Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Dispatches from the Border, December 2018

DISPATCHES FROM THE BORDER
Events and News From Borderlands Books
December 2018

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Upcoming Events
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Adam Plantinga, POLICE CRAFT (Quill Driver Books, Trade Paperback, $16.95) Thursday, January 10th at 6:00 pm

Writers With Drinks (at The Make-Out Room, 3225 22nd Street, San Francisco) with authors John Briscoe, Izzy Oneiric, Simon Sheppard, and Colin Winnette, hosted by Charlie Jane Anders! Saturday, January 12th at 7:30 pm

BCAF (Black and Brown Comix Arts Festival), at the San Francisco Public Library and City View at Metreon, Sunday, January 20th from 1:00 - 5:00 pm, and Monday, January 21st from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

SF in SF (at The American Bookbinder's Museum, 355 Clementina Street, San Francisco) with authors Howard Hendrix, Cecelia Holland, and Kim Stanley Robinson, hosted by Terry Bisson, Sunday, January 20th at 6:00 pm

Rudy Rucker, RETURN TO THE HOLLOW EARTH (Transreal Books, Trade Paperback, $13.95 and Hardcover, $22.95) and others, and art show premiere! Saturday, January 26th at 3:00 pm

(for more information check the end of this newsletter)

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2019 Gift Guide
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Hello All and Sundry!

This year seems to have flown by.  The explanation I've heard for the seeming acceleration of time I'm experiencing is that as we age, time seems to go by faster, because any given amount of time is a smaller fraction than it used to be of your life overall (i.e. when you're five years old, one year is one-fifth of your life, but when you're thirty-five, one year is a thirty-fifth of your life, so it is comparatively a much shorter time).  Regardless of why it happens, recognizing this disconcerting speeding up is a reminder to me to enjoy all the time we've got as best we can.  I'm working on it, and in that spirit -- I wish you all the very best, and hope that this season and next year both treat you all very well, and that you have much to celebrate both now and in the future!

As we hurtle seemingly increasingly quickly toward this gift-giving season, we here present our usual Opinionated (and Digression-Filled) Gift Guide to help you out.  However, if you don't see something appropriate here, we're always happy to make custom suggestions for you or anyone in your life.  We'll even wrap 'em for you!  (A special note to those of you purchasing presents: we're glad to gift wrap upon request, although our typical caveats apply: first, if we're busy, you may have to wait a bit to have things wrapped, and, second, some staff members are MUCH better than others at it.  It is possible that your package may resemble a brightly wrapped Lovecraft-ian, batrachian, rugose, Thing of No Human Shape.  For some customers, this is not a problem . . ."better than I can do!," they say.  However, if you are concerned about our, ahem, abilities, we're also happy to just hand you the gift wrap, scissors and tape.)

Onward!

- Jude Feldman

New and Exciting:

FIRE & BLOOD by George R.R. Martin - This first of two parts of the Targaryen history that begins 300 years before the events in GAME OF THRONES is getting excellent reviews, but some readers don't want to pick it up because the book keeps stubbornly refusing to be WINDS OF WINTER.

THE CALCULATING STARS and THE FATED SKY by Mary Robinette Kowal - EVERYONE on staff read and loved THE CALCULATING STARS.  All of us.  We can't say enough good things about this alternate history starring the indomitable Elma York, who wishes to be an astronaut despite all the obstacles in her way.  Come in to the store and hear us rave about these novels!

WORLDS SEEN IN PASSING: TEN YEARS OF TOR.COM SHORT FICTION edited by Irene Gallo - an absolutely astonishing collection.  Everything in here is at the very, very least "totally solid", and the stories range from there to mind-blowingly good.

HOW LONG 'TIL BLACK FUTURE MONTH? By N.K. Jemisin - History's first black female author (and author, period) to win 3 sequential Hugos for Best Novel presents her first short fiction collection, and it is getting fantastic reviews from everyone.  I loved this description from the publishers: ". . . Jemisin equally challenges and delights readers with thought-provoking narratives of destruction, rebirth, and redemption." But don't take my word for it: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/30/books/review/nk-jemisin-how-long-til-black-future-month.html

THIN AIR by Richard Morgan - The creator of ALTERED CARBON is back with a new futuristic noir thriller which I think is his best since THIRTEEN.

REJOICE, A KNIFE TO THE HEART - Steven Erikson, best known for the epic and massive Malazan fantasy series, has written a new science fiction novel that neither Jim nor Scott can stop rating about -- both of them are saying "It's SO GOOD!".

RED MOON by Kim Stanley Robinson  - This is a "black licorice" book -- people either love it or they hate it, but no one has been neutral.  I'm firmly in the "love it!" camp.

ALL I EVER DREAMED by Michael Blumlein - Do yourself a favor and check out the transcendental short fiction of local author Michael Blumlein.  This collection is a keeper.

SOULLESS ILLUSTRATED EDITION by Gail Carrier - The light and funny steampunk romp, now with lovely Edward-Gorey-style illustrations by Jensine Eckwall!

SOMEONE LIKE ME by M.R. Carey - I couldn't put down this new novel from the author of THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS.  It's a totally unconventional thriller and like nothing else I've read recently.
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Better Together:

We've curated a handful of book pairings for you!

A Noir 2-Pack: For the noir fan in your life, pick up the rollicking novel NOIR by Christopher Moore, and the decidedly grim and exceptionally good SANTA CRUZ NOIR edited by Susie Bright!

