Shows
ScoreographyGrand Prix de France 2025 RecapThe first 2025 Grand Prix event featured extraordinary upsets (Ami Nakai, Fournier-Beaudry and Cizeron), expected dominant wins (Ilia Malinin, Miura and Kihara), and controversial Ice Dance scoring (Guignard and Fabbri) sure to spark heated debate for some time… We dig into the incredible highs, and truly WTF moments, from Grand Prix de France. Adron savors his perfect podium prediction for the Women's competition. The wild ice dance judging ties us in knots. If this is the sign of things to come, this season is gonna be a roller coaster… Chapters 0:00 — Intro 2:44 — Ice Dance Competit...
2025-10-211h 33
ScoreographyThe Shib Sibs Return?!After SEVEN years away from competitive figure skating, ice dance Hall of Famers the Shib Sibs — Maia and Alex Shibutani — are returning. Just in time for the Olympic season. We have complicated feelings about it (especially Adron). We ruminate on the sport's inextricable tie to the Olympic quadrennial, how that both helps and hinders skating fandom, and the role of nostalgia in promoting the sport. Referenced in this episode: The Nicecapades — Ice Wars: Revenge of the Shib Biography — Ice Queens: The Untold Stories of America's Figure Skating Legends Follow Scoreograph...
2025-05-0644 min
ScoreographyQ&A Episode: YOUR Questions Answered!As we get ready for the final competitions of the '23-'24 season, we answer listener questions about all things figure skating — predictions, favorite skaters and FS moments, and what 20 programs we'd save in our end-of-the-world bunker. Welcome to our first Scoreography Q&A Episode! We asked listeners to let us know what in figure skating they wanted us to talk about. And we received a far more enthusiastic response than we ever could have imagined! As you will hear, you asked some amazing Q's about our favorite skates and skaters of all time...
2024-02-201h 12
ScoreographySkate Canada 2023 — Recap & CommentaryWendy and Adron discuss the results of Skate Canada, the second event in the 2023-24 Grand Prix of Figure Skating season. Explosive performances from Pairs team Deanna Stellato-Dudeck & Maxime Deschamps and Women's reigning world champion Kaori Sakamoto headline our experience. But some surprise meltdowns and sketchy judging muddy our perception of an otherwise terrific event. PAIRS The marquee moment of Skate Canada 2023 has to be the free program from Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps that scored a phenomenal 142.39. This vampire-themed program could not look better on them, and seeing how conditioned they look this early...
2023-11-031h 18
FictitiousFictitious Returns from Hiatus!After a two-year hiatus, Fictitious returns to your podcast feeds. Host Adron Buske explains the reason for the break, and the return, and how the show will evolve going forward. For all my interviews, show info, and more, visit: https://fictitiouspodcast.com Right now, the best social media platform for Fictitious is Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fictitiouspod/
2023-06-2810 min
ScoreographySkate France 2022 Grand Prix Event RecapWendy and Adron discuss the highlights from the Skate France 2022 Grand Prix event, including explosive performances from Loena Hendrickx, Guitard & Fabbri, and Adam Siao Him Fa. We also talk about the return of Jason Brown to competition, our desire for skaters to diversify their music choices and move away from the same classic pieces, and why US Skating needs to promote the international camaraderie of skating.
2022-11-1050 min
ScoreographySkate Canada 2022 RetrospectiveWendy and Adron breakdown the performances from Skate Canada 2022 — including standout performances from Rinka Watanabe, Shoma Uno, and Miura & Kihara. We also discuss issues watching skating on Peacock, some bizarre scoring during the women's short program, and an often disasterous competition for the men.
2022-11-0154 min
ScoreographySkate America 2022 & Intro to ScoreographyIn the first episode of Scoreography, hosts Wendy Buske and Adron Buske discuss Skate America 2022, and the Quad Axel heard around the world. We explore the biggest moments and surprises of this figure skating season's first Grand Prix event. And we explain the premise, origin, and intended audience for Scoreography. We examine the competitive performances of Ilia Malinin, Isabeau Levito, Amber Glenn, Kaori Sakamoto, Chock & Bates, Hawayek & Baker, Knierim & Frazier, Stellato-Dudek & Deschamps, and more. Wendy and Adron Buske are experienced podcasters whose work includes the long-running show Nerd For A Living, about careers in pop...
2022-10-261h 12
Bounty BoardEpisode 134: Intro to Storytelling w/ Adron BuskeHappy Wednesday folks! Long time no talk! Bounty Board is back this week to kick off a series about storytelling in games and to help us get the ball rolling we have special guest Adron Buske! Adron hosts the Fictitious Podcast a show focused on diving into the “Storytelling Craft of Science Fiction and Fantasy” (we know, its fancier than we sound…). Having met at a local gaming expo in STL called Pixel Pop a few years back, Adron and Caleb have interacted several times over the years and finally they made the time to actually record. Togeth...
2021-04-211h 33
FictitiousNicky Drayden, ESCAPING EXODUS: SYMBIOSIS authorIn this episode, I’m joined by Nicky Drayden, author of ESCAPING EXODUS, and its new sequel, SYMBIOSIS. This sci-fi duology explores a human civilization built entirely inside colossal, space-faring beasts. The impetuous young Seska Kayleigh is a child of privilege and heir to the matriarchal throne of her people. As their recently relocated colony carves out a new city from the guts of their living host, Seska teeters between duty and scandal, engaging in romance with a girl from a lower caste. Sturdy beastworker Adalla would spend her days laboring in the very heart of th...
2021-02-2343 min
FictitiousMarshall Ryan Maresca, THE VELOCITY OF REVOLUTION authorIn this episode I’m joined by Marshall Ryan Maresca, author of THE VELOCITY OF REVOLUTION. This dieselpunk fantasy novel follows Wenthi, a loyal patrol officer and talented cycle rider, who is sent undercover to infiltrate revolutionary biker gangs. The vibrant city of Ziaparr stands at a crossroads — recovering from long years of warfare and reclaiming a place in the world and its nations. But it’s dominated by a rigid caste system that elevates some ethnic groups to power and privilege, and drives others into slums and poverty. Insurgent gangs, connected by a mysterious voice on the radio...
2021-02-1648 min
FictitiousM.A. Carrick, THE MASK OF MIRRORS authorI’m joined in this episode by THE MASK OF MIRRORS author M.A. Carrick, which is a pseudonym for the co-writing team of Marie Brennan and Alyc Helms. The first book in the ROSE & ROOK fantasy trilogy, THE MASK OF MIRRORS follows Ren, a girl who forcibly escapes the slums of Nadezra to save herself and her sister from life in an abusive gang. She later returns to Nadezra, though, under a new identity, and with a new goal: Con her way into the most vulnerable noble house and amass her own personal fortune. But Ren so...
2021-02-081h 00
FictitiousC.M. Waggoner, THE RUTHLESS LADY'S GUIDE TO WIZARDRY authorIn this episode I’m talking with C.M. Waggoner, author of THE RUTHLESS LADY’S GUIDE TO WIZARDRY. In a fantasy equivalent of Victorian London, fire witch and all-around disaster human Dellaria Wells is in a bit of a jam. Delly’s good-for-nothing mum’s gone and got hooked on the Drip. Her vindictive landlady has cursed Delly with weeping pustules if she doesn’t scrounge up the rent money. And her perhaps less than legal or strictly moral attempts to generate some coin land her in the too familiar clutches of the constables. But Delly fi...
