Shows
Let’s Reboot the FutureShow & Tell with Teachers: Stories of Climate Action - Ian McDermottListen to Ian McDermott share his insights into how forming a relationship with MP Rachel Blake through PACTS has instilled confidence and political empowerment within his sixth-form students. As a chemistry teacher at Harris Westminster Sixth Form in London, Ian’s students are faced with environmental issues unique to cities and Ian offers strategies into how his school has created ways for students to step away from polluted air and into nature within London. Ian views climate education and advocacy by teachers as a form of safeguarding needed within schools and shares his top tips on how PACTS can be...
2024-12-1318 min
Access Unmissable Full Audiobooks in Biography & Memoir, Arts & EntertainmentOut of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers by Ian O'connorPlease visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/728568 to listen full audiobooks. Title: Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers Author: Ian O'connor Narrator: Charles Constant Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 13 hours 4 minutes Release date: August 20, 2024 Ratings: Ratings of Book: 3 of Total 3 Genres: Arts & Entertainment Publisher's Summary: Instant New York Times Bestseller ''A masterwork. ... O'Connor answers every question, deftly and deeply, that we've had about the most controversial person in America's biggest game.'' —Peter King Four-time New York Times bestselling sport biographer Ian O’Connor pulls back the curtain on four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, delivering the definitive portrait of t...
2024-08-2005 min
The Writer and The CriticEpisode 105: The Glutton | Days of Innocence and WonderAh, dear listeners. Due to the increasingly difficult demands of their increasingly busy lives, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond regretfully announce that this will be the final episode of The Writer and the Critic. Forever. Probably. Definitely, yes definitely. Alas.
On this very last episode, your hosts begin with a quick recap of the infamous lost episode of March 2024, wherein they discussed two novels they both very much enjoyed, A Helping Hand by Celia Dale and Monsters by Emerald Fennell. There are no real spoilers in this brief discussion, although there is some moaning and gnashing of...
2024-04-271h 15The Writer and The CriticEpisode 104: The Haunting of Hill House | A Haunting on the HillHappy new year! On this first episode of The Writer and the Critic for 2024, your hosts Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, begin by with a very brief discussion of recent reads and whether writing a 'young' or an 'old' voice might be more ... ah ... challenging.
The books up for dissection this month are The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson [5:10] and A Haunting on the Hill by Elizabeth Hand [39:20].
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please come back at 1:02:00 for final remarks - including a surprise anecdote involving Evelyn Waugh!
2024-02-171h 07The Writer and The CriticEpisode 103: After the Forest | I Am Homeless if This is Not My Home
On this last and somewhat longer episode of The Writer and the Critic for 2023, your hosts Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, begin by discussing the television adaptation of Slow Horses as well as the new Mike Flanagan series, The Fall of the House of Usher. No prizes for guessing which one Kirstyn did not like and which one she adored.
The books up for discussion this month are After the Forest by Kell Woods [13:35] and I am Homeless if This is Not My Home by Lorrie Moor [54:20].
This review by Parul Sehgal of...
2023-11-181h 27
Mouthful of GraffitiMOUTHFUL OF GRAFFITI - THE VOICE OF IAN MCDERMOTTUnless you’ve been living under a ‘3rd Rock From The Sun’-sized heavenly rock, then you’ve probably seen Ian McDermott performing at your local pub, brewery, restaurant or Mid-Atlantic special event. The aforementioned sitcom was included because it’s an NBC property, much like The Voice, which Ian McDermott will be featured on in their upcoming season. His warm, rich, timber is like organic syrup on your already perfectly spiced flavored pancakes. Ian sings the blues like an old soul and performs with a certain unmistakable star-quality. I recently watched him perform at the Fall Equi...
2023-11-021h 06The Writer and The CriticEpisode 102: The Broken Shore | Slow HorsesOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic, your hosts Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, begin with a brief celebration of Ian winning the William Atheling Jr. Award for his reviews in Locus that meanders into a discussion about the importance of criticism and the dangers of AI. Huzzah for Ian and criticism! Boo hiss for AI!
The books up for discussion this month are The Broken Shore by Peter Temple [7:25] and Slow Horses by Mick Herron [33:30].
Mentioned in dispatches and highly recommended are the following television series:
Deadloch (2023)
The Sandbaggers (1978...
2023-10-211h 05The Writer and The CriticEpisode 101: The Living Sea of Waking Dreams | The Saint of Bright DoorsOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic, your hosts Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, begin by chatting about cardamon knobs, cygnets and the shenanigans of parkour cats. Seriously. The books up for discussion this month are The Living Sea of Waking Dreams by Richard Flanagan [5:05] and The Saint of Bright Doors by Vajra Chandrasekera [46:00].
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please come back at 1:14:10 for final remarks.
Next month, the two books on the slab will be:
The Broken Shore by Peter Temple
Slow Horses by Mick Herron
...
2023-09-161h 16The Writer and The CriticEpisode 100: The Book of Accidents | ConquestOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic, your hosts Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, ruminate briefly upon head colds, snoring and cats. Very briefly. The books up for discussion this month are The Book of Accidents by Chuck Wendig [3:30] and Conquest by Nina Allan [31:25].
Listeners may want to check out the following, as mentioned:
Chuck Wendig's blog: Terrible Minds
Nina Allan's website: The Spider's House
Review of Conquest in Locus by Gary K. Wolfe
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please come back at 59:25 for final remarks.
Next...
2023-08-191h 03The Writer and The CriticEpisode 99: The Trees Grew Because I Bled There | Everything Ravaged, Everything BurnedOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic, your hosts Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, discuss such scintillating topics as football, the coronation, bus replacements and overcrowded trains. But not for long, they promise. The books up for discussion this month are The Trees Grew Because I Bled There by Eric LaRocca [7:05] and Everything Ravaged, Everything Burned by Wells Tower [36:30].
Listeners may also wish to head over to Cinema Chords to watch the interview with Erica LaRocca mentioned in this episode.
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please come back at 1:01:10...
2023-05-201h 03The Writer and The CriticEpisode 98: The Terraformers | Sing, NightingaleOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic, your hosts Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, briefly discuss reading slumps and the likelihood that either of them will read the new novel by Bret Easton Ellis. The books up for discussion this month are The Terraformers by Annalee Newitz [5:00] and Sing, Nightingale by Marie Hélène Poitras [45:00].
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please come back at 1:13:00 for final remarks.
Next month, the two books on the slab will be:
Everything Ravaged, Everything Burned by Wells Tower
The Trees Grew Be...
2023-04-151h 17The Writer and The CriticEpisode 97: LOTE | Animal LifeOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic, your hosts Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, get straight down to business with minimal waffle. You're welcome. The books up for discussion this month are LOTE by Shola Von Reinhold [3:25] and Animal Life by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir [44:38].
Next month, the two books on the slab will be:
The Terraformers by Annalee Newitz
Sing, Nightingale by Marie Hélène Poitras
Read ahead and join in the spoilerific fun!
2023-03-181h 13The Writer and The CriticEpisode 96: Every Version of You | The Women Could FlyWelcome to 2023! On this first episode for the year your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, chat briefly about the Locus Recommended Reading List in which Hard Places gets a mention. Huzzah! The books up for discussion this month are Every Version of You by Grace Chan [6:25] and The Women Could Fly by Megan Giddings [39:05].