Haunting Non-Fiction 2-Pack: CAPTIVE OF THE LABYRINTH by Mary Jo Ignoffo is the riveting true story of the life of Sarah Winchester (of Mystery House & Winchester heiress fame).  Everything we thought we knew is wrong!  Pair this with GHOSTLAND: AN AMERICAN HISTORY IN HAUNTED PLACES by Colin Dickey for the person on your list who thinks the Truth is out there.

If They Liked THE LONG WAY TO A SMALL, ANGRY PLANET 2-Pack: Grab THE WRONG STARS by Tim Pratt and NOUMENON by Marina Lostetter!

Ugly Surf 2-Pack: Two older, amazing super-dark surf-crime novels!  TAPPING THE SOURCE by Kem Nunn and THE DAWN PATROL by Don Winslow.

Unconventional Superhero 2-Pack: VELVETEEN VS. THE JUNIOR SUPER PATRIOTS by Seanan McGuire, and PREPARE TO DIE! by Paul Tobin.  These are definitely not your parents' superheroes.

Overcoming Darkness 2-Pack: SMOKE by Dan Vyletta, and THE LIBRARY AT MOUNT CHAR by Scott Hawkins.  Both of these novels explore transcending the darkness of the human condition to find completion.

Feminist Mythology 2-Pack: CIRCE by Madeline Miller and THE GOLEM AND THE JINNI by Helene Wecker.  Scott says that both books have in common women reaching beyond their societally proscribed roles in a mythological context.

"Keep the Government Out of My Science" 2-Pack: THE FOLD by Peter Clines and INFLUX by Daniel Suarez -- bureaucracy destroys creativity.

Start Them Off Right Coloring Book 2-Pack: HER HIGHNESS BUILDS ROBOTS by Laura and Beth Winters and THE JAMES TIPTREE JR. AWARD SPACE BABE COLORING BOOK by Jeanne Gomoll - for the empowered kid in your life!
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In Memory of Ursula K. Le Guin, 1929 - 2018 --

The world is so much poorer for the loss of Ursula K. Le Guin, who passed away in January of 2018.  It is some consolation that we still have her magnificent work.  Explore these (mostly) posthumously published works:

THE BOOKS OF EARTHSEA: THE COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED EDTION is an absolutely stunning volume celebrating the 50th anniversary of A WIZARD OF EARTHSEA.  With more than 50 illustrations by Charles Vess, it weighs nearly 6 pounds and contains not only the original four novels, but also TALES FROM EARTHSEA, THE OTHER WIND, "The Rule of Names", "The Word of Unbinding", "The Daughter of Odren", and "Earthsea Revisioned: A Lecture at Oxford University".  This is definitely one for you, or the collector in your life!

LATE IN THE DAY: POEMS 2010 - 2014, and SO FAR SO GOOD: FINAL POEMS 2014 - 2018 - poetry collections you should not miss.

CONVERSATIONS WITH URSULA K. LE GUIN by Carl Freedman - "In the pieces collected here, Le Guin takes every interview not as an opportunity to recapitulate long-held views but as an occasion for in-depth intellectual discourse."

URSULA K. LE GUIN: CONVERSATIONS ON WRITING with David Naimon - "Ursula K. Le Guin discusses her fiction, nonfiction, and poetry -- both her process and her philosophy -- with all the wisdom, profundity, and rigor we expect from one of the great writers of the last century."
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Classics and Old Favorites:

We've got beautiful hardcover editions of enduring classics - GOOD OMENS by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, THE STUPIDEST ANGEL and LAMB, THE BIBLE VERSION (both signed!) by Christopher Moore, THE PRINCESS BRIDE by William Goldman (R.I.P.) (we have a gorgeous illustrated edition and also the 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition), DUNE by Frank Herbert, THE LEFT HAND OF DARKNESS by Ursula K. Le Guin, THE NEVERENDING STORY by Michael Ende, PARABLE OF THE SOWER and PARABLE OF THE TALENTS by Octavia Butler (_stunning_ cover art by Paul Lewin!), and NEUROMANCER by William Gibson, THE COMPLETE FICTION OF H.P. LOVECRAFT in a lovely slipcased edition, plus many many more.
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Weird Stuff:

No idea what they'd like?  How about one of these amazing oddities?

BORN TO BE POSTHUMOUS: THE ECCENTRIC LIFE AND MYSTERIOUS GENIUS OF EDWARD GOREY by Mark Dery -  pair with a slim volume of Edward Gorey stickers!

Krampus cards, stickers, postcards, and coloring books - The Devil of Christmas is definitely making a comeback.

THE SECRET ART OF DR. SEUSS by Theodor Suess Geisel - propaganda, weirdness, and stuffed and mounted heads of Suessian creations are just the beginning!

THE NUTSHELL STUDIES OF UNEXPLAINED DEATH by Corinne May Botz - explore the work of the criminally unknown Frances Glesner Lee, a feminist pioneer and creator of astoundingly intricate dollhouse murder scenes that are still being used as a forensic teaching tool 70+ years after their creation! <https://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/nutshells>

THE LEAGUE OF REGRETTABLE SUPERHEROES by Jon Morris - a whole volume of real-life, ill-advised superheroes from comics history, like Doctor Hormone, Lady Satan, Fantomah, and Stardust the Super Wizard!