2021-02-0246 min
FictitiousB.B. Alston, AMARI AND THE NIGHT BROTHERS authorIn this episode I’m talking with B.B. Alston, author of AMARI AND THE NIGHT BROTHERS. Amari is a 13-year old girl from the projects, attending a private school on scholarship. Her academic career sits in the shadow of her genius brother, Quinton, who graduated top of his class and fielded Ivy League offers. But after taking a mysterious job offer, Quinton has gone missing. His disappearance hangs heavily on Amari’s shoulders. When an altercation with elitist bullies costs Amari her scholarship, she and her over-worked nurse mother face a long summer trying to figur...
2021-01-2637 min
FictitiousJoshua Phillip Johnson, THE FOREVER SEA authorI'm joined in this episode by Joshua Phillip Johnson, author of THE FOREVER SEA. This startlingly unique fantasy novel takes place in a water-scarce world completely covered by endless vegetation, where—instead of oceans—magically powered ships sail seas of miles-tall prairie grass. Kindred Greyreach is a sailor and young apprentice hearthfire keeper, using fire and bone fueled magic to power a harvesting vessel. But Kindred's deep understanding of the fire's own mystic language is unique among keepers—as is her creative, impulsive, and sometimes dangerous approach to solving problems. Kindred learns that her estranged grandm...
2021-01-1849 min
FictitiousGreta Kelly, THE FROZEN CROWN authorGreta Kelly is the author of the debut fantasy novel, THE FROZEN CROWN. Violently displaced from the wild beauty of her homeland by a ruthless conqueror, the young princess Askia seeks support from a neighboring nation to the south. But in sun-soaked Vishir, where nobles live lavishly while refugees starve, Askia finds herself a blunt object amongst a court of delicate manners and fragile alliances. The princess urgently needs Vishir's armies to intervene before her country burns. Yet first she must navigate a court that harbors too many enemies, including a vindictive royal son, the hateful mouthpiece for her northern agg...
2021-01-1245 min
FictitiousCass Morris, GIVE WAY TO NIGHT authorIn this episode I’m talking with Cass Morris, author of GIVE WAY TO NIGHT, the sequel to the historically-inspired fantasy FROM UNSEEN FIRE. This series, called the AVEN CYCLE, explores a Roman-esque empire filled with divine and elemental magics, dangerous political machinations, and rising war between cultures and territories. Several years of harsh dictatorship have unbalanced the powerful city of Aven. But now, the Dictator is dead, and the resulting power vacuum draws in the late-ruler's allies and enemies to struggle for control of the Republic. Latona of the Vitelliae is a mage of Spir...
2021-01-0451 min
FictitiousAlexandra Monir, BLACK CANARY: BREAKING SILENCE authorBLACK CANARY: BREAKING SILENCE author Alexandra Monir talks about writing for the DC Icons young adult series, adapting the fan-favorite Black Canary and Court of Owls in a prose novel, and how she got the job of writing a major media tie-in. This DC Icons young adult novel reimagines the fan-favorite DC comics superhero Dinah Lance as a teenager living in a near-future dystopian Gotham City. Decades ago, Gotham and its vigilante heroes fell to a violent shadow organization called the Court of Owls. The Court has reshaped the city in their patriarchal image, setting up a cruel and vindictive au...
2020-12-1853 min
FictitiousEvie Green, WE HEAR VOICES authorWE HEAR VOICES author Evie Green talks about creating her new horror / science fiction novel. We discuss her leap into horror after writing many thriller and YA books, juggling complicated thematic elements, and why readers love the "creepy kids" trope. In near-future England, the economy is collapsing, humanity makes plans to leave earth for other worlds, and a deadly pandemic steals the lives of children. But, when some kids manage to survive, they return from the brink of death with new "imaginary friends" in tow. Rachel, a divorced mother struggling against poverty, holds her illness-stricken...
2020-12-1047 min
FictitiousDuncan Swan, MONSTRE VOLUME ONE authorMONSTRE VOL. ONE author Duncan Swan talks about launching his debut sci-fi/horror thriller via a successful Kickstarter campaign, the decision to split the long dual-narrative novel into two volumes, and writing for multimedia adaptability. In this genre-blending action adventure, a catastrophic event at a research installation unleashes a slowly advancing worldwide apocalypse. A squad of marines are sent on a desperate mission into The Cloud, a dark wave of devastation swallowing Europe, looking for answers where only monsters may remain. 89 days later, the Cloud has reached the United States, sending Americans into a spiral...
2020-12-0148 min
FictitiousEssa Hansen, NOPHEK GLOSS authorEssa Hansen is the author of NOPHEK GLOSS. This debut science fiction adventure follows Caiden, a teenage mechanic who discovers his simple but highly regimented life is actually one of servitude on a hidden slave planet. When his entire colony is sent to slaughter, Caiden alone survives, fleeing the vicious creatures who devoured his people. After taking refuge in a strange, abandoned vessel, he is saved from capture by a band of explorers, and whisked off planet—with only trauma and rage as mementos of his previous existence. Among the stars, he discovers a multiverse of strange lifeforms, alien cultures, and un...
2020-11-0746 min
FictitiousAlix E. Harrow, THE ONCE AND FUTURE WITCHES authorI’m pleased to welcome author Alix E. Harrow back to the show. Alix’s debut fantasy novel, THE TEN THOUSAND DOORS OF JANUARY, got nominated for—like—all the major awards, was on all of the best-of lists, and was basically a "whole thing". Her new novel, THE ONCE AND FUTURE WITCHES, follows three estranged sisters as their lives uncomfortably re-entwine in late 1800’s New Salem. A patriarchal society has stamped down women’s magic as taboo in the name of control and moral purity. But the Eastwood sisters discover magic is at play nonetheless...
2020-10-1746 min
FictitiousLeigh Bardugo, THE LIVES OF SAINTS authorIn this episode, I’m pleased to be joined again by author Leigh Bardugo. She's well known for her expansive Grishaverse series of young adult fantasy novels, including the original Shadow & Bone trilogy, the Six of Crows duology, and the King of Scars duology. Outside of the Grishaverse, she has also released an official Wonder Woman novel, and the supernatural thriller Ninth House. Today we’ll be talking about her latest release, THE LIVES OF SAINTS. This lavishly illustrated collection explores the religious folklore of the Grishaverse through short tales of miracles and martyrdom. Gr...
2020-10-0857 min
FictitiousRyan Van Loan, THE SIN IN THE STEEL authorIn this episode, I’m joined by Ryan Van Loan, author of THE SIN IN THE STEEL. This debut Fantasy adventure sets a Sherlockian teenage street rat investigator and her troubled ex-soldier partner against political intrigue and violent piracy. In a world where pistoles and steel compete with mad mages and vengeful gods, Buc and Eld are sent to solve a tangled mystery that threatens to destabilize trade and society. But each are haunted by failures from their pasts, and their present—full of meddlesome dead gods and ship-sinking pirate queens—doesn’t look too promisin...