For listeners interested in spec fic dealing with the second generation immigrant experience, Ian also recommends Flux by Jinwoo Chong.
And Kirstyn has found unbounded delight in a silly little browser add-on, Tabby Cat.
Next month...
2023-02-181h 19
NGBideasS1.E3: Ian McDermott | UHNJanuary 31, 2023 - This week our guest is Ian McDermott, Executive Director of Planning and Integration at University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto. We discuss Ian's journey from Ireland to Toronto via northern Ontario, his years at the University of Toronto, the history of UHN, how lab design has changed over the years and why wet lab space is (again) difficult to find in Toronto. UHN: www.uhn.caLabOccupier: laboccupier.comSummit: nextgreatbigideas.com
2023-01-3145 minThe Writer and The CriticEpisode 95: January Fifteenth | Patricia Wants to CuddleOn this final episode of The Writer and the Critic for 2022 your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, spend a few minutes musing over the missing of podcasts, the breaking of awards, and the end of time as we know it. The books up for discussion this month are January Fifteenth by Rachel Swirsky [9:30] and Patricia Wants to Cuddle by Samantha Allen [39:00].
The interview with Samantha Allen that was mentioned in this episode can be read here.
The fabulously sartorial Jules Mond can be found on Instagram @seemeswoon.
And for listeners c...
2022-11-121h 14The Writer and The CriticEpisode 94: Helpmeet | Our Wives Under the SeaOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, spend a few minutes discussing the work of Peter Straub, who sadly passed away this month. Listeners might like to revisit Episode 17 in which Kirstyn and Ian, along with special guest Rob Shearman, discuss Straub's marvelously unsettling collection, Houses Without Doors.
The books up for discussion this month are Helpmeet by Naben Ruthnum [10:25] and Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield [34:00].
Kirstyn also highly recommends The Ghost Sequences by A.C. Wise from her new favourite sm...
2022-09-161h 12The Writer and The CriticEpisode 93: Such a Pretty Smile | Checkout 19On this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, spend a few minutes discussing the aftermath of COVID-19 by which Kirstyn was unfortunately struck down last month. She is not happy about it.
The books up for discussion this month are Such a Pretty Smile by Kristi Demeester [4:10] and Checkout 19 by Claire-Louise Bennett [29:25].
Ian also heartily recommends Pond by Claire-Louise Bennett and Berg by Ann Quin.
Congratulations are due to Ian as well for his recent nomination for the William Atheling Jr Award for C...
2022-08-271h 10The Writer and The CriticEpisode 92: Dance Move | Ariadne, I Love YouOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, first take some time to shamelessly plug Kirstyn's forthcoming collection of short fiction, Hard Places, out soon through Trepidatio Publishing.
The books up for discussion this month are Dance Move by Wendy Erskine [9:55] and Ariadne, I Love You by J. Ashley-Smith [36:05].
Listeners may also want to check out other books by the same authors, including Sweet Home by Erskine and The Attic Tragedy by Ashley-Smith. The two interviews with J. Ashley-Smith mentioned on the podcast can be fo...
2022-07-231h 06The Writer and The CriticEpisode 91: Manhunt | And Then I Woke UpOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, quickly dispense with a (mostly) non-political intro and general discussion of post-apocalyptic narratives.
The books up for discussion this month are Manhunt by Gretchen Felker-Martin [5:25] and And Then I Woke Up by Malcolm Devlin [44:40].
This excellent review of Manhunt by Lee Mandelo was mentioned in the podcast, and these two by Liam McBain and Christ are also well worth a read.
For listeners who would like to know what Lucy, the High-Flying Cat of Interruption, loo...
2022-06-181h 11The Writer and The CriticEpisode 90: Devotion | The School for Good MothersOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, are tired and cranky but still manage to preamble only briefly in the murk of COVID-19 and bad segues before getting to the point of it all. They think.
The books up for discussion this month are two novels: Devotion by Hannah Kent [5:20] and The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan [35:20].
The review of The School for Good Mothers that Kirstyn mentioned was this one by Ilana Masad in The Washington Post.
If you've s...
2022-05-211h 12The Writer and The CriticEpisode 89: I Would Haunt You if I Could | Shit Cassandra SawOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, dispense with lengthy preambles and get pretty much straight into it.
The books being discussed this month are two collections of short fiction: I Would Haunt You if I Could by Seán Padraic Birnie [2:10] and Shit Cassandra Saw by Gwen E. Kirby [28:50].
For those listeners who enjoyed the Seán Padraic Birnie collection, Kirstyn would also like to draw your attention to a recent short story of his, "Funny Faces" over at The Dark.
If...
2022-04-1655 min
The Recognized AuthorityEarning and Holding Attention with Ian BrodieAttention is a currency, something we all spend on those who entertain us, and those who help solve our problems. In a cluttered, noise-filled world, getting your ideal client's attention focused on your content is difficult, creating content that will hold their attention even more so.
In this episode, Ian Brodie and Alastair McDermott discuss how you can earn the attention of your ideal buyers, and how to incorporate humour in a way that is congruent with your personality and style.
They also discuss what makes an effective lead magnet, how to inspire curiosity, and...
2022-03-2854 minThe Writer and The CriticEpisode 88: The Wych Elm | My PhantomsOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, begin by discussing the state of the world, farts in jars and a possible niche side project involving uncontrollable sobbing.
The books being flensed this month are The Wych Elm by Tana French [5:10] and My Phantoms by Gwendoline Riley [37:15].
Ian would also like to make sure you know about the new short story that Kirstyn has had published in The Dark. You're welcome.
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please come back at 1:04:25 for...
2022-03-261h 07
The HIP: The Housing Industry PodcastIan McDermott, Chief Executive Officer at PeabodyThis week, host James Leighton was joined by Ian McDermott, CEO at Peabody.This was an incredibly insightful conversation, ranging from Ian's experience in the industry, through to some home truths around scaling, having a low ego, and the importance of authenticity!Ian has a wealth of experience in the industry, so to get his opinion on a variety of technical and personal topics was incredibly interesting.
2022-03-1542 minThe Writer and The CriticEpisode 87: When We Cease to Understand the World | A Ghost in the ThroatOn this first episode of The Writer and the Critic for 2022, your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, begin with an exciting announcement: Kirstyn will have some actual books being published this year! She's a writer again! Huzzah!
Ahem. The books up for discussion this month are When We Cease to Understand the World by Benjamin Labatut [6:08] and A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofal [52:35].
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please come back at 1:18:15 for final remarks including a discussion about just what we mean when we say "no...
2022-02-191h 24The Writer and The CriticEpisode 86: Little Eve | Light PerpetualOn this final episode of The Writer and the Critic for 2021, your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond discuss birthdays, Halloween and Jewish Stuff before moving on to wax lyrical about this month's books: Little Eve by Catriona Ward [6:35] and Light Perpetual by Francis Spufford [36:35].
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please come back at 1:16:45 for final remarks.
Next episode - in February 2022! - the two books up on the slab will be:
When We Cease to Understand the World by Benjamin Labatut
A Ghost in the Throat b...