THE COCKTAIL GUIDE TO THE GALAXY: RECIPES FROM THE CELEBRATED DR. WHO BAR by Andy Heidel - Learn how to make cocktails like The Blue Blazer, Gin Buck Rogers, Close Encounters of the Third Lime, Cognac the Barbarian, and dozens more!
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Books for the writer in your life:

WONDERBOOK by Jeff Vandermeer, WANDERINGS ON WRITING by Jane Linskold (packed with musings and good advice), THE THORN NECKLACE: HEALING THROUGH WRITING AND THE CREATIVE PROCESS by Francesca Lia Block, STORYTELLER by Kate Wilhelm, STEERING THE CRAFT: A 21ST-CENTURY GUIDE TO SAILING THE SEA OF STORY by Ursula K. Le Guin, DAMN FINE STORY: MASTERING THE TOOLS OF A POWERFUL NARRATIVE by Chuck Wendig, and the classic ON WRITING by Stephen King.

We've also got fantastic journals -- everything from a super-shiny Cthuluhu journal, to a rainbow 10-pack of Pantone blank books, to Compact Novel Journals, where the book's text (in light type) makes the lines you write on!
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Bestsellers:

Some of our most popular titles this year:

AUTONOMOUS by Annalee Newitz, ALL THE BIRDS IN THE SKY by Charlie Jane Anders, WHO FEARS DEATH? By Nnedi Okorafor, THE FIFTH SEASON and sequels by N.K. Jemisin, THE THREE-BODY PROBLEM by Liu Cixin (translated by Ken Liu), THE LONG WAY TO A SMALL, ANGRY PLANET by Becky Chambers, EVERY HEART A DOORWAY by Seanan McGuire, ALL SYSTEMS RED by Martha Wells, THE FREEZE-FRAME REVOLUTION by Peter Watts, and oh-so-many more incredible titles!
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Art!

We have many unique items from local artists!  Gorgeous art prints from Christine Rhee <https://www.christinerhee.com/>; meaningful jewelry from Luminous Darlings <http://luminousdarlings.com/storeFront.html>; cool steampunk one-offs from Fire Selkie Creations <http://www.fireselkiecreations.com/>; and fancy lapel pins and hair clips from Fly By Night Gifts.

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As always, we're happy to make personalized recommendations and practice our Psychic Bookseller Skills when you're stumped.  If you just can't decide, we also offer gift certificates in any amount.

We deeply appreciate your support of independent booksellers; proudly keeping America thoughtful and weird!  Here's to a bright, peaceful, and optimistic 2019.

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News
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* R.I.P. to Stan Lee, the creator of so many famous superheroes and a man who inspired many people: https://www.tor.com/2018/11/12/stan-lee-1922-2018/

* We're sorry to report the death of William Goldman, Oscar-winning screenwriter and more importantly, author of THE PRINCESS BRIDE. https://variety.com/2018/film/news/william-goldman-dead-dies-butch-cassidy-and-the-sundance-kid-1203030474/

* We're extremely sorry to hear that Endgame in Oakland will be closing at the end of January.  Please drop by and give them some support this month to assist with their closing expenses -- pick up a board or card game or a miniature, and also let them know they'll be sorely missed. http://www.endgameoakland.com/

* The classic vampire book THE GILDA STORIES by Jewelle Gomez is being adapted for TV by Cheryl Dunye and we are so excited.  Pick up the collection now while you can. https://shadowandact.com/afrofuturistic-novel-on-bisexual-vampire-the-gilda-stories-is-being-developed-for-tv-by-cheryl-dunye

* ANOTHER great adaptation on the way: this time Mira Grant's killer mermaid novella! https://www.tor.com/2018/11/15/mira-grant-rolling-in-the-deep-adaptation-seanan-mcguire-killer-mermaids/

* If you weren't lucky enough to make it to WorldCon this summer, check out George R.R. Martin's talk about a number of his works and techniques here: https://winteriscoming.net/2018/12/05/george-r-r-martin-interview-research-fantasy-fiction/

* Yeah this movie sounds . . . bad.  BUT, it sounds like it might be on the border of so bad it's good, so we sorta still want to check it out. https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/20-sci-fi-takes-fantasy-turn-706699.html

* Na'amen's only read one of the five novels on this list, but it was one of his favorite reads this year (THE POPPY WAR), and some of the others are on all of our lists, so we think it checks out: https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/the-5-best-science-fiction-and-fantasy-novels-of-2018/2018/11/13/14451af0-cbef-11e8-920f-dd52e1ae4570_story.html?utm_term=.24c85e8ddeac

* A list of the Top 5 Science Fiction movies of the year -- but your mileage may vary; some of these are questionable: https://www.forbes.com/sites/danidiplacido/2018/12/03/the-5-best-science-fiction-movies-of-2018/#409819b5174f

* "Nightflyers" doesn't look like it's the quite the runaway hit that Syfy thought it was getting. https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/nightflyers-attempts-apply-george-r-r-martin-s-game-thrones-ncna944761

* So there seems to be some debate as to whether "It's A Wonderful Life" is a speculative movie or not.  Na'amen's always thought of it as a speculative movie, and a bad one -- but if you disagree you can go to the io9.com article and argue in the comments. https://io9.gizmodo.com/is-holiday-classic-its-a-wonderful-life-secretly-or-ac-1830726913

* Here are nine of the most important British science fiction stories, many of which were part of waves that launched entire subgenres. https://www.denofgeek.com/uk/books-comics/62079/the-9-most-important-british-science-fiction-stories

* If you don't mind subtitles and are into some interesting and gripping Alt-History, you should definitely check out Netflix's "1983" which is set in a world where the Iron Curtain never fell and the Cold War continues. https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/netflix-s-new-show-1983-tightly-paced-well-written-polish-ncna942511?icid=related

* Check out this great interview with Lisa Yaszek about her book THE FUTURE IS FEMALE!: 25 Classic Science Fiction Stories by Women, from Pulp Pioneers to Ursula K. Le Guin and the things that we get wrong about the history of women writing in science fiction: https://loa.org/news-and-views/1439-lisa-yaszek-we-get-the-history-of-women-in-science-fiction-thoroughly-wrong