2020-09-2444 min
FictitiousAndrea Stewart, THE BONE SHARD DAUGHTER authorI’m joined in this episode by Andrea Stewart, author of THE BONE SHARD DAUGHTER. This outstanding Fantasy debut novel features seafaring adventures, a unique and cruel magic system, an ambitious Emperor’s daughter with holes in her memory, a wanted smuggler chasing a specter from his past, magic animal companions, creepy mystical constructs, and so much more. THE BONE SHARD DAUGHTER arrived in stores on September 8th from Orbit Books. About Andrea Stewart Andrea Stewart is the daughter of immigrants, and was raised in a number of places across the United States. Her...
2020-09-1043 min
FictitiousRichard Kadrey, BALLISTIC KISS (Sandman Slim series) authorI’m joined in this episode by Richard Kadrey, author of the long-running urban fantasy series, SANDMAN SLIM. These novels follow the paranormal misadventures of James Stark, a hard-to-kill, half-human magician who spent 11 years stuck in Hell as an arena gladiator and pet hitman for his demon masters. After carving a bloody path back to earth, Stark re-emerges in Los Angeles, hellbent on killing the circle of humans who sent him to suffer Downtown. But to live and avenge in LA requires grit, gear, and allies, plus the occasional occult odd-job to keep you in kevl...
2020-08-2548 min
FictitiousPeng Shepherd, THE BOOK OF M authorPeng Shepherd is the author of THE BOOK OF M. This debut speculative fiction novel examines a near future world, fallen to an inexplicable epidemic called The Forgetting. All around the world, people have lost their shadows, and soon after, their memories incurably erode as well. Society has collapsed as the Shadowless spread, and their Forgetting warps aspects of reality in alarming and unexplainable ways. Hidden away at a secluded resort hotel, Ory and his wife, Max, have survived several years on scavenged scraps and fickle luck. But when Max’s shadow disappears, the couple ar...
2020-08-1841 min
FictitiousMartha Wells, NETWORK EFFECT (The MurderBot Diaries) authorIn this episode, I’m excited to welcome Martha Wells, author of THE MURDERBOT DIARIES. This award-winning science fiction series features the introverted, cynical, and frequently hilarious security robot that thinks privately of itself as MurderBot. It's a half-machine, half-organic construct, corporate owned and rented out to space-exploring organizations. There’re plenty of SecUnit’s just like it, except MurderBot hacked its systems to allow greater autonomy — which mostly consists of slacking on the job and downloading as much serial entertainment as it can stream. When its latest clients, a scientific research team exploring a distant planet, find themselves in danger aft...
2020-08-1337 min
Nerd For A LivingThe Animated Life panel from Emerald City Comic Con 2017From the Archives / Comic Convention at Home 2020 Way back in 2017, we had the opportunity to do our very first panel completely devoted to careers in animation - The Animated Life: A Peek Behind the Cels. And, as much as we thought we understood about animation and how the industry was structured, these pros really opened our eyes. If you're someone who loves to see behind the scenes, or if you're seeking to work in the animation industry, this chat with Victoria Ying, Steph Laberis, and Mike Collins is definitely one for you. This conversation digs deep into the individual roles...
2020-07-1946 min
FictitiousEmily B. Martin, SUNSHIELD authorEmily B. Martin is the author of SUNSHIELD (HarperVoyager, available now), an adventurous eco-fantasy that weaves together the lives of a desert outlaw, a young ambassador, and a political prisoner. Known as the Sunshield Bandit, a former slave named Lark roams desolate canyons, attacking the wagons of human traffickers, and taking from the rich to feed her team and their rescued captives. Translator and minor noble Veran has journeyed to a foreign court in hopes of halting injustices perpetuated by the ruling class, but friendly relations have turned inexplicably hostile. And walled away in a makeshift cell, the battered—but not be...
2020-05-2846 min
FictitiousAlina Boyden, STEALING THUNDER authorIn this episode by debut author Alina Boyden. Her new historically-inspired Fantasy novel is STEALING THUNDER, available May 12th from ACE Books. It follows Razia, a sought-after dancer and courtesan with a wealthy and powerful clientele. She is also a thief, stealing from clients in cooperation with her found family of hijras. But though her late night thievery poses constant danger, her greatest fear is the reveal of her past identity. Because Razia was once the crown prince of a nearby kingdom. She escaped her hateful father to live life as a women, as her true self, on her own term...
2020-04-2256 min
FictitiousMenna van Praag, THE SISTERS GRIMM authorMenna van Praag is the author of THE SISTERS GRIMM (available now from HarperVoyager Books). It's a dark and evocative tale of four seemingly unrelated young women united by a surreal, supernatural origin. Goldie, Liyanna, Scarlet, and Bea are all on the cusp of 18, each burdened by complicated family relationships, and all filled with a deep sense of longing for something they can’t quite remember. As children, they found each other in Everwhere, an unchanging world outside of their world, of magic and perpetual night. Crossing over to Everwhere is a gift only the of...
2020-04-1045 min
FictitiousDan Stout, TITAN'S DAY authorThis episode features my first return guest — Dan Stout! His new novel, TITAN'S DAY (DAW Books) is the sequel to one of my favorite books of 2019, TITANSHADE. TITAN’S DAY returns us to the city of Titanshade, our police investigator protagonist Carter, and his two-mouthed, mandibled partner, Ajax. Their discoveries in the first novel have changed the fate and fortunes of their dirty, cold and crime-ridden city — whether for good or ill, who yet can say? But bodies are still showing up in alleyways, so Carter and Ajax are back on the streets — and back in the t...
2020-04-0646 min
FictitiousTricia Levenseller, THE SHADOWS BETWEEN US authorTricia Levenseller is the author of THE SHADOWS BETWEEN US (available now from Feiwel & Friends). It’s a young adult fantasy novel that’s been quite accurately described as a “Slytherin romance”. It follows the charming and cunning Alessandra, the second daughter of mid-level nobility, for years left to pursue her own lusts and liaisons while her favored older sister awaited a suitor. Now of age and availability to be brought to society, Alessandra has her sights set on a singular target — the elusive and mysterious Shadow King, a young ruler wrapped in living darkness. But Alessa...
2020-03-2544 min
FictitiousK.B. Wagers, A PALE LIGHT IN THE BLACK authorK.B. Wagers is the author of A PALE LIGHT IN THE BLACK (HarperVoyager). It’s a good vibes military space opera that follows the Near Earth Orbital Guard, essentially a spacefaring Coast Guard protecting humanity within our solar system. The Neo-G crew of the Interceptor ship Zuma’s Ghost prepares for the annual Boarding Games — a multi-military competition which carries huge prestige, bragging rights, and useful inter-branch clout. But this tight-knit found family faces destabilization as their lieutenant commander is promoted off the ship, replaced with Maxine Carmichael, a capable but awkward young woman whose family name c...