2021-11-201h 20The Writer and The CriticEpisode 85: The Cost of Living | DissolveOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic, your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond have a mercifully brief and borderline hysterical conversation on the state of COVID before jumping a discussion of this month's books: The Cost of Living: A Working Autobiography by Deborah Levy [3:45] and Dissolve by Nikki Gemmell [29:50].
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please come back at 58:15 for final remarks, including a minor rant on the subject of book annotations/defacement.
Next month, the two books up on the slab will be:
Little Eve by...
2021-10-161h 08The Writer and The CriticEpisode 84: The Employees | Everyone Knows Your Mother is a Witch
On this episode of The Writer and the Critic, your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond briefly discuss the usual COVID guff before jumping into this month's books: The Employees by Olga Ravn [4:20] and Everyone Knows Your Mother is a Witch by Rivka Galchen [37:55].
The visual artists referenced during are Lea Guldditte Hestelund and Patricia Piccinini.
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please come back at 1:22:50 for final remarks.
Next month, the two books up on the slab will be:
Dissolve by Nikki Gemmell
The Cost of Living: A...
2021-09-181h 24The Writer and The CriticEpisode 83: All the Fabulous Beasts | Cat Person and Other StoriesOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic, your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond indulge in some thankfully brief maudlin meanderings around the current state of the pandemic before turning to the books up for discussion: All the Fabulous Beasts by Priya Sharma [9:10] and Cat Person and other stories by Kristen Roupenian [34:00].
The article “Cat Person” and Me by Alexis Nowicki is recommended for those interested further background reading.
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please come back at 1:24:30 for final remarks.
Next month, the two books up on t...
2021-08-211h 27The Writer and The CriticEpisode 82: The Animals in That Country | SorrowlandOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond waste no time in diving straight into their discussion of The Animals in That Country by Laura Jean McKay [3:20] and Sorrowland by Rivers Solomon [47:50].
Also recommended is the novella The Deep by Rivers Solomon, Daveed Diggs, William Hutson & Jonathan Snipes, which Ian reviewed for Locus.
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please come back at 1:23:10 for final remarks.
Next month, the two books up on the slab will be:
All the Fabulous...
2021-07-171h 29The Writer and The CriticEpisode 81: The Space Between Worlds | Mrs Death Misses DeathOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond indulge briefly in some COVID commiseration before beginning into their discussion of The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson [4:30] and Mrs Death Misses Death by Salena Godden [39:10].
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please come back at 1:17:00 for final remarks.
Next month, the two books up on the slab will be:
The Animals in That Country by Laura Jean McKay
Sorrowland by Rivers Solomon
Read ahead and join in the spoilerific fun!
2021-06-121h 21The Writer and The CriticEpisode 80: Memorial | The Mermaid of Black ConchOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond spend some time on brief tangents regarding awards (good) and coffee (not so much) before launching into their discussion of Memorial by Bryan Washington [7:30] and The Mermaid of Black Conch by Monique Roffey [40:00].
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please come back at 1:18:15 for final remarks - including the exciting conclusion to last episode's exciting cliffhanger: Has Ian Finished All the Murmuring Bones and Did He Like it?
Next month, the two books up on the...
2021-05-081h 22The Writer and The CriticEpisode 79: All the Murmuring Bones | Smart Ovens for Lonely PeopleOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, discuss All the Murmuring Bones by Angela Slatter [10:40] and Smart Ovens for Lonely People by Elizabeth Tan [47:05].
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please come back at 1:12:15 for brief final remarks. Next month, the two books up on the slab will be:
Memorial by Bryan Washington
The Mermaid of Black Conch by Monique Roffey
Read ahead and join in the spoilerific fun!
2021-04-101h 20
Unlocking Athletic PotentialEpisode #32 | Lee McDermott - From Commonwealth Gymnastics Gold to Creating Michael Jackson's Cirque Du Soleil 'One' ShowWe welcome Olympian and double Commonwealth gold gymnast, Lee McDermott, to the UAP Podcast. After a successful career as an athlete, Lee became the head coach for Cirque Du Soleil working in Canada, Japan and Las Vegas, where he was leading the team who created the Michael Jackson ‘One’ Show.In this episode we discuss:His highlights as an athlete including competing at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic GamesHis journey as an athlete, from discovering the sport to reaching elite levelStaying motivated and the key behind skill progressionKnowing when the time was right to move out of competingMoving into...
2021-01-2157 minThe Writer and The CriticEpisode 76: Beowulf | The Mere WifeOn this very special episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, are joined by the most erudite and entertaining Lisa L. Hannett, author of Blue Grass Symphony, Lament for the Afterlife and the recently published collection Songs for Dark Seasons.
The three of them jump straight into their discussion of two books by Maria Dahvana Headley, Beowulf: A New Translation and The Mere Wife [47:20]. Grab a tasty beverage ... this is going to take some time.
You might also want to the check out the f...
2020-12-051h 35The Writer and The CriticEpisode 75: Growing Things | Let's Play WhiteOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, discuss Growing Things and Other Stories by Paul Tremblay [6:15] and Let's Play White by Chesya Burke [32:10].
As promised, for listeners who would like to keep tabs on the Montague Street bridge, you can find updates here. And Ian once again highly recommends the Backlisted podcast. He's not getting kickbacks, we swear!
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please come back at 1:10:45 for brief final remarks.
Next month, The Writer and the Critic is delighted...
2020-11-071h 18
Which Is More? with Pete Musto & XanthorJoanna Harris and Ian McDermott: Bozo vs. Ronald McDonaldJoanna Harris (Comedy Potluck) and Ian McDermott (Motherknuckle) let loose with both barrels while bitterly bickering over who is the best clown around: Bozo or Ronald McDonald.Follow her @kitsunecool on Twitter and @itsfoxfun on IG. Follow him at Comedy Potluck on YouTube.Artwork by @kevinesqueTheme music by @yokidanoffSpecial segment by The Midnight Gardeners League @midnightgardenersFollow Pete Musto @TryTheLandCrab on Twitter and @badasswizard on InstagramAn MGL Production, 2020
2020-11-0655 minThe Writer and The CriticEpisode 74: Folk | The Liar's DictionaryOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, discuss Folk by Zoe Gilbert [4:15] and The Liar’s Dictionary by Eley Williams [30:20].
This review by Benjamin Meyers in The Guardian is mentioned during the discussion of Folk, and Ian also highly recommends Eley Williams' short story collection, Attrib. and Other Stories.
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please come back at 1:02:10 for brief final remarks. Next month, the two books up on the slab will be:
Growing Things and Other Stories by Paul Tr...
2020-10-061h 07The Writer and The CriticEpisode 73: Mexican Gothic | The Only Good IndiansOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, discuss Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia [2:20] and The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones [26:50].
For those wanting to add to their reading lists, Ian highly recommends the Republic of Consciousness Prize for Small Presses as a means of finding books and authors outside the mass market that you might not otherwise come across.
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please come back at 1:02:15 for brief final remarks. Next month, the two books up on the s...
2020-09-061h 08The Writer and The CriticEpisode 72: Weather | HoldOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, discuss Weather by Jenny Offill [3:30] and Hold by Kirsten Tranter [30:20].