* A list of 10 new science fiction and fantasy books coming out this month that you should consider adding to your collection. https://www.theverge.com/2018/12/1/18109892/science-fiction-fantasy-books-recommendation-december-2018

* Using science fiction to discuss the ethics of actual controversial science such as gene-editing on children.  https://www.marketplace.org/2018/11/29/tech/can-science-fiction-help-us-grapple-gene-editing-technology

* For those who are interested in exploring other countries' speculative fiction that might not have made it over here, there's the new book A BRILLIANT VOID, which is a collection of Irish Science Fiction.  https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/a-brilliant-void-a-selection-of-classic-irish-science-fiction-1.3709937

* How many times have you watched the "Avengers: Endgame" trailer?  Did you catch these nine easter eggs?  https://www.inverse.com/article/51550-avengers-4-endgame-trailer-breakdown-secrets-spoilers-easter-eggs

* Look for our future corporate overlords to start hiring science fiction writers with an eye toward predicting future trends and inventions. https://boingboing.net/2018/12/07/brian-david-johnson.html

* If you haven’t been watching "The Good Place", we recommend you begin.  Immediately.  This article argues that Janet is the most optimistic AI on TV, although Janet would be the first to tell you "Not a Robot/AI."  https://www.wired.com/story/the-good-place-janet-optimistic-ai/

* What does science fiction say about the place where the author resides, where they grew up, and what their country is going through? http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20181203-what-our-science-fiction-says-about-us

* We just heard about this game and we are so into it.  A pulp sci-fi RPG?!? Sign us up!  https://in.ign.com/the-outer-worlds/130908/preview/the-outer-worlds-is-bringing-fun-back-to-science-fiction

* Scotland is having its first book festival dedicated to Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror.  https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/17244634.scotlands-first-book-festival-dedicated-to-fantasy-science-fiction-and-horror-is-launched/

* The Best Sci Fi movies of 2018 that star women.  This list actually convinced us to check out a few movies that we had written off. https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/a25323468/best-sci-fi-movies-2018/

* The discussion and debate of Tolkien and racism continues with author Andy Duncan weighing in, along with others.  https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6428971/Science-Fiction-writer-claims-Lord-Rings-series-racist.html

* Here's a list of 15 of the greatest hard science movies. http://whatculture.com/film/15-greatest-hard-science-fiction-movies-of-all-time

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Award News
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* The Nebula Awards have announced a new category for Game Writing.  https://www.geekwire.com/2018/first-ever-nebula-award-game-writers-approved-professional-science-fiction-writers-organization/

* The 2018 Ignotus Winners, the equivalent to the Hugo for Spain, have announced their winners including Kameron Hurley.  http://locusmag.com/2018/11/2018-ignotus-winners/

* Congratulations to local author & sponsor Ellen Klages for winning the 2018 Best Novel Gaylactic Spectrum Award!  http://www.spectrumawards.org/2018.htm

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From The Office
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Hi Everyone,

Here we are at the end of another year.  It's been an interesting one for Borderlands, in the good, bad, and ugly(-ish) ways.  Mostly good, however.

Obviously, the biggest thing going on for us is the slow process of moving.  As regular readers know, I had expected the process to move faster, but the logic of doing the work ourselves versus hiring contractors has made the process slower but much, much cheaper.  All in all, it's to our advantage, but it has made for a substantially longer process that I expected going into it.

Last month was the one year anniversary of starting work and it's kind of fun to look back on all that we've done.  Some of the highlights have been:

Taking a mass of ivy and concrete in the backyard and turning it into a set of lovely planters with actual plants growing in them.

Replacing the falling-down plywood and scrap around the yard with new redwood fences.

Building a shearwall across the back of the building so that it will withstand earthquakes much better than before.

Nailing reinforcing clips on to the ceiling joists to further improve the seismic resistance of the building.  Forty-five joists, four clips per joist, eight nails per clip, for a total of 1440 nails.  That is, in contractor terms, a s**t-ton of nails.

Patching and repairing about 1000 square feet of sheetrock and plaster wall (roughly half of the exterior walls).

Shifting 8 tons of brick for the backyard (which is still to be set in place, so we'll move it one more time before we're done).

Installing a 400-lb steel I-beam in the basement, and excavating well over 5 cubic yards of dirt for foundations.

Pouring 5 cubic yards of concrete into the holes we excavated.

Taking delivery of more than $3500 worth of wooden beams, some weighing 300-400 lbs, and then using them to reinforce the floor (that's a work still in progress but should be finished this weekend).

And, of course, endless dump-runs, sweeping, nail-pulling, more sweeping, and all the day-to-day of a construction job.

At times the work seems like it will never end but, in actuality, it's going quite well.  A job like this is always slow and all the work we're doing now to make sure that the place will suit for the next ten, or twenty, or thirty years is well worth the extra time.  But, darn it, at times I'd really like to just get moved and be done with it.

None of this would have been possible without the support of our sponsors and the folks who lent us the money to buy the building.  It also wouldn't have been possible without the hard-core crew of people who have been volunteering their time over the last year.  Many people have been kind enough to come by and lend a hand for a day or two, and I've very grateful to all of them. But, there is also a group of about a dozen people who have come to help regularly on many Sundays for months.  They are a great group and an absolute pleasure to work with.  It is their help, encouragement, good humor, and hard work that has made this the best construction job I've ever worked on. They are: Caroline Kaster, Jutta Degener, Canute Haroldson, Kelsey Dietz, David Gates, Jo Falcon, Bill Spears, Laura Mazzola, Emily Schaeffer, Josie Schaeffer, Carl Ueber, Dave La Point, Jim Lively, Melinda Rose, Cassie Beckley, and Zach Harper.  How they put up with me, week after week, is a bit of a mystery but I'm very glad that they do.