2020-03-0349 min
FictitiousBrian Keene, THOR: METAL GODS writerSeason 5 of Fictitious kicks off with Brian Keene, one of the writers on the new Serial Box and Marvel production, THOR: METAL GODS. Brian has authored more than 50 horror, crime, and fantasy novels, and written for DC and Marvel Comics properties and other media tie-ins, including Doctor Who and The X-Files. Now, as part of the Serial Box team, he is co-writing a prose and audio drama space adventure series that follows fan favorite Asgardians Thor and Loki on a quest for a dangerous alien artifact. THOR: METAL GODS is available now as a 15 episode series on SerialBox.com.
2020-01-1643 min
FictitiousK. Eason, HOW RORY THORNE DESTROYED THE MULTIVERSEK. Eason is the author of HOW RORY THORNE DESTROYED THE MULTIVERSE — out now from DAW Books. This charming and subversive fantasy-meets-space opera tale follows a young princess who is uprooted from her planet, and her throne, sent off-world to be a pawn for intergalactic politics. But Rory Thorne is no run-of-the-mill fantasy princess, and is definitely no pawn. Rory must use all of her wits, gifts, and determination to turn a manipulative Regent’s plot against him, rescue a mislaid prince she is supposed to be betrothed to, and perhaps avoid plunging the entire star system into chaos and co...
2019-10-3145 min
FictitiousNaNoWriMo 2019 Special — feat. Grant FaulknerThis episode focuses on National Novel Writing Month – NaNoWriMo – in November 2019. Host Adron Buske shares his own experiences participating in NaNo and his plans for this year's project. The episode also includes a rebroadcast discussion with Grant Faulkner, the executive director of the NaNoWriMo non-profit organization.
2019-10-2434 min
FictitiousMadeleine Roux, SALVAGED authorMadeleine Roux is the author of the adult sci-fi thriller SALVAGED (Ace Books). Set in deep space, SALVAGED follows Rosalyn Devar, a bioengineer from an influential family who has fled past traumas for the unglamorous life of a "space janitor". When catastrophic failures leave valuable ships floating in the void full of dead crew, Rosalyn and her fellow salvagers are sent out to clean up the human remains and send the ships home. Her latest assignment delivers her to the Brigantine, a research vessel gone dark. But, once aboard, Rosalyn discovers that the crew are still quite alive. But...
2019-10-1558 min
FictitiousClay McLeod Chapman, THE REMAKING authorClay McLeod Chapman is the author of meta-horror thriller THE REMAKING (Quirk Books). The tragic campfire tale of a mother and daughter burned as witches haunts the imagination of a small town local – including a budding horror director. When child actress Amber Pendleton is cast in a '70s B-movie about the urban legend, it seems like a springboard to a Hollywood career. Instead, the traumatic events of the film follow her into a medication-saturated, cash-poor 1990s adulthood. She makes her living at third-rate horror conventions, signing photographs for too-eager fans who cannot separate Amber from her disastrous childhood. Bu...
2019-10-0849 min
FictitiousAnnalee Newitz, THE FUTURE OF ANOTHER TIMELINE AuthorAnnalee Newitz is the author of the sci-fi time travel novel, THE FUTURE OF ANOTHER TIMELINE (Tor Books). In a world where present-to-past time travel is an accepted fact, geo-scientist Tess uses her university-funded temporal travels for both research and resistance. While a subversive group of travelers seeks to alter history and solidify the subjugation of women, Tess works in secret to minimize the damage of their "edits" and keep them from permanently locking the timeline. But although a dire confrontation looms somewhere in the centuries around her, Tess can't keep herself from breaking time travel taboo – stepping back in...
2019-09-3053 min
FictitiousJennifer Giesbrecht, THE MONSTER OF ELENDHAVEN authorJennifer Giesbrecht is the author of THE MONSTER OF ELENDHAVEN (Tor.com Publishing). This dark fantasy novella follows the unkillable, not-exactly human Johann as he slinks about the smokey, dark corner of the industrial-gothic city of Elendhaven. Johann murders and steals with unnatural anonymity, until he develops an obsession with Florian – a prominent, old-money accountant who is, in fact, a sorcerer. In a poisoned land ravaged by magical misuse, being a mage is illegal and will call hunters down on you. Johann courts Florian’s affection even as he becomes a puppet to the sorcerer’s long-festering need for vengea...
2019-09-2439 min
FictitiousHeli Kennedy, ORPHAN BLACK: THE NEXT CHAPTER writerHeli Kennedy is a writer on ORPHAN BLACK: THE NEXT CHAPTER, a new continuation of the popular BBC America TV series, this time brought to life as a prose serial, and audio drama narrated by the show’s award-winning star, Tatiana Maslany. ORPHAN BLACK follows a group of young women who discover they are all identical clones, created and monitored by a nefarious technological group, and pursued by other scientific and religious groups for being abominations of nature. Set 8 years after the end of the original series, ORPHAN BLACK: THE NEXT CHAPTER introduces a new clone, Vivi Valdez, opening up...
2019-09-1644 min
Fictitious10 Points to Slytherin: Why Good Fans Love Evil CharactersRecorded live at San Diego Comic-Con 2019, this panel discussion is called 10 Points to Slytherin: Why Good Fans Love Evil Characters. It features an awesome group of writers: Marissa Meyer (The Lunar Chronicles, Renegades), Renée Ahdieh (The Wrath and the Dawn series, The Beautiful), Keto Shimizu (Legends of Tomorrow, Arrow), Caitlin Starling (The Luminous Dead), and Shaun Barger (Mage Against The Machine). With their fascinating backstories, dangerous aesthetics, and devil-may-care attitudes, it’s easy to see why many fans identify with the bad guys. But what does it say about you when you proudly claim allegiance to Slytherin...
2019-09-1050 min
FictitiousAlix E. Harrow, THE TEN THOUSAND DOORS OF JANUARY authorHugo Award-winner Alix E. Harrow is the author of the historical portal fantasy, THE TEN THOUSAND DOORS OF JANUARY (Orbit Books / Red Hook). In the early years of the 20th century, a young girl named January finds herself the ward of a wealthy aristocrat, Mr. Locke. A dark-skinned girl of ambiguous ethnicity, January is a source of curiosity and skepticism for her benefactor’s society of affluent, white, would-be treasure hunters. Amongst Locke’s peculiar collection, she discovers an even more peculiar book, and in it a tale of Doors that open onto other worlds. January feels the the trut...
2019-09-0357 min
FictitiousKaty Rose Pool, THERE WILL COME A DARKNESS authorKaty Rose Pool is the debut author of the young adult fantasy novel, THERE WILL COME A DARKNESS. It’s a world shaped by seven great prophets who, after a two-thousand year reign, vanished a century ago. Now, their secret and final prophecy is coming to fruition, and with it, comes an Age of Darkness. Amidst chaos and conflict, five young people from wildly different backgrounds are pulled together to fulfill unexpected roles in the prophecy – to either save their world, or irrevocably break it. A Fierce Reads title, THERE WILL COME A DARKNESS arrives September 3rd from Henry Holt...