Ian and Kirstyn both thoroughly recommend a visit to Obligatory Note of Hope, mentioned during the discussion, for readers wanting to engage further in some of the issues raised by Jenny Offill.
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please come back at 1:02:40 for brief final remarks. Next month, the two books up on the slab will be:
The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
...
2020-08-051h 08The Writer and The CriticEpisode 69: Quarantine EditionSurprise! Perhaps against the judgement of their better selves, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond are back with a special Skype-assisted episode of The Writer and the Critic. From their self-isolated COVID-19 bunkers*, they reconvene to chat about some of the things that have made them happy since the last episode aired back in December 2017. Or, indeed, are making them happy right now.
Here's the list of links in order of discussion:
1. The Migration by Helen Marshall (recommended by Kirstyn)
2. Some Good News YouTube channel (recommended by Ian)
3. Mothers Grimm b...
2020-04-131h 12The Writer and The CriticEpisode 68: How to Bee | In the Dark SpacesOn this very last episode* of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond waste no time with maudlin sentiment! The books up for discussion this month are two debut novels by the same author: How to Bee by Bren MacDibble [9:00] and In the Dark Spaces by Cally Black [40:30]. How is this possible? Listen and find out!
Listeners might also like to check out this interview with Cally Black on ABC Radio for more insights. If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please come back at 1:09:40 for brief final remarks, including the following recomm...
2017-12-201h 19The Writer and The CriticEpisode 66: The Fisherman | By Light We Knew Our NamesOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, begin with an admission: Ian was wrong! He got the shortlist for the Man Booker Prize wrong! He got the longlist for the National Book Award wrong! What is he even doing talking about literature at all? Nevertheless, the two books on the slab this month remain The Fisherman by John Langan [9:00] and By Light We Knew Our Names by Anne Valente [42:25].
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please come back at 1:12:25 for brief final remarks. The books...
2017-09-251h 16The Writer and The CriticEpisode 65: The Underground Railroad | Exit WestThis month on The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, begin by announcing the two patron-voted books which will be featured in the upcoming Patron's Choice episode in September. There is also some discussion of the recently announced Man Booker longlist because IAN WAS RIGHT and both the novels featured THIS month are on the list! Those novel are of course The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead [11:30] and Exit West by Mohsin Hamid [1:01:00].
For readers interested in spec-fic-skewed novels in a similar vein, Ian highly recommends the following:
Lovecraft C...
2017-08-171h 49The Writer and The CriticEpisode 63: Hurricane Heels | LauriatOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, begin with a brief chat about the recent Continuum 13 convention and highly recommend their listeners check out the fabulous Guest of Honour speeches which are now available for viewing online:
Likhain's Continuum 13 Guest of Honour Speech
Seanan McGuire's Continuum 13 Guest of Honour Hour
They then move on to discuss the two featured books for this month: Hurricane Heels by Isabel Yap [7:10] and Lauriat: A Filipino-Chinese Speculative Fiction Anthology edited by Charles Tan [41:40].
Listeners might also like to...
2017-06-291h 35The Writer and The CriticEpisode 62: Nevernight | The Grief HoleOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, begin by talking about the recent Aurealis Awards - in particular the categories of Best Horror Novel and Best Fantasy Novel, the winners of which have been chosen for this month's discussion. The full list of Aurealis Award winners can be found on the official website.
The novels for this episode are: Nevernight by Jay Kristoff (Best Fantasy Novel) [22:00] and The Grief Hole by Kaaron Warren (Best Horror Novel) [57:30].
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please...
2017-05-231h 36The Writer and The CriticEpisode 61: Crossroads of Canopy | The Swan BookOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, are looking at two Australian speculative fiction novels. But first, they would like to congratulate all winners of the Aurealis Awards and also thank people for nominating this podcast for a Ditmar Award. So much bookish love! After a brief discussion of awards -- very brief, they promise! -- they turn to the books at hand: Crossroads of Canopy by Thoraiya Dyer [8:10] and The Swan Book by Alexis Wright [53:40].
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please come back at...
2017-04-191h 44The Writer and The CriticEpisode 60: Lagoon | RosewaterOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, discuss the two chosen novels pretty much concurrently. Lagoon by Nnedi Okorafor and Rosewater by Tade Thompson are both alien invasion novel set in Nigeria and the conversation around them begins at 3:20. Please note, due to some technical difficulties there were a couple of audio dropouts mid-discussion ... Kirstyn and Ian blame the aliens!
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please come back at 1:13:45 for some brief final remarks, including a recommendation to check out SavidgeReads on YouTube. Simon S...
2017-03-201h 23The Writer and The CriticEpisode 55: Savage Season | The Pillow FriendOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, start things off with a discussion about cultural appropriation, bouncing off a now infamous keynote speech given by Lionel Shriver at the Brisbane Writers Festival. Pertinent links are as follows:
Full transcript of Lionel Shriver's speech in The Guardian
Response to Shriver speech by Yassmin Abdel-Magied in The Guardian
Repsonse by festival volunteer Yen-Rong
Nike Sulway on Shriver, straw men and writing about others
Jim Hines on Shriver and cultural appropriation
Joe Aston in the Financial Review with an article...
2016-09-281h 40The Writer and The CriticEpisode 54: Quicksand House | A Head Full of GhostsIt's Patron's Choice this month on The Writer and the Critic where your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, spend the episode discussing two books as voted on by their lovely supporters on Patreon. But first, they quickly go through the list of other nominated titles that were pipped at the post:
The Dead Lake by Hamid Ismailov
Borderline by Mishell Baker
Defying Doomsday edited by Tsana Dolichva and Holly Kench
Heat and Light by Ellen Van Neervan
Arms Race by Nic Low
Planetfall by Emma Newman
The Testimony by James Smythe
Glory O'Brien's History of the Future by A. S. King ...
2016-08-231h 33The Writer and The CriticEpisode 53: All the Light We Cannot See | The Girl on the TrainOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, spend a few minutes talking about the New York Times Bestseller lists before jumping straight into the discussion of two novels which have been on the lists in some form for, oh, about a squillion weeks: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr [11:45] and The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins [46:45].
Here are the links for various items mentioned during this episode:
On Blindness and the Portrayal of Marie-Laure in All the Light We Cannot...
2016-08-051h 36The Writer and The CriticEpisode 52: The Fifth Child | The Parable of the SowerOn this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, spend a mercifully few brief minutes talking about kittens and stolen skeletons before diving straight into the two books which are up for discussion: The Fifth Child by Doris Lessing [9:00] and Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler [55:40].
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please come back at 1:36:25 for final remarks, including some corrections regarding the Aurealis Awards as well as information for Patreon supporters about how to vote for the upcoming Patron's Choice episode.
Next...
2016-06-301h 43The Writer and The CriticEpisode 51: In the Skin of a Monster | A Single StoneThis month on The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, turn their attention to the 2015 Aurealis Awards which were announced in late March 2016. Sadly, there was no shortlist for the Best Horror Novel this year, although the category was won by Trent Jamieson's most excellent Day Boy, a book which was previously discussed on this podcast. There is much lamenting and some gnashing of teeth as Kirstyn and Ian spend a little time talking about Australia horror fiction and the ramifications of juried awards like the Aurealis failing to produce a shortlist. You can...