Where we stand now on the building is pretty good.  The concrete is all poured and so that brings to an end the Saga of the Beam of Eye, which I have posted for you amusement here - <https://borderlands-books.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-tale-of-beam-cautionary-and.html>.  To say that I'm happy about it is the understatement of 2018.  With that done, we're working on reinforcing the floor joists (the big boards that support the actual floor).  Once that's finished, we're on to doing the last big structural work - reinforcing the front of the building (which is two posts, 10 feet long and 4" by 8", plus two beams 17' long and 7 1/4" by 9") and putting in the supports so we can expand the bathroom (also two posts, 12 feet long and 6" by 6" plus three beams, the biggest of which is 15 feet long and 5 1/4" by 16").  Those are both pretty big jobs since the beams weight hundreds of pounds each and are going 10-13 feet in the air.  But, once that's done, we can start doing the actual building of the walls and so forth.  So, it's all very exciting.

I still don't have a completion date and I'm not going to for a while since we're still at the "it'll take as long as it takes" stage.  But, we'll keep plugging along and I'll keep you posted on how it's going.

In closing, I hope that the holiday season treats you well and, more so, I wish you a peaceful and happy New Year.

Warmest Regards,
Alan

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Best Sellers
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Borderlands Best-Selling Titles for November, 2018

Hardcovers
1) Red Moon by Kim Stanley Robinson
2) The Consuming Fire by John Scalzi
3) Soulless: Illustrated Edition by Gail Carriger
4) Rejoice, a Knife to the Heart by Steven Erikson
5) Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin
6) Labyrinth Index by Charles Stross
7) How Long 'Til Black Future Month? by N.K. Jemisin
8) Someone Like Me by M.R. Carey
9) The Monster Baru Comorant by Seth Dickinson
10) Lies Sleeping by Ben Aaronovitch

Trade Paperbacks
1) The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
2) The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu, trans by Ken Liu
3) The Omega Objection by Gail Carriger
4) The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal
5) All Systems Red by Martha Wells
6) Autonomous by Annalee Newitz
7) Hannah Green and Her Unfeasibly Mundane Existence by Michael Marshall Smith
8) All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders
9) Freeze-Frame Revolution by Peter Watts
10) The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin

Mass Market Paperbacks
1) Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
2) Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson
3) Old Man's War by John Scalzi
4) The Collapsing Empire by John Scalzi
5) Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
6) Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
7) Who Fears Death? by Nnedi Okorafor
8) Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
9) Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
10) The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin

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Book Club Information
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The QSF&F Book Club will meet on Sunday, January 13th, at 5 pm to discuss NEMESIS GAMES by James S.A. Corey.  Please contact the group leader, Christopher Rodriguez, at cobalt555@earthlink.net, for more information.

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Club will meet on Sunday, December 16th, at 6 pm to discuss THE HANDMAID'S TALE by Margaret Atwood. The book for the following month will be THE CALCULATING STARS by Mary Robinette Kowal.  Please contact bookclub@borderlands-books.com for more information

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Upcoming Event Details
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Adam Plantinga, POLICE CRAFT (Quill Driver Books, Trade Paperback, $16.95) Thursday, January 10th at 6:00 pm - This event is outside our usual genres, but we think it will be of interest to you -- particularly mystery fans!  Adam Plantinga is a sergeant at Mission Station in San Francisco, just a few blocks from Borderlands.  He'll be at the store to share his second non-fiction title, and we think it's fascinating!  From the publisher: "A veteran police officer gives his thoughtful, balanced views on every aspect of policing -- and he'll change what you think about the police.  POLICE CRAFT is a thought-provoking and revelatory examination of policing in America, as seen by a working police officer. Adam Plantinga, a sergeant with the San Francisco Police Department, gives an inside view of the police officer's job, including police techniques, police culture, and the sociology of crime and criminals.  Hard-boiled, humorous, and compassionate, Plantinga wrestles with the complexities and contradictions of a job he loves in which he witnesses so much suffering.  Transcending today's strident pro-cop/anti-cop rhetoric, POLICE CRAFT will give every reader a greater respect for the police and greater understanding of the job they do.  Adam Plantinga has been a police officer for 17 years.  Plantinga's first book, 400 THINGS COPS KNOW, received rave reviews from star crime writers such as Lee Child, Edward Conlon, George Pelecanos and Joseph Wambaugh and was hailed as 'the new bible for crime writers' by The Wall Street Journal."

Writers With Drinks (at The Make-Out Room, 3225 22nd Street, San Francisco) with authors John Briscoe, Izzy Oneiric, Simon Sheppard, and Colin Winnette, hosted by Charlie Jane Anders! Saturday, January 12th at 7:30 pm - Writers With Drinks is the most awesome spoken-word variety show in the world, hosted by Charlie Jane Anders, and we're always happy to participate! The amazing lineup this month includes authors John Briscoe (Crush: The Triumph of California Wine), Izzy Oneiric (The Year Is Sunday: a lyric memoir), Simon Sheppard (Man on Man: The Best of Simon Sheppard), and Colin Winnette (The Job of the Wasp).  Cost: $5 to $20, no-one turned away for lack of funds.  All proceeds benefit local non-profits.  Doors open at 6:30 and Borderlands will be on hand to sell books.