2019-08-2647 min
FictitiousK. A. Doore, THE PERFECT ASSASSIN authorK. A. Doore is author of THE PERFECT ASSASSIN, a suspense-driven fantasy adventure set in a sand-strewn city of platforms rising above the desert wastes. A young historian takes his first rooftop leaps into the life of an assassin, a noble family tradition with definitive rules of conduct and contracts. But when he discovers the body of a prominent city leader, it falls on his shoulders to solve the crime before conspiratorial intrigue and angry spirits tear his world apart. THE PERFECT ASSASSIN is a unique coming-of-age story, entwining reluctant romance with murder mystery. It’s available now from TO...
2019-08-1948 min
FictitiousEvan Winter, THE RAGE OF DRAGONS authorEvan Winter is the author of the epic fantasy debut, THE RAGE OF DRAGONS (Orbit Books). In a caste-driven society that has known only war for generations, a low-born commoner name Tau's life is destroyed by the very people he was born to serve. Though his path is blocked by ruthless nobles, magic-enraged warriors, and the Gifted who call down the fire of dragons, Tau dedicates his life to a singular ambition — do anything necessary to have his revenge on the men who took away all that he loved. But his bloody struggle will cost more than he can im...
2019-08-1253 min
FictitiousMary E. Pearson, VOW OF THIEVES authorMary E. Pearson is the New York Times bestselling author of the REMNANT CHRONICLES young adult fantasy series. Last year she released DANCE OF THIEVES, which is set in the REMNANT universe. And now, she’s following up with its sequel, VOW OF THIEVES. Sparks fly in this new series when a reformed thief turned Queen’s guard becomes reluctant allies with the leader of an outlaw family on the edge of the kingdom. A turbulent romance tests their individual loyalties even as a greater, insidious threat looms over everything they hold dear. A Fierce Reads title, VOW OF THIE...
2019-08-0544 min
FictitiousFonda Lee, JADE WAR authorFonda Lee is the author of JADE WAR (Orbit Books). Her early works were the acclaimed young adult science fiction novels Zeroboxer, Exo, and Crossfire. Her first adult fantasy novel, JADE CITY, kicked off the Green Bone Saga. JADE CITY won the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel, and was nominated for both the Nebula and the Locus award. The sequel, JADE WAR, continues to explore her mafia-meets-fantasy world, where magic, martial arts, and explosive action combine with the complex drama of family loyalty, honor, and corruption.
2019-07-2954 min
FictitiousJ. Michael Straczynski, Becoming Superman authorJ. Michael Straczynski is well known in science fiction fandom for creating the seminal TV series BABYLON 5, and recently SENSE8 with the Wachowskis for Netflix. His body of work includes the films Changeling and Marvel’s Thor, and acclaimed comic book runs on the Amazing Spider-Man, Rising Stars, and Midnight Nation. His latest work is a memoir called BECOMING SUPERMAN. For writers, it is a prime illustration of how the craft is more than a hobby or career pursuit – it is an opportunity to conquer reality and make of it what you desire. BECOMING SUPERMAN arrives on July 23rd from...
2019-07-2251 min
FictitiousSeason 3 Wrap-UpThis is the wrap-up episode for Season 3 of Fictitious. I'll be taking a short summer break to catch up on some reading, do some traveling, and work on a few projects, including updates to the show's website. Fictitious will return on Monday, July 22nd with celebrated science fiction screenwriter J. Michael Straczynski.
2019-06-1403 min
FictitiousMegan E. O'Keefe, Velocity Weapon authorMegan E. O’Keefe is the author of the new space opera novel, VELOCITY WEAPON (Orbit Books). Gunnery Sergeant Sanda Greeve awakens aboard an unmanned enemy ship to discover she has lost a leg, lost her entire planet, and lost 230 years in stasis. Her only companion is Bero, the ship’s advanced AI, who is eager to help, but is perhaps not entirely trustworthy. Sanda’s deep space plight runs parallel with her brother Biran’s political career on their home planet, as he struggles to retrieve her and other military personnel lost to the catastrophic attack from a rival co...
2019-06-0641 min
FictitiousKeith R.A. DeCandido, "A Furnace Sealed" authorKeith R.A. DeCandido is a prolific author known for his work with media tie-ins, including Alien, Star Trek, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Doctor Who, and Dungeons & Dragons. His new urban fantasy novel, A Furnace Sealed, follows his character Bram Gold, a Bronx-based freelancer tasked with investigating and containing supernatural mishaps and malefactions. When his latest job wrangling a rogue unicorn cascades into a wave of dead immortals, Bram and his compatriots must find the murderer - before their actions summon something far worse. A Furnace Sealed is available now from Wordfire Press.
2019-05-1642 min
FictitiousCaitlin Starling, "The Luminous Dead" authorCaitlin Starling is the author of The Luminous Dead. It's a paranoia-drenched sci-fi tale that follows a young woman named Gyre on a solo expedition into an enigmatic cave system on a far-off planet. Her only companion is Em, a mysterious and often untrustworthy benefactor who guides her from afar via a high tech caving suit. Em's motives, Gyre's history, and the terrifying secrets of the cave tangle in this claustrophobic and emotional decent into discovery and delirium. The Luminous Dead is available now from Harper Voyager.
2019-04-2652 min
FictitiousStory Unlimited: Using Non-Traditional Methods and Media to Tell Your StoryDo you have a story to tell, but struggle writing that traditional novel, comic, or screenplay? Modern media presents you with extraordinary new options to tell your tale and win an audience. Whether it's a podcast, video series, webcomic, RPG, chat & text story, indie game, serialized mobile fiction, mystery box subscription, or something completely new, your potential fans are waiting! Fictitious host Adron Buske moderates this panel of writers about the evolving world of multimedia entertainment – and how you can break in with your own stories. Featuring David Accampo, writer of the comics Lost Angels and The Margins; Gwenda Bond...
2019-04-1755 min
FictitiousDan Stout, "Titanshade" authorDan Stout is author of the debut novel Titanshade. It's a hard-boiled cop drama set in a 1970’s-esque fantasy world, where the titular corruption-infected city is kept warm by the heat of a tortured infernal god, some of the detectives have face mandibles, and the best squad cars come with 8-track players. Titanshade is available now from DAW Books.
2019-04-0547 min
FictitiousKat Howard, "A Cathedral of Myth and Bone" authorKat Howard is the award-winning author of the novels Roses and Rot, and An Unkindness of Magicians. Her latest book is a collection of short fiction called A Cathedral of Myth and Bone. These stories explore mythology, fantasy, and horror as they twist through the lives of women and saints, where the seeds of ancient revels and dread spring up anew in the modern age. A Cathedral of Myth and Bone is available now from Saga Press.
2019-03-2640 min
FictitiousShaun Barger, "Mage Against the Machine" AuthorMage Against The Machine, the debut novel from author Shaun Barger, is an explosive and emotional collision between fantasy and science fiction. It intertwines the stories of a young Magi soldier from an isolated world of government controlled magic, and a cybernetically enhanced resistance fighter struggling against a planet-conquering artificial intelligence. Mage Against The Machine is available now from Saga Press.