2016-05-211h 37The Writer and The CriticEpisode 50: The Writer and Critic Fab 50It's the 50th Episode of The Writer and the Critic and to celebrate, your hosts Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, have made a list of 50 of their favourite books. This is not a Best Books list or even an Important Books list ... it's simply a bunch of beloved books that have made an impact on them over their lives.
But first ... some feedback. Bouncing off a most excellent email from one of their listeners, Kirstyn and Ian discuss the issue of systemic bias in the publishing industry, of which the last episode of this podcast inadvertently provided a...
2016-04-131h 42The Writer and The CriticEpisode 49: 'Afro SF' and 'The Sea Is Ours'
This month on The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, offer some brief words of gratitude to the lovely and generous folks who have so far supported the podcast on Patreon. Ian and Kirstyn love you all to bits and pieces!
They then dive straight into a meldy - but definitely not moldy! - discussion of both the books at hand Afro SF: Science Fiction by African Writers edited by Ivor W. Hartmann and The Sea Is Ours: Tales from Steampunk Southeast Asia edited by Jaymee Goh & Joyce Chng [5:20]. Because the...
2016-03-101h 30The Writer and The CriticEpisode 48: 'House of Small Shadows' and 'Slade House'*** Breaking news! The Writer and the Critic is now on Patreon! There are all sorts of exciting milestone goals and rewards for patrons with pledges starting at just $1.00 per podcast. If you enjoy the podcast and can spare some change, Ian and Kirstyn would be immensely grateful for your support. They might even be able to afford to upgrade the increasingly unreliable equipment which would be lovely. All episodes will continue to be published monthly free of charge to the public ... though there might be some special behind-the-scenes moments made available to patrons only from time to time. Many heartfelt...
2016-02-181h 22The Writer and The CriticEpisode 46: 'Day Boy' and 'Viper Wine'On this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, open with a brief preamble -- or perhaps a pre-ramble -- detailing some exciting new developments for next year. They then jump straight into a discussion of the two nominated books, Day Boy by Trent Jamieson [4:20] and Viper Wine by Hermione Eyre [49:10].
For those who want more vampire goodness, the full interview with Trent Jamieson on Fantasy Book Review is well worth a read!
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers, please come back at 1:28:40 for final...
2015-10-231h 33The Writer and The CriticEpisode 45: 'The Godless' and 'The Book of the Unnamed Midwife'On this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts,
Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, open with a discussion about gender, publishing and awards, focused around the following articles:
"Books About Women Don't Win Big Awards" by Nicola Griffith (see also the follow-up post on this project)
"Homme de Plume: What I Learned Sending My Novel Out Under a Male Name" by Catherine Nichols
They then move on to the two chosen books, The Godless by Ben Peek (31:55) and The Book of the Unnamed Midwife by Meg Elison (1:12:45).
The reviews, blogs and podcasts mentioned during...
2015-08-201h 57The Writer and The CriticEpisode 42: 'The Bitterwood Bible' and 'How to Be Both'On this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, begin with the enthralling tale of How Mondy Got Pneumonia on New Year's Eve, followed by a small rant from Kirstyn about Colleen McCullough and the Obituary That Should Hide its Head in Absolute Shame. The two then move on to discuss awards ballots and eligibility posts, the sometimes uncomfortable practice of self-promotion, and sad puppies in general.
The two books up for dissection this episode are The Bitterwood Bible by Angela Slatter (27:40) and How to be Both by Ali...
2015-02-101h 41The Writer and The CriticEpisode 41: 'Hild' and 'Station Eleven'On this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, kick things off with a debate about cultural cringe, tall poppy syndrome, big girl pants and why all these elements may have contributed to a dearth of Australian content on this podcast of late. Things, they will be a changing. This episode of The Coode Street Podcast focusing on Australian Science Fiction is mentioned, as is Kirstyn's love of The Babadook, an Australian film about which she recently talked at length with Terry Frost on The Martian Drive-In Podcast.
The two novels...
2014-12-171h 42The Writer and The CriticEpisode 40: 'Dust Devil on a Quiet Street' and 'We Are All Completely Besides Ourselves'On this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, begin with a lengthy discussion about authors, reviewers, and fans in view of the rapidly changing dynamics of author/reader relationships and power structures in publishing. This was sparked off by an excellent and thoughtful essay, "Don't Attack Reviewers", written by Jonathan McCalmont and published on his Ruthless Culture blog. You should go off and read the entire essay. Seriously.
This two books up for critique this time are Dust Devil on a Quiet Street by Richard Bowes (beginning at 24:30) and We...
2014-10-281h 41
The Writer and The CriticEpisode 39: 'We See A Different Frontier' and 'Long Hidden'On this episode of The Writer and the Critic, your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, begin by addressing listener feedback about high fantasy and narratives of power which followed on from the discussion at the end of the last episode recorded at Continuum 10. They would also like to draw your attention to some Links of Relevant Interest:
Amberlin Kwaymullina's Guest of Honour speech from Continuum 10
Jim C. Hine's Guest of Honour speech from Continuum 10
An Indigenous Speculative Fiction Reading List provided by Amberlin Kwaymullina
Ian then provides a brief but thoughtful (and spoiler-free) review of War Stories: Modern...
2014-08-281h 56The Writer and The CriticEpisode 38: 'The Lives of Tao' and 'The Curse of Chalion'This very special episode of The Writer and the Critic was recorded live at Continuum 10
-- the Melbourne speculative fiction and pop culture convention --
which this year doubled as the 53rd National Science Fiction
Convention. In keeping with tradition, your hosts Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond have invited the convention's fabulous Guests of Honour, Jim C. Hines and Ambelin Kwaymullina, to come along and recommend a favourite book each for everyone to talk about.
Minimum Safe Distance (photograph by Terry Frost)
After chatting with Ambelin and Jim about their current work, why they write...
2014-06-121h 27The Writer and The CriticEpisode 37: 'Lexicon' and 'Fairytales for Wilde Girls'This month on The Writer and the Critic, your hosts Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond spend a few minutes chatting about their recent HUGO AWARD NOMINATION ... ahem ... and awards in general. Just a few minutes, we promise!
Instead of recommending books themselves this episode, Ian and Kirstyn have chosen to critique two novels which were honoured at the recent Aurealis Awards for excellence in Australian speculative fiction. The discussion begins with the winner of Best Science Fiction Novel, Lexicon by Max Barry (at 8:46 minutes), and continues with Fairytales for Wilde Girls by Allyse Near (49:30) which won Best Horror...
2014-05-241h 40The Writer and The CriticEpisode 36: 'Love is the Law' and 'The Bloody Chamber'This month on The Writer and the Critic, your hosts Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond fritter away a few precious minutes talking about carving out time for reading, vomiting on public transport, and anti-social lunchtime habits, before jumping straight into the books at hand.
The books chosen for discussion this episode are Love is the Law by Nick Mamatas (beginning at 3:50) -- recommended by Ian -- and The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter (42:30), which is Kirstyn's homework pick. Ian also manages to squeeze in a small spoiler-free review of The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker by...