BCAF (Black and Brown Comix Arts Festival), at the San Francisco Public Library and City View at Metreon, Sunday, January 20th from 1:00 - 5:00 pm, and Monday, January 21st from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm - We're always honored and delighted to participate in the Black and Brown Comix Arts Festival!  BCAF "celebrates the creativity of people of color in the comic arts and popular visual culture and is dedicated to the notion that all audiences deserve to be subject in the culture in which we participate."  Panels, artists, authors, creators, films, cosplay, kids events, and much more await you at this amazing free event, which takes place over three days and in two locations.  Borderlands will be on hand to sell books.  For the schedule, more details, and updates on the incredible list of guests, see http://sfmlkday.org/bcafcon/#schedule

SF in SF (at The American Bookbinder's Museum, 355 Clementina Street, San Francisco) with authors Howard Hendrix, Cecelia Holland, and Kim Stanley Robinson, hosted by Terry Bisson, Sunday, January 20th at 6:30 pm - (Suggested donation $10.)  We're so happy to participate in the Science Fiction in San Francisco reading series!  It has become a tradition to welcome Cecelia Holland and Kim Stanley Robinson in January each year, and this time they'll be joined by science fiction author Howard Hendrix!  The authors will read a selection from their work, followed by Q&A from the audience moderated by author Terry Bisson.  Authors will schmooze & sign books after.  Seating is limited, so first come, first seated.  Doors and bar open at 6:00 pm, event begins at 6:30 pm.  Donations benefit the American Bookbinders Museum. Questions? Email sfinsfevents@gmail.com.

Rudy Rucker, RETURN TO THE HOLLOW EARTH (Transreal Books, Trade Paperback, $13.95 and Hardcover, $22.95) and others, and art show premiere! Saturday, January 26th at 3:00 pm - It's always a treat to welcome the quirky and irrepressible genius Rudy Rucker to the store!  Rudy is an author, artist, mathematician and one of the godfathers of Cyberpunk.  Join us to check out his newest book, RETURN TO THE HOLLOW EARTH, and celebrate the reprints of two other titles.  Rudy will also lead a "guided tour" of his current art show at Borderlands Cafe.

This newsletter is distributed monthly free of charge and may be distributed without charge so long all the following information is included.

Dispatches from the Border
Editor - Na'amen Gobert Tilahun
Assistant Editor - Jude Feldman

All contents unless otherwise noted are the property of Borderlands Books, 866 Valencia St.
San Francisco CA 94110
415 824-8203
http://www.borderlands-books.com
Comments and suggestions should be directed to editor@borderlands-books.com

* * * * * * *

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Dispatches from the Border, November 2018

----------------------
Upcoming Events
----------------------

Michael Marshall Smith, HANNAH GREEN AND HER UNFEASIBLY MUNDANE EXISTENCE (HarperVoyager, Trade Paperback, $15.99) Saturday, November 10th at 3:00 pm

Writers With Drinks (at The Make Out Room, 3225 22nd St.) with authors Kirstin Chen, L.A. Kauffman, Rachel Khong, Achy Obejas, Tara Sim and tammy lynne stoner, hosted by Charlie Jane Anders, Saturday, November 10th at 6:30 pm

Tor Books #FearlessWomen event with Charlie Jane Anders, Nancy Kress, and Annalee Newitz, Sunday November 11th at 3:00 pm

POSTPONED - SF in SF (at The American Bookbinders Museum, 355 Clementina St.) with authors Nick Mamatas & Michael Marshall Smith, moderated by Terry Bisson.  This event has been delayed; we'll post the new date as soon as we have it.

(for more information check the end of this newsletter)

-------
News
-------

* We're sorry to report the death of Canadian science fiction author Dave Duncan, who passed on the 30th of October.  His latest book was released this month - TRIAL BY TREASON.  https://locusmag.com/2018/10/dave-duncan-1933-2018/

* The winners of the 5th annual Philip K. Dick European Film Festival have been announced.  Check out the films you'll be scouring the internet for!  https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/The-5th-Annual-Philip-K-Dick-European-Science-Fiction-Film-Festival-Announces-Award-Winners-20181105

* An adaptation of Cixin Liu's The Wandering Earth is set to be released.  Check out the teaser trailer and more details here: https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/31/18047346/the-wandering-earth-trailer-cixin-liu-chinese-science-fiction

* Most of us know that the science in science fiction movies can frequently be a bit iffy at best.  Here are nine films (out of hundreds) that get their science wrong.  https://www.thisisinsider.com/incorrect-science-in-science-fiction-films-2018-10#recreating-dinosaurs-from-dna-as-seen-in-the-jurassic-park-franchise-doesnt-seem-plausible-1

* The links between science fiction and Scientology run deeper than a lot of us know.  L. Ron Hubbard's connection with John W. Campbell, and Campbell's influence on early Scientology is explored in a new book.  Excerpt & details here: https://boingboing.net/2018/10/29/when-golden-age-science-fictio.html

* Someone's idea of the best costumes in science fiction.  (As soon as Na'amen saw Ruby Rhod at the bottom of the list he knew it was suspect, but check it out for yourself.)  https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/debate-club-best-costumes-in-science-fiction-movies

* Tractor Beams!  We have tractor beams!  I mean. . . it's not as impressive as it sounds. . . YET! https://www.sensorsmag.com/components/tractor-beams-may-no-longer-be-science-fiction