2019-03-0446 min
FictitiousGwenda Bond, "Stranger Things: Suspicious Minds" AuthorGwenda Bond's work includes a trilogy of Lois Lane YA novels, and the "Cirque American" book series, as well as the audio drama podcast "Dead Air". Her latest novel, "Suspicious Minds", is the first official "Stranger Things" tie-in and works as a prequel to the hit Netflix series. "Suspicious Minds" is available now from Del Rey books.
2019-02-1846 min
FictitiousGareth Hanrahan, "The Gutter Prayer" AuthorGareth Hanrahan is an author and role playing game writer/designer. His new novel, The Gutter Prayer, is a brilliant mash-up of fantasy, alchemical steampunk, and Lovecraftian horror. It follows three unlikely companions – a thief, a Stoneman and a ghoul – as they are pulled headlong into their ancient city’s hidden magical war. The Gutter Prayer is available now in stores everywhere from Orbit Books.
2019-02-0441 min
FictitiousJordanna Max Brodsky, "The Wolf in the Whale" AuthorJordanna Max Brodsky's previous series, the Olympus Bound trilogy, found the ancient gods of Greece living in modern Manhattan. Her passion for history and mythology is on display again with her latest novel, The Wolf in the Whale – which follows the quest of a young Inuit shaman to defend her people, and her own identity, from the wars of men and their gods. The Wolf in the Whale arrives in stores on January 29, 2019, from Red Hook Books.
2019-01-2841 min
FictitiousS.A. Chakraborty, "The Kingdom of Copper" AuthorS.A. Chakraborty is the author of The Daevabad trilogy, which includes her acclaimed debut novel The City of Brass, and its sequel, The Kingdom of Copper, which is available January 22nd, 2019 from Harper Voyager. It’s a lushly written, emotionally complex fantasy series with a fascinating, middle east-inspired mythology.
2019-01-2141 min
FictitiousBook Review: "The Test" by Sylvain NeuvelFleeting and unsubtle, Sylvain Neuvel's The Test is, appropriately, all about choices. What decisions will a person make when their future is on the line? How do those choices change under pressure, when the lives of others depend on them? And who are we to judge if those actions make someone good, make them worthy?
2019-01-1907 min
FictitiousRoshani Chokshi, "The Gilded Wolves" AuthorRoshani Chokshi is the New York Times bestselling author of The Star-Touched Queen and A Crown of Wishes. Her latest novel, the young adult fantasy The Gilded Wolves, arrives in stores on January 15th from Wednesday Books. It’s a fast-paced heist adventure set in a darkly glamorous version of Paris in 1889, featuring a magic system forged from a twist of biblical mythology, and a highly quotable cast of dysfunctional yet fiercely competent young thieves.
2019-01-1446 min
FictitiousBook Review: Vigilance by Robert Jackson BennettFictitious Bonus Book Review: Bleak, propulsive, and frighteningly plausible, Robert Jackson Bennett’s concise novella Vigilance examines an America which has embraced gun violence as inevitable and marketable. Yet the greatest weapons wielded in this warning tale are the tools of media manipulation, used to keep a diminishing populace paranoid yet eager for more corporate-sponsored bloodshed.
2019-01-1109 min
Fictitious10 Points to Slytherin: Why Good Fans Love Evil CharactersRecorded at San Diego Comic-Con 2017, this live panel discussion features super-star TV-scribe Jane Espenson, Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger co-executive producer Christine Boylan, young adult breakout author Tomi Adeyemi, Marvel & DC comics writer Erica Schultz, bestselling paranormal romance author Rebecca Zanetti, and Nerdist and Geek & Sundry writer Kendall Ashley. Moderated by Fictitious host Adron Buske. If you’re interested in what makes a great villain so compelling and captivating, you’ll find a lot of ideas to explore in this discussion. WARNING: there’s a fair amount of good-natured swearing in this episode. It's probably not one to listen to with the...
2019-01-0752 min
FictitiousIsaac Marion, "The Living" and "Warm Bodies" AuthorIsaac Marion is the author of the "Warm Bodies" series, which views the zombie apocalypse from the unique perspective of one of the Dead (who is trying very hard not to be). The bestselling first novel has been translated into 25 languages and was adapted as the hit 2013 film "Warm Bodies". The series includes prequel novella "The New Hunger" and sequel novel "The Burning World", and completes with his latest book, "The Living".
2018-12-1458 min
FictitiousGrady Hendrix, "We Sold Our Souls" AuthorBram Stoker award-winning author Grady Hendrix's latest novel, "We Sold Our Souls", is out now from Quirk Books. It's a paranoia-drenched dark fantasy infused with horror, suspense, and a cranked-up-to-11 volume of heavy metal. We discuss the difficulty Grady encountered shaping "We Sold Our Souls" into its final form, the impact of music on the story, and his laborious revision process.
2018-12-0348 min
FictitiousTade Thompson, "Rosewater" AuthorTade Thompson is the author of the award-winning, near-future sci-fi novel "Rosewater" (Orbit Books), set in Nigeria in 2066. The first novel in the "Wormwood" trilogy, it will be followed by the sequel, "Rosewater Insurrection", in early 2019.
2018-11-0947 min
FictitiousBonus: NaNoWriMo Executive Director Grant FaulknerThis bonus episode features Grant Faulkner, the executive director of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). The interview originally aired in 2016 on the Nerd For A Living podcast. NaNoWrimo is a program designed to motivate writers to start and complete an entire 50,000 word novel within the month of November. It’s free to join at NaNoWriMo.org, which provides tools to track your daily word count, gain badges for achievements, and take part in a community of authors.
2018-11-0232 min
FictitiousNicholas Eames, "Kings of the Wyld" and "Bloody Rose" AuthorNicholas Eames is author of the breakout epic fantasy debut "Kings of the Wyld" (Orbit Books), the first in "The Band" series. The sequel, "Bloody Rose", was released in August 2018. Nick's novels combine edge of your seat action, rock 'n roll sensibility, laugh out loud humor, and a huge helping of heart.
2018-10-1141 min
FictitiousHere There Be Dragons: Live at San Diego Comic Con 2018Recorded live at San Diego Comic Con 2018, the "Here There Be Dragons: Creating Fresh Stories in Fantasy" panel features authors Tomi Adeyemi (Children of Blood and Bone), Robert Jackson Bennett (Foundryside), Jason Denzel (Mystic Dragon), R.F. Kuang (The Poppy War), and Mary E. Pearson (Dance of Thieves). Moderated by Adron Buske of the Fictitious Podcast.
2018-10-0349 min
FictitiousR.F. Kuang, "The Poppy War" AuthorAuthor R.F. Kuang talks with Adron about her debut novel, The Poppy War (Harper Voyager). They discuss her writing process for the grim fantasy, its roots in the 20th-century history of China, and the influences of modern fantasy and animation on her work.
2018-09-0544 min
FictitiousRobert Jackson Bennett, "Foundryside" AuthorHugo-nominated author Robert Jackson Bennett (The Divine Cities Trilogy) talks with Adron about the creation process for his latest fantasy novel, Foundryside, which was just released by Crown Publishing.
2018-08-2742 min
FictitiousJason Denzel, "Mystic" and "Mystic Dragon" AuthorJason Denzel, the author of fantasy novels "Mystic" and "Mystic Dragon" (TOR publishing), discusses his storytelling process and influences for creating the "Mystic" trilogy. Jason is a filmmaker, and the founder of Dragonmount.com, the leading online community for Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time saga.