2014-04-181h 15The Writer and The CriticEpisode 35: 'Bearded Women' and 'Ancillary Justice'This month on The Writer and the Critic, your hosts Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond spend a little time up front talking about political correctness and why the very phrase makes Kirstyn's brain glaze over.
The pair then move on to the books up for discussion this month. Kirstyn has chosen Bearded Women by Teresa Milbrodt. (beginning at 20:20) while Ian is recommending -- and is slightly angry about -- Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie (51:30). This lengthy review of the latter by Liz Bourke is mentioned during the discussion.
If you've skipped ahead...
2014-03-121h 27The Writer and The CriticEpisode 34: 'A Tale for the Time Being' and 'Gone Girl'This month on The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, throw out a handful of pocket reviews for books which
they have recently read but which may not end up being given the full
podcast treatment. No spoilers for these right now,
though, just some recommendations for your reading pleasure:
Dare Me by Megan Abbott
Twelve Conversations and the Teashop by Zoran Zivkovic
Black Helicopters by Caitlin R. Kiernan
Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
Saga Volume 2 by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Love is the Law by Nick Mamatas
The Secret Lives...
2014-02-111h 29The Writer and The CriticEpisode 33: 'NOS4A2' and 'Sister Mine'This month on The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, have decided to start with a handful of pocket reviews for books which they have recently read but which may not end up being given the full podcast treatment. Or maybe they will. No spoilers for these right now, though, just some hearty recommendations:
Two Worlds and in Between: The Best of Caitlin R. Kiernan, (Volume One) by Caitlín R. Kiernan (Subterranean Press)
The Gist by Michael Marshall Smith (Subterranean Press)
Trucksong by Andrew Macrae (Twelfth Planet Press)
Five Autobiographies and a F...
2013-12-131h 21The Writer and The CriticEpisode 32: 'Every Day' and 'The Woman Upstairs'On this episode of The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond have decided to dispense with the idle gossip and instead launch straight into their dissection of the books at hand. First up there is Every Day by David Levithan, which Kirstyn has chosen, followed by Ian's recommendation, The Woman Upstairs by Claire Messud (beginning around 45:30).
Here are the links for reviews, interviews and articles mentioned during the discussion:
Every Day reviewed by Sara Polsky on Strange Horizons
Publishers Weekly interview with Claire Messud
"A Forum on Likeability" convened by...
2013-09-191h 38The Writer and The CriticEpisode 31: 'Life After Life' and 'The Testament of Jessie Lamb'This month on The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, discuss two mainstream novels with a speculative fiction flavour. Ian has chosen Life After Life by Kate Atkinson (beginning at 6:05) and while Kirstyn's recommendation is The Testament of Jessie Lamb by Jane Rogers (46:15).
During the discussion, Ian references this review of the Atkinson by Maureen Kincaid Speller while Kirstyn reads from this Salon piece by Laura Miller. Kirstyn also talks about a Niall Harrison review and mentions this interview with Jane Rogers.
If you've skipped ahead to avoid spoilers...
2013-08-301h 37
The Writer and The CriticEpisode 30: 'Hair Side, Flesh Side' and 'Light'Scraping across the line on the last day of the month, this episode of The Writer and the Critic sees your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, waste no time on preamble and instead jump straight into their discussion of the books at hand. Kirstyn has recommended Hair Side, Flesh Side, the debut short story collection by Helen Marshall (beginning at 02:45) while Ian has chosen the science fiction novel Light by M. John Harrison.
Listeners may want to check out this interview with Helen Marshall, which Kirstyn mentions, as well as the full review of Hair...
2013-07-301h 30The Writer and The CriticEpisode 29: 'A Madness of Angels' and 'Saga'Recorded in front of a live audience at Continuum 9 in Melbourne, this episode of The Writer and the Critic features special guest N.K. Jemisin alongside your usual hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond. The first part of the podcast is spent chatting -- spoiler-free! -- about the first book in Nora's latest duology, The Killing Moon (Book One of the Dreamblood), which Ian has read and heartily recommends. Kirstyn also mentions the awesome Guest of Honour speech which Nora gave at the convention, and Nora in turn references an important article by Samuel R. Delany on "Racism and Science...
2013-06-131h 31The Writer and The CriticEpisode 28: 'Feed' and 'Some Kind of Fairy Tale'What a difference a month makes! Since the last episode, your host Ian Mond and his lovely wife, Jules, have brought a little baby girl into the world. Welcome, Sophie Zara! As revealed at the beginning of this episode, Ian seems in be in two minds as to whether or not that news is in fact overshadowed by The Writer and the Critic winning their second Ditmar Award at Conflux in April! Ian sang a made-up song. Kirstyn McDermott pulled producer-rank and refused to include it in the podcast. Pander to the Mond, she does not. But here's a picture...
2013-05-171h 30The Writer and The CriticEpisode 27: 'Infinite Jest' and 'House of Leaves'Bouncing back refreshed and rejuvenated from their Moving House hiatus, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond launch into an almost inevitable post-move discussion about books, hoarding books, culling books, having enough books to fill a garage and too many to ever read in one lifetime, whether any of this should possibly be seen as A Problem Which Must Be Remedied, and how digital books might save the world, or at least their storage-related sanity. Just saying.
They then, with much girding of loins, move on to tackle the two books up for discussion this month: Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace...
2013-03-291h 30The Writer and The CriticEpisode 26: 'Evaporating Genres' and 'James Tiptree Jr'This last episode of The Writer and the Critic for 2012 sees your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, sink their teeth into non-fiction. But first they give a friendly shout-out to the brand spanking new podcast from Sean Wright, Adventures of a Bookonaut -- to which you should all go and listen right now -- as well as the entertainingly erudite Ambling Along the Acqueduct blog. (Kirstyn's brand spanking new novel, Perfections, might also garner a wee mention.) The duo then become embroiled in a debate about critics and authors and whether one person can or even should wear both...
2012-12-271h 43The Writer and The CriticEpisode 25: 'The Black God's War', 'The Silence of Medair', and 'Paintwork'This month on The Writer and Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, are delighted to bring you Part the Second of their special eBook Extravaganza. Wasting absolutely no time on formalities, the duo roll up their sleeves and get straight into the discussion of their listener-chosen titles.
The books on the table for this episode are: The Black God's War by Moses Siregar III (at 2:15) the mark), The Silence of Medair by Andrea K Höst (42:30) and Paintwork by Tim Maughan (1:08:30). During the discussion, Ian mentions an article on "Writing About Rape" that Jim Hines wrote for Apex Ma...
2012-11-271h 48The Writer and The CriticEpisode 24: 'Angelfall', 'Anticopernicus' and 'The Dark Wife'This month on The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, present Part the First of their special eBook Extravaganza! Yes, that's right ... unable to condense the discussion of six books into less than three hours, they have wisely decided to split the podcast into two episodes. You're welcome, listeners.
After some brief introductory remarks, Kirstyn and Ian jump straight into the dissection of the first three books up on the block: Angelfall by Susan Ee (at the 3:20 mark), Anticopernicus by Adam Roberts (32.15) and The Dark Wife by Sarah Diemer (1:01:20). Along the way, Kirstyn recommends this...