* Den of the Geek's Aliya Whiteley is doing a guest series on addiction and science fiction.  Check out part one, in which they dive into the portrayal of alcohol: https://www.denofgeek.com/uk/movies/sf-noir/61239/the-depiction-of-alcohol-and-addiction-in-science-fiction.  Part two tackles the portrayal of smoking, neo-noir, and addiction: https://www.denofgeek.com/uk/movies/sf-noir/61240/smoking-science-fiction-and-addiction

* If you live in Seattle or within driving distance, you have almost a year to take a trip to The Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience and check out their Worlds Beyond Here exhibit, which explores the connections between Asian-American culture and science fiction. https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2018/10/17/going-beyond-hollywood-to-explore-asian-americans-in-science-fiction/77768

* One of science fiction's greatest pop culture myths is once again proven false. https://qz.com/1443189/war-of-the-worlds-sci-fi-that-spawned-fake-news-and-a-myth/

* A very interesting in-depth look at nine sub-genres in science fiction that we don't talk about enough, and that will help your understanding of the future: https://qz.com/quartzy/1447599/nine-sci-fi-subgenres-to-help-you-understand-the-future/

* A perspective on science fiction's portrayal of the future of retail that centers South Africa rather than a location in the west: https://stuff.co.za/what-science-fiction-got-wrong-about-our-retail-future/

* 25 of the best spaceships in science fiction, covering everything from TV to videogames to movies and more: https://www.space.com/42312-greatest-spaceships-of-science-fiction.html

* What do science fiction writers have to say about Trump's "Space Force" idea?  The Washington Post crashed a convention to find out: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/we-crashed-a-science-fiction-writers-convention-to-ask-about-trumps-space-force/2018/10/29/988c2edc-cb3d-11e8-920f-dd52e1ae4570_story.html

* Five important lessons that an Indian author learned at EuroCon: https://scroll.in/article/899870/five-lessons-an-indian-author-learned-at-europes-biggest-science-fiction-and-fantasy-convention

* Congratulations to editor Liz Gorinsky, who has left her position at Tor to start her own publishing company, Erewhon Books: http://sciencefiction.com/2018/10/18/former-tor-editor-liz-gorinsky-launches-erewhon-books/

* An interview with G.R.R. Martin where the staff of the NY Times asked him their burning questions, about everything from fashion to politics: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/16/t-magazine/george-rr-martin-qanda-game-of-thrones.html

* An interview with the great writer Kate Elliot by Locus Magazine; learn all about her history and her forthcoming works. https://locusmag.com/2018/10/kate-elliott-visible-women/

* If you are anything like us and get obsessed with the created food in the shows you love, then you should probably hit up NYCC next year and stop by The Fandom Fantasy food truck: http://sciencefiction.com/2018/10/09/nycc-2018-fandom-fantasy-food-truck/

* Three speculative films that should get Oscar nominations, but most likely won't: https://www.inquisitr.com/opinion/5147751/three-movies-that-probably-wont-get-oscar-nominations-but-should/

* Next month the Kolkata National University of Juridical Sciences will start offering a course based in Harry Potter! Check out more details and get your transfer paperwork ready: https://www.newsbytesapp.com/timeline/India/34927/154534/all-about-india-s-first-potterverse-law-course

* LeVar Burton, who is currently touring with his live show LeVar Burton Reads, talks about the ways that Gene Roddenberry and Star Trek influenced his life: https://comicbook.com/startrek/2018/11/04/star-trek-levar-burton-gene-roddenberry-diverse-representation/

* Maps can be divisive in the speculative fiction community, but there's no denying that they are a major part of some authors' worldbuilding.  Writers and a cartographer explore their favorite maps in a new book: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/sep/22/wizards-moomins-and-gold-the-magic-and-mysteries-of-maps

------------------
Award News
------------------

* The 2018 World Fantasy Award winners were announced Sunday!  Winners listed here: https://locusmag.com/2018/11/2018-world-fantasy-award-winners/.  Special congratulations to Victor LaValle and Fonda Lee, who tied for Best Novel, and local author (and sponsor) Ellen Klages, who took home the award for Best Novella for PASSING STRANGE!

* The British Science Fiction Award winners for 2018 include Marjorie Liu, Victor LaValle, Joe Hill and Jordan Peele. For a full list of winners, go here: http://www.britishfantasysociety.org/british-fantasy-awards/bfawinners/

* The 2018 Aurora Award winners have also been announced, including Fonda Lee taking home two awards for Best Novel and Best YA Novel.  See the full list here: https://prixaurorawards.ca/2018-aurora-awards-go-to/

--------------------
From The Office
--------------------
And Now, Alan Explains . . .

The last few months have been pretty fierce.  The combination of the World Science Fiction Convention in the middle of August, catchup afterwards, working on the Haight Street building, and then swinging into the Litquake festival -- it made for some busy, busy times around the shop.

In addition, I had some pretty difficult personal stuff going on all of last month.  It's all sorted out now (or at least mostly sorted) but, at the time, it was very difficult.  (For you folks who worry: no, it wasn't my health or Jude's)

And so that is why, for the first time in more than a decade, we didn't get a newsletter out last month.  It's also why this communication from me is going to be pretty short this month.  But, for the last newsletter of the year, I'll do my best to write something good.

I'm going to close with a very quick building update.  The concrete for the foundation is going to be poured on the 19th, which will finally, for all and good, bring the saga of The Beam to a complete close.  We're getting the roof replaced this month as well, and I should be able to make a start on laying the brick for the garden.

With the foundation work complete, we can finally move forward with the framing work for the new bathroom.  I have high hopes that my next update will have many pieces of good news and progress.