2018-08-2157 min
FictitiousSeason 2 Announcement: Fictitious RelaunchThis is Fictitious, a podcast about the Storytelling Craft of Science Fiction and Fantasy, hosted by Adron Buske. Fictitious features my interviews with authors about their latest and most popular works. If you enjoy conversations about storytelling and a look behind the curtain at how it’s all made, you will love this show. This is an announcement episode about the return of Fictitious after a brief hiatus, with a new focus, format, and branding, and a new home on the web. I’m really excited to bring you season 2 of the show. We’v...
2018-08-1700 min
FictitiousLeigh Bardugo, "The Language of Thorns", "Six of Crows"Our guest this episode is Leigh Bardugo, New York Times #1 bestselling author and the creator of the Grishaverse, a young adult fantasy series which has sold over one million copies. The Grishaverse spans the Shadow and Bone Trilogy, and the Six of Crows Duology. Her latest book, The Language of Thorns, collects six short, fairy tale-infused stories, all based in her original fantasy world. Inspired by myth and folklore, the stories in The Language of Thorns are intoxicating, darkly atmospheric tales filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice, and very conflicted kinds of love.
2017-09-2657 min
FictitiousRobin Furth, "The Dark Tower: A Complete Concordance" AuthorWe’re joined by Robin Furth, author of Stephen King's The Dark Tower: A Complete Concordance and co-writer of the Marvel Comics Dark Tower series. Robin was also a consultant on the recent Dark Tower film, has produced another concordance for a different Stephen King book series, and is consulting for other media properties. And she is now writing and releasing her own short stories and novels, as well as other comic projects.
2017-09-1558 min
FictitiousVivian Shaw, "Strange Practice" AuthorThis episode features author Vivian Shaw, whose debut novel — Strange Practice — was just released from Orbit Books. Strange Practice introduces Dr. Greta Helsing, a normal human physician working to keep the supernatural community not-alive and well in modern-day London. Having inherited her family's specialized medical practice, Greta can barely make ends meet with her treatments for local mummies. But when a sect of murderous monks begins to scour the city's underbelly, intent on killing her unusual friends, she must team up with her undead clients to keep them — and the rest of London — safe. Filled with fresh twists on classic mon...
2017-07-3046 min
FictitiousRebecca Zanetti, "Lethal Lies" AuthorOur guest is Rebecca Zanetti, a prolific author of dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and contemporary romances. She's published more than 25 novels, many of which have appeared on bestseller lists from the New York Times, USA Today, iBooks, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Her books include the Scorpius Syndrome series and Realm Enforcer series from Kensington Publishing, and the Sin Brothers series and Lost Bastard series from Grand Central Publishing. Her latest novel, Lethal Lies, was released in May. It’s the 2nd in her new Blood Brothers series, with the 3rd volume coming in November.
2017-06-1944 min
FictitiousLauren Shippen - "The Bright Sessions" writer/creatorWe talk with Lauren Shippen, the writer and creator of The Bright Sessions, a science fiction audio drama about people with supernatural abilities - in therapy. It’s a serialized podcast where each episode is a therapy session between a patient and the enigmatic Dr. Joan Bright. The Bright Sessions premiered in 2015, and has been featured by iTunes, Vox, Wired, The Observer, and Popular Science. In 2016 it was the recipient of 7 Audio Verse Awards. As an actor in Los Angeles, Lauren Shippen created the series as a writing experiment and creative outlet for her and her friends. Its success ha...
2017-06-0543 min
FictitiousDaniel H. Wilson, "Press Start to Play" EditorThis rebroadcast episode was recorded at San Diego Comic-Con 2015 with Daniel H. Wilson, New York Times bestselling author of Robopocalypse and its sequel Robogenesis. His books also include How to Survive a Robot Uprising, A Boy and His Bot, and Amped. Daniel's career spans books, television, and comics. He has a PhD in Robotics and a Masters in Artificial Intelligence. His book Robopocalypse was optioned by DreamWorks and was in development by Steven Spielberg, though the film has been in production limbo for several years now. We talk about Press Start to Play, an anthology of video game inspired...
2017-06-0524 min
FictitiousMary Robinette Kowal, "Ghost Talkers" AuthorHugo-award winning author Mary Robinette-Kowal spoke with us during the release of her novel "Ghost Talkers", a historical fantasy set in Europe during World War I. We talk about how that novel came together, and we also explore the other facets of her career, including her award-winning work as a puppeteer, and her side gig as a voice over artist, reading audio books and short stories for other writers. This episode originally appeared on our flagship podcast, Nerd For A Living.
2017-06-0532 min
FictitiousIntroduction to FictitiousFictitious is a new podcast about writing and genre storytelling, presented by Nerd For A Living and hosted by Adron Buske. We will delve into the storytelling process and business of writing for genre entertainment. And by genre, we mean all kinds of speculative fiction - science fiction, fantasy, horror and supernatural, and all the category-bending and -blending stories in between. Fictitious will focus on prose fiction, like novels and short stories, but we’ll also explore screenwriting for film and television, and scripting for other multimedia outlets, like audio dramas, graphic novels, games, and mo...
2017-06-0505 min
Nerd For A LivingErnie Hudson, Actor - "APB", "Grace & Frankie", "Ghostbusters"Host Adron Buske talks with pop-culture icon, actor Ernie Hudson. Film fans know him from his role as Winston Zeddmore in Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II, and also as Sergeant Albrecht from the 1994 cult classic The Crow. Ernie has an enormous body of work in film, television, and also animation voiceover, and he's been very busy working across 3 different current television series - Grace & Frankie (Netflix), Graves (FX), and APB (Fox). APB is a police drama with a high-tech twist, produced by Len Wiseman. It follows a billionaire engineer who, after witnessing a violent crime, takes charge of a troubled Chicago...
2017-04-2021 min
The Podcast Engineering ShowPES 042: Adron Buske My guest is Adron Buske, host and co-producer of the Nerd for a Living podcast, and co-founder and creative director at Armadian Creative. We had a riveting conversation about his equipment and workflow, which he was nice enough to outline for us here: GEAR Mixer - Alesis Multi-Mix 8 - USB Pyle 4 channel headphone amplifier Backup - M-Audio MobilePre Amp (2 channel) Mics MXL 990 - main interview mic (large diaphragm condenser) AudioTechnica AT875R condenser mic - narration mic Sterling S50 condenser mic - secondary interview mic MXL 2006 condenser mic - new interview mic...
2017-02-021h 05
Nerd For A LivingEmerald City Comicon 2016 Marketing (Isn't) Magic PanelRecorded live at Emerald City Comicon 2016 in Seattle, this episode features our Marketing (Isn't) Magic panel, a discussion of practical advice for promoting your small business or other creative endeavors. Our guest speakers included Jaimie Cordero, the CEO and Glitter Jedi of nerd makeup company Espionage Cosmetics; Danielle Davis, the founder of Lady Killer Marketing & PR; and Jen Vaughn, a marketing professional who has worked with a number of notable comic book publishers. She's also a comic book creator, and is currently a colorist on the new Archie comic series. Nerd For A Living's Adron Buske moderated the panel.