2012-10-221h 32The Writer and The CriticEpisode 23: 'Bitter Greens' and 'Osama'This month brings the first fresh recording of The Writer and the Critic since the massive pre-record-a-thon back in June. Yours hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, welcome themselves back into the slightly rusty saddle with a brief catch-up on what they did during their break ... which seems to have been a whole bunch of extracurricular reading and podcasting! Kirstyn confesses to the reading slump in which she currently finds herself bemired, while managing to provide a a handle of capsule reviews along the way. Ian discusses his short story ennui as well as taking the opportunity to plug episodes o...
2012-09-221h 59The Writer and The CriticEpisode 22: 'Voice of the Fire' and 'Galore'This month's episode of The Writer and the Critic is the last of those recorded around Continuum 8 back in June, wherein your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, invite themselves back to the hotel room of the highly esteemed Drs Brain, Angela Slatter and Lisa L. Hannett, for literary fun and merriment. The finer points of name pronunciation and resultant avoidance of the wrath of angry grannies is duly noted, followed by some candid behind-the-scenes chat concerning Angela and Lisa's co-written mosaic novel, Midnight and Moonshine, due for release from Ticonderoga Publications in November 2012 and available for pre-order right now...
2012-08-241h 37The Writer and The CriticEpisode 21: 'Akata Witch' and 'The Drowning Girl' (plus 'Galveston')Recorded back before Continuum 8 in June but still fresh as the proverbial daisy, this episode of The Writer and the Critic sees your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, joined by editor and fellow podcaster Jonathan Strahan. The trio try not to ramble too much about a variety of topics, from off-the-cuff commentary and its resultant fallout, to gender and science fiction, to the role of gatekeepers, to some possibly self-indulgent behind the scenes snippets from the world of podcasting. The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction, Galactic Suburbia, Last Short Story and, of course, the Notes from Coode Street podcast are...
2012-07-202h 16The Writer and The CriticEpisode 20: 'The Crystal Singer' and 'The Scorpio Races'This episode of The Writer and the Critic is recorded LIVE in front of an actual audience at Continuum 8, the National SF Convention, with two very, very special guests: authors extraordinaire Alison Goodman and Kelly Link. Your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, talk with Alison about her new project, a dark supernatural Regency trilogy which may or may not involve gowns, bonnets and a large bloody knife. Kelly reaffirms her love of short fiction -- recommending "The New Mother" by Lucy Clifford along the way -- while reluctantly confessing that she might be considering writing a novel of her...
2012-06-211h 25The Writer and The CriticEpisode 19: 'Bad Power' and 'Sea Hearts' (aka 'The Brides of Rollrock Island')This month on The Writer and the Critic, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond spend some time discussing the results of the recently announced Aurealis Awards. Ian valiantly attempts to pry a little out-of-school talk from Kirstyn, who convened the Horror judging panel, but Kirstyn just as valiantly resists the spilling of any beans. Well, mostly. You know how persistent Mondy can be.
And from the Department of Filthy Lucre, Kirstyn and Ian are pleased to announce the opening of a brand spanking new Writer and Critic Zazzle Store from which their loyal listeners can purchase all kinds of yummy merch...
2012-05-171h 38The Writer and The CriticEpisode 18: 'The Night Circus' and 'When Gravity Fails'On this episode of The Writer and the Critic, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond spend a little time talking about gender and reading in response to feedback received from one of their lovely listeners. Be warned, there may be some unqualified generalisations scattered about and there is definitely some drawing of disturbing stick figures. Kirstyn apologies for her barely suppressed laughter and also for the fact that listeners cannot see the horrified expressions on Ian's face -- or the disturbing stick figure -- that inspired said laughter. She trusts that listeners can use their imagination.
Around the 19:20 mark, the pair...
2012-04-201h 39The Writer and The CriticEpisode 17: 'Houses Without Doors' and 'Queenpin' (plus 'Hope: A Tragedy')This month on The Writer and the Critic, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond invite award-winning UK author Robert Shearman to chat about his recent adventures at the Adelaide Writers' Week and the New Zealand International Arts Festival, as well as his ongoing and insanely impressive -- or impressively insane? -- One Hundred Stories project. Hilarity ensues. Highly personal details about Ian's sleeping habits are disclosed. Rob explains why he writes like an uber-caffeinated monkey. Kirstyn edits none of it out. Mwaohahaha.
Around the 27:15 mark, the conversation meanders over to Rob's recommended book, Hope: A Tragedy by Shalom Auslander. Despite the...
2012-03-211h 58The Writer and The CriticEpisode 16: 'The Silver Wind' and 'The Courier's New Bicycle'On this episode of The Writer and the Critic, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond proffer a correction from Cheryl Morgan in regards to Hugo Awards eligibility before entangling themselves in more culturally appropriative knots sparked off by some very interesting feedback from Karen Lord. They also announce a list of giveaway novels in order to bribe listeners into recommending original, self-published eBooks for their newly named eBook Extravaganza ... so follow them on Twitter and start recommending!
During discussion of The Silver Wind by Nina Allan (beginning at 35:30), Ian mentions this review by Martin Lewis while Kirstyn quotes from this piece...
2012-02-171h 50The Writer and The CriticEpisode 15: 'Redemption in Indigo' and 'Zoo City'On this episode of The Writer and the Critic, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond announce a New Idea for a future episode of the podcast. They would like to spend an episode reviewing a handful originally self-published eBooks as recommended by their listeners. Whether this ends up being a Good Idea or a Bad Idea will largely depend on listener participation, so get listening and get participating. There may even be prizes involved ... more info on this next month once they work out what potential prizes they actually have to offer! After a discussion about their current (e)reading habits...
2012-01-272h 01The Writer and The CriticEpisode 14: 'The Tiger's Wife' and 'We Need to Talk About Kevin'In their very last Writer and the Critic podcast for 2011, your hosts Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond ramble only briefly before leaping boldly forth into their discussion of the selected novels, both winners of the Orange Prize for Fiction in their respective years. As usual, there are significant plot spoilers for both books, so take heed of the timestamps if you wish to avoid them.
Discussion of The Tiger's Wife by Téa Obreht begins at 05:15 and includes references to a review by Philip Hensher at The Telegraph as well as this one by Ruth Fowler at the Huffington Post. A...
2011-12-291h 25The Writer and The CriticEpisode 13: 'Room' and 'The Secret History' (plus 'Generation X')This month on The Writer and the Critic, your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, find themselves in the native habitat of fellow podcaster John Richards -- one of the mighty Boxcutters team and co-writer of the soon to be screened ABC comedy series Outland. The three chat about why television kills your dreams and whether Ian is a better co-podcaster than Josh Kinal.
Ian and Kirstyn would also like to congratulate all the recent World Fantasy Award winners announced in San Diego last month. In particular, their warmest wishes go to Nnedi Okorafor, who won Best Novel for Who F...
