher. Today we talk worldbuilding, researching for a novel, and his relationship to American science fiction author J. Dianne Dotson. We also get to talk about winning the British Science Fiction A...

Ciel Pierlot: Bluebird

I often have the privilege of hosting young, debut authors and it never gets old. I love the excitement, the drive, and the imagination a new author brings to the show. And this episode is no different. Ciel Pierlot joins the show today to talk about changing her name, working with her agent about changing the direction of a story, and of course, her debut novel Bluebird. You can learn more about Ciel's work at her website HERE.  She can also be found on Twitter also.  Like the podcast e...

78. Ciel Pierlot: Bluebird

I often have the privilege of hosting young, debut authors and it never gets old. I love the excitement, the drive, and the imagination a new author brings to the show. And this episode is no different. Ciel Pierlot joins the show today to talk about changing her name, working with her agent about changing the direction of a story, and of course, her debut novel Bluebird. You can learn more about Ciel's work at her website HERE.  She can also be found on Twitter also.  Like the podcast e...

77. SI Clarke: Left Hand of Dog

SI Clarke is the indie author of several books, including her current series, Starship Teapot, with novels The Left hand of Dog and Judgment Dave. SI and I have known each other for about two years and are a part of the same writer's group. I've had the pleasure of interviewing another member of our group, B. J. Mears. On this episode, we talk about being a neurodiverse and gender-bendy author. I think you'll appreciate what SI has to say. You can learn more about SI's work at her website ...

SI Clarke: Left Hand of Dog

SI Clarke is the indie author of several books, including her current series, Starship Teapot, with novels The Left hand of Dog and Judgment Dave. SI and I have known each other for about two years and are a part of the same writer's group. I've had the pleasure of interviewing another member of our group, B. J. Mears. On this episode, we talk about being a neurodiverse and gender-bendy author. I think you'll appreciate what SI has to say. You can learn more about SI's work at her website ...

76. Mike Chen: Light Years from Home

Mike Chen is the author of four books (more on the way) and several short stories and articles. He's also covered the NHL for ESPN. He joined me to talk about his newest novel, Light Years  from Home, which is the story of a family's struggle after two members of the family are abducted by aliens. I found the story to be very compelling. The dynamics were well laid out and convincing. I felt the angst, the worry, the pain felt by those left behind. And of course the sci-fi element was good...

Mike Chen: Light Years from Home

Mike Chen is the author of four books (more on the way) and several short stories and articles. He's also covered the NHL for ESPN. He joined me to talk about his newest novel, Light Years  from Home, which is the story of a family's struggle after two members of the family are abducted by aliens. I found the story to be very compelling. The dynamics were well laid out and convincing. I felt the angst, the worry, the pain felt by those left behind. And of course the sci-fi element was good...

Julie Carrick Dalton: Waiting for the Night Song

Julie Carrick Dalton, author of several magazine articles, organic farmer, and climate fiction novelist joined me for this episode on the day her debut novel's paperback released. Waiting for the Night Song is now available in hard back, e-book, and paperback. What exactly is climate fiction? According to Dalton, climate fiction is, "Fiction that engages climate science in a meaningful way...that makes you think deeply about what you're reading." She has a great starter post on her website...

75. Julie Carrick Dalton: Waiting for the Night Song

Julie Carrick Dalton, author of several magazine articles, organic farmer, and climate fiction novelist joined me for this episode on the day her debut novel's paperback released. Waiting for the Night Song is now available in hard back, e-book, and paperback. What exactly is climate fiction? According to Dalton, climate fiction is, "Fiction that engages climate science in a meaningful way...that makes you think deeply about what you're reading." She has a great starter post on her website...

Researching the Apocalypse

I'm currently researching the apocalypse and apocalyptic fiction. Along with the apocalypse I am also studying post-apocalyptic and dystopian fiction as well. This podcast episode delve deeply into my reason for doing it, what I hope to get out of it, and what I hope to show through the process. This research project will hopefully become part of a nonfiction book proposal that I will send the agents and editors at various presses to hopefully, someday, become an engaging, conversational di...

Marie Bilodeau: Heirs of a Broken Land

This is easily one of my favorite interviews ever. Marie Bilodeau was such a fun and wonderful guest. A perfect author for this show. You're going to love her engaging style, her laughter, and of course, talk about her books. We also discuss getting rights back from publishers, figuring out what your most recent draft is when you do get rights back, and how to co-chair a convention. All in one episode! You can learn more about Marie's work at her website HERE, where you can also sign up for...