2016-05-0358 min
Nerd For A LivingPanel at Wizard World St. Louis 2016 with Rachael Stott, Rick Burchett, Ellie Ann, and Carol MertzRecorded live at Wizard World Comic-Con St. Louis 2016, Nerd For A Living’s Adron Buske moderates our panel, "How to Be a Nerd For A Living: Finding Your Career in Pop Culture”. Our guests speakers include best-selling author Ellie Ann, Doctor Who comic artist Rachael Stott, video game creator and studio co-founder Carol Mertz, and Eisner Award-winning comic book artist Rick Burchett.
2016-04-0756 min
Nerd For A LivingRobin Linn, artist manager for The Third Floor Previsualization StudioN4AL's Adron Buske talks with Robin Linn of The Third Floor, a previsualization studio that creates animatic storyboards for Hollywood film and commercial productions. Previs helps directors and producers pitch and plan films, saving money in the production by pre-planning shots, pacing and CGI needs. Robin is an artist manager, supervising, training, and recruiting animators for the Third Floor team. He has an extensive background in art, animation and film. But he started as a bank manager who only did sculpting as a hobby. Learn how a chance opportunity turned into a 25 year career in the film industry.
2014-08-281h 21
Nerd For A LivingIndie Comics Roundtable with Rebecca Hicks and David AccampoN4AL's Wendy and Adron Buske talk with indie comic creators Rebecca Hicks (Little Vampires) and David Accampo (Sparrow & Crowe: The Demonaic of Los Angeles) about the craft of making and marketing comics, how to build and sustain a loyal audience, and how to carry over skills from your day jobs into your nerd passion projects. Networking and selling at San Diego Comic Con is a hot topic, and we veer all over the nerd culture landscape in this highly entertaining discussion.
2014-07-221h 30
Nerd For A LivingDana Huth and Carol Mertz of Happy Badgers StudioN4AL's Adron Buske talks with Dana Huth and Carol Mertz, co-founders of design and development firm Rampant Interactive and indie game studio Happy Badgers. Rampant Interactive is a St. Louis-based digital production company creating websites and mobile apps. But while this 4 person operation primarily pays the bills with client-focused online products, their real passion is game development. We talk about the joys and challenges of starting up your own business; developing your game plan over time to focus on what makes you happiest; the current state of indie game development; the obstacles an indie studio faces trying to make...
2014-06-1751 min
Nerd For A LivingAndy Schmidt, Founder of Comics ExperienceN4AL's Adron Buske talks to Andy Schmidt, owner of Comics Experience, the online school for comic creators. Andy is a former Senior Editor for IDW Publishing, and a former editor for Marvel Comics, where he worked on most of their notable properties, including Guardians of the Galaxy (soon to be a major motion picture in Summer 2014). We discuss his path to working in comics, the creation of Comics Experience, benefits of a stay-at-home career, juggling different roles and businesses, and the power of having cool nerd jobs on your resume.
2014-05-2044 min
Nerd For A LivingRhiannon Paille, Fantasy Author of The Ferryman and the Flame SeriesN4AL's Adron Buske talks with Canadian author Rhiannon Paille, creator of the young adult paranormal romance series 'The Ferryman and the Flame', including currently available novels 'Surrender', 'Justice', and 'Vulture'. Rhi recently signed to Kevin J. Anderson's publishing imprint Wordfire Press. We talk about self-publishing, online promotion of your work, Rhi's process and work habits, the challenges facing indie authors in a saturated media landscape and juggling other careers with writing.
2014-05-1458 min
Nerd For A LivingTurning your Art into an Online Business - Panel at Wizard World St. Louis 2014This panel of professional writers, crafters, business owners and marketers provides helpful tips on promoting your art, and yourself, online. Topics such as starting your business, targeting your audience through advertising and social media, protecting your designs, time-management, and how to maintain an online shop are discussed. Moderated by N4AL's Wendy Buske, speakers include Ashley Schonberg (owner of Jayne Danger), Rhiannon Paille (author of "The Ferryman & the Flame"), Amanda Nuckolls (owner of GnomeAcres), and Adron Buske (owner of Armadian Creative; writer of "Loop & Hoodie" and "Good Intentions"). Recorded at Wizard World St. Louis Comic-Con 2014.
2014-04-1546 min
Nerd For A LivingPaul Horn (writer/artist, Cool Jerk) and Darlene Horn (writer, Girl with the Donut Tattoo)N4AL's Wendy and Adron Buske talk with Paul Horn, writer/artist of webcomic Cool Jerk, and Darlene Horn, food blogger for My Burning Kitchen and writer of Girl with the Donut Tattoo.
2013-09-201h 07
Nerd For A LivingTurning your Art into your Business - Panel from Wizard World Chicago 2013This Wizard World Chicago 2013 panel discussion with professional marketers and independent artists & writers offers helpful tips on creating your own online brand. The panelists provide artists, creatives and DIYers an overview of and advice for promoting your art. We examine how to get your small business started online, how to grow your audience, legal consideration for your business, and how to market yourself in the digital space. Moderator Wendy Buske of Nerd For A Living leads the panel with social media strategist Kelly Stephenson, and comic writer and Armadian Creative owner Adron Buske.
2013-09-0439 min
Nerd For A LivingIntroduction to the N4AL PodcastWelcome to the introductory Nerd For A Living (N4AL) podcast. Get acquainted with your hosts: Wendy Buske (N4AL's Marketing Director, and a Digital Producer for St. Louis advertising agency Rodgers Townsend) and Adron Buske (N4AL's Creative Director, owner of Armadian Creative, and writer of the Loop & Hoodie comic series). We explain the purpose of Nerd For A Living - both the website and the podcast - and why we created it. We also do a quick recap of San Diego Comic Con 2013 and share some of the awesome nerdy things we're currently geeking out about. Interviews start...
2013-07-2834 min
Nerd For A LivingFrom the Archive: Alan Moore, Comic Creator - Watchmen, V for Vendetta, From Hell, Lost GirlsSeveral years ago, while working in broadcast radio, Adron received the amazing opportunity to interview comics luminary Alan Moore. The acclaimed British scribe was promoting his then-latest book, the controversial Lost Girls. Adron’s 40-minute interview with Moore covers that 3-volume work of “literary erotica” as well as his other comic masterworks Watchmen, V for Vendetta and much more. Writers and sequential artists should be particularly interested to hear Moore’s thoughts on creating comics, artist collaborations and the time investment to produce Lost Girls. The original interview was recorded in 2008, but Moore is a fascinating speaker and his comments are stil...
2013-06-3046 min
Nerd For A LivingFrom the Archive: Josh Hagler, Fine Artist and Creator of The Boy Who Made SilenceN4AL’s Adron Buske sits down with artist and writer, Josh Hagler, to discuss art, comics, self publishing and the history of his recently collected graphic novel from Markosia, The Boy Who Made Silence. Originally produced for Rocketbot Radio, a podcast for comic creators of all ages, skills and genres on Rocketbot.com.
2013-06-301h 06