2011-12-021h 36The Writer and The CriticEpisode 12: 'Bluegrass Symphony' and 'Everyone's Just So So Special'On this episode of The Writer and the Critic, your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, decide to eschew their normal thirty-odd minutes of waffle and plunge straight into a discussion of the two titles at hand, Bluegrass Symphony by Lisa L. Hannett and Everyone's Just So So Special by Robert Shearman. As both books are short story collections and also very new releases, there are no spoilers as such. But here are the time stamps anyway: 03:00 for Bluegrass Symphony (yes, that's three minutes -- they really meant it with the eschewing) and 33:00 for Everyone's Just So So Special. Final...
2011-10-071h 25The Writer and The CriticEpisode 11: 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' and 'Who Fears Death'This month on The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, briefly discuss the results of the 2011 Hugo Awards -- Ian was right! -- as well as the heartening increase in diversity of the nominated works in response to some listener feedback. Buoyed by his success in predicting that Connie Willis would take home the Hugo for best novel, Ian makes another silly startling prediction about the future of books and awards. Mention is also made of Jo Walton's excellent retrospective series in which she revisits the results of past Hugo Awards over at Tor.com.
...
2011-09-151h 34The Writer and The CriticEpisode 10: 'The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms' and 'The Dervish House'The winners of the 2011 Hugo Awards will be announced on 20 August, so this month on The Writer and the Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, are looking at the books which have been nominated for Best Novel. Two of the nominees have already been featured books on this podcast: Feed by Mira Grant was discussed in Episode 2 and Blackout/All Clear by Connie Willis in Episode 7. While you will need to go back and listen to those episodes for detailed reviews, Kirstyn and Ian do take the opportunity to finally read and respond to listener feedback from Cat...
2011-08-201h 28The Writer and The CriticEpisode 9: 'Eclipse 4' and 'The Hunger Games' (plus 'World War Z')This month on The Writer and the Critic, your hosts Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond navigate their way to the cosy, cat-populated abode of their special guest, Melbourne author Cameron Rogers. They talk about the troublesome life of Cam's (second) debut novel, The Music of Razors, and what he's been doing with himself since its publication, and move on to discuss a variety of topics ranging from from karma collectives to the reasons why sometimes you really do need to turn down a three-book contract. There is also wine and gingerbread men. Angry gingerbread men.
Cam has recommended World War...
2011-07-151h 52The Writer and The CriticEpisode 8: 'Full Dark, No Stars' and 'Among Others' (plus 'Embassytown')This month The Writer and the Critic comes to you as a LIVE record from Continuum 7 -- Melbourne's own speculative fiction and pop culture convention -- with the incomparable Catherynne M. Valente as special guest podcaster. Ian, Kirstyn and Cat discuss the problems and politics involved when writers review the work of friends and the need for honesty in online opinion. Cat talks about the popular and critical response to her own work, why sad pandas make everyone else sad as well, and why she is currently taking a break from writing negative reviews on her blog. Rose Fox's recent...
2011-06-221h 38The Writer and The CriticEpisode 7: 'The Resurrectionist' and 'Oryx and Crake' (plus 'Blackout/All Clear')This month's episode of The Writer and the Critic sees your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, discuss the results of the recently announced Ditmar and Tin Duck Awards and dissect the almost inevitable Great Ditmar Controversy of 2011 that exploded onto the interwebs soon afterwards. For those interested in reading further, Kirstyn has blogged about the issue here and here.
The books up for discussion on the podcast this month are The Resurrectionst by Jack O'Connell (chosen by Ian ) and Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood (recommended by Kirstyn ). Ian mentions a review by Andrew Wheeler when speaking about the O...
2011-05-051h 32The Writer and The CriticEpisode 6: 'The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao' and 'Liar' (plus 'Above/Below')The Writer and the Critic elects to stay at home and rest its feet this month as your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, give you a rundown on the recently announced ballots for the Ditmar and Chronos Awards. Ian grabs a shovel ad promptly digs himself a Ditmar-shaped hole. Kirstyn highlights the emergence of the podcast as a dominant form of "fan publication" on both ballots.They then discuss gender bias in The Periodic Table of Storytelling (which is based on the TV Tropes wiki) -- not to mention gender bias on Ian's hoodie! -- as well as a...
2011-04-141h 44The Writer and The CriticEpisode 5: 'My Name is Will' and 'Under the Poppy' (plus 'Bold As Love')This month on The Writer and the Critic, your valiant hosts, Ian Mond and Kirstyn McDermott, venture forth to the home of their special guest: Galactic Suburbian, Alex Pierce. Having been rewarded with red wine and orange cake, they discuss the origins of Galactic Suburbia as well as the future of its brand new sister podcast, Galactic Chat, then proceed to paddle about in the murky waters of genre and gender. Alex admits a literary crush on Alastair Reynolds. Ian confesses mild paranoia about his reading habits. Kirstyn warns that her inner feminist is pretty much permanently on the loose...
2011-03-171h 39The Writer and The CriticEpisode 4: 'White Cat' and 'Last Days' (plus 'Death Most Definite')This month's episode of The Writer and the Critic sees your intrepid hosts, Ian Mond and Kirstyn McDermott, pack up their gear and travel to the gothic Victorian mansionette of their special guest: Melbourne horror writer, Felicity Dowker. The three of them discuss the recent controversy surrounding Bitch Media's list of 100 Young Adult Books for the Feminist Reader and the problematic removal of three books from said list. Ian mentions a blog post Kirstyn previously wrote about the issue. Talk of censorship, feminism and the complicated nature of list-making enues.
Ian and Kirstyn then chat with Felicity about her own...
2011-02-171h 41The Writer and The CriticEpisode 3: 'The City and The City' and 'The Windup Girl'In this episode of The Writer and the Critic, Ian Mond and Kirstyn McDermott speak briefly about listener feedback, in particular Cheryl Morgan's musings about spoilers and the lack thereof in this podcast. They summarily decide to lift the ban on spoilers to allow more open discussion of all aspects of the books they are reviewing, including ... gasp ... endings and plot twists! Ian promises not to put his hands over his hands and make annoying humming noises while doing so.
*** SPOILER ALERT *** THIS PODCAST CONTAINS SPOILERS ***
Ahem. Don't say you were never warned.
They also talk about the forthcoming Twelve...
2011-01-251h 23The Writer and The CriticEpisode 2: 'Feed' and 'The Red Tree'At the start of this episode of The Writer and the Critic, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond spend a little time addressing some listener feedback from last month concerning social media and book recommendations. They have picked a book recommended by a listener to be read and reviewed in February but they're not telling you which one because, as Ian says, there aren't enough surprises in the world anymore.
The Writer and the Critic is a proud contributor to the global surprise quotient.
Then follows a very lengthy discussion about The Book Thief (one of the novels from the previous...
2010-12-101h 49The Writer and The CriticEpisode 1: 'Deathless' and 'The Book Thief'Welcome to the thrilling first episode of The Writer and Critic, a monthly podcast dealing with news, books reviews and the odd bit of idle gossip.
After 10 minutes of rambling where your hosts Ian Mond (he would be the critic) and Kirstyn McDermott (she would be the writer) talk about the podcasts that have inspired them (and Ian mention his ego, while Kirstyn forgets something important), the podcast then gets down to some news.
This months news items include the the Elizabeth Moon controversy (cue groans from Kirstyn) and when authors go bad. Ian brings up this blog post by...
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