Warm Regards,
Alan

----------------
Best Sellers
----------------
Borderlands Best-Selling Titles for October, 2018

1) The Consuming Fire by John Scalzi
2) Red Moon by Kim Stanley Robinson
3) Noir by Christopher Moore
4) Soulless: Illustrated Edition by Gail Carriger
5) Exit Strategy by Martha Wells
6) Thin Air by Richard Morgan
7) Legion by Brandon Sanderson
8) Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
9) Rejoice, a Knife to the Heart by Steven Erikson
10) Uncompromising Honor by David Weber

Trade Paperbacks
1) Autonomous by Annalee Newitz
2) The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal
3) The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu, trans by Ken Liu
4) Santa Cruz Noir, edited by Susie Bright
5) All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders
6) The Fated Sky by Mary Robinette Kowal
7) Persepolis Rising by James S.A. Corey
8) Record of a Spaceborn Few by Becky Chambers
9) What the Hell Did I Just Read? by David Wong
10) Freeze-Frame Revolution by Peter Watts

Mass Market Paperbacks
1) Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
2) Old Man's War by John Scalzi
3) The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin
4) The Collapsing Empire by John Scalzi
5) Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
6) Who Fears Death? by Nnedi Okorafor
7) Dune by Frank Herbert
8) Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
9) Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
10) Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson

------------------------------
Book Club Information
------------------------------
The QSF&F Book Club will meet on Sunday, November 11th, at 5 pm to discuss CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE by Tomi Adeyemi.  Please contact the group leader, Christopher Rodriguez, at cobalt555@earthlink.net, for more information.

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Club will meet on Sunday, November 18th, at 6 pm to discuss AUTONOMOUS by Annalee Newitz.  Please contact bookclub@borderlands-books.com for more information.

------------------------------
Upcoming Event Details
------------------------------

Michael Marshall Smith, HANNAH GREEN AND HER UNFEASIBLY MUNDANE EXISTENCE (HarperVoyager, Trade Paperback, $15.99) Saturday, November 10th at 3:00 pm - We couldn't be more excited to welcome Michael Marshall Smith!  We read and loved HANNAH GREEN in an advance copy, and we can't wait to host Mr. Smith so he can introduce you to HANNAH.  From the publisher: "There are a million stories in the world.  Most are perfectly ordinary. This one… isn't.  Hannah Green actually thinks her story is more mundane than most.  But she's about to discover that the shadows in her life have been hiding a world where nothing is as it seems: that there's an ancient and secret machine that converts evil deeds into energy, that some mushrooms can talk -- and that her grandfather has been friends with the Devil for over a hundred and fifty years, and now they need her help."  This is an unusual and brilliant novel, and there's even a guest appearance by the Giant Dipper coaster at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk!

Writers With Drinks (at The Make Out Room, 3225 22nd St.) with authors Kirstin Chen, L.A. Kauffman, Rachel Khong, Achy Obejas, Tara Sim and tammy lynne stoner, hosted by Charlie Jane Anders, Saturday, November 10th at 6:30 pm - Writers With Drinks is the most awesome spoken-word variety show in the world, hosted by Charlie Jane Anders, and we're always happy to participate! The amazing lineup this month includes authors Kirstin Chen (Bury What We Cannot Take), L.A. Kauffman (How to Read a Protest), Rachel Khong (Goodbye, Vitamin), Achy Obejas (The Tower of the Antilles), Tara Sim (Chainbreaker, Firestarter) and tammy lynne stoner (Sugar Land).  Cost: $5 to $20, no-one turned away for lack of funds.  All proceeds benefit local non-profits.  Doors open at 6:30 and Borderlands will be on hand to sell books. See http://www.writerswithdrinks.com for more info.

Tor Books #FearlessWomen event with Charlie Jane Anders, Nancy Kress, and Annalee Newitz, Sunday November 11th at 3:00 pm - We're delighted to welcome these three prestigious authors to Borderlands. Tor Books is celebrating a year of #FearlessWomen -- from Tor: "Women are shining in every genre of speculative fiction.  With #FearlessWomen Tor Books is excited to feature the characters and authors who are creating new blockbuster worlds and re-shaping our own.  Celebrate #FearlessWomen as we highlight women in publishing: their worlds, their voices, and their unique stories.  Join the conversation about #FearlessWomen, #FearlessSF and #FearlessFantasy with Tor Books' Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@torbooks)." We hope you'll join us to continue the conversation with Charlie Jane, Nancy Kress and Annalee Newitz.  Charlie Jane is the author of the critically-acclaimed ALL THE BIRDS IN THE SKY as well as thr forthcoming CITY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT.  Annalee Newitz has written nonfiction as well as a fabulous new novel just out in paperback, AUTONMOUS.  Nancy Kress is the author of thirty-three books including the seminal BEGGARS IN SPAIN.  She has won multiple awards and her works have been translated into two dozen languages, including Klingon.

POSTPONED - SF in SF (at The American Bookbinders Museum, 355 Clementina St.) with authors Nick Mamatas & Michael Marshall Smith, moderated by Terry Bisson.  THIS EVENT IS BEING RESCHEDULED DUE TO BAY AREA AIR QUALITY.  We'll post the new date as soon as we have it.  - Suggested donation $10.)  We're so happy to participate in the Science Fiction in San Francisco reading series! The authors will read a selection from their work, followed by Q&A from the audience moderated by author Terry Bisson.  Authors will schmooze & sign books after. Seating is limited, so first come, first seated.  Doors and bar open at 6:00 pm, event begins at 6:30 pm.  Donations benefit the American Bookbinders Museum. Questions? Email sfinsfevents@gmail.com.

This newsletter is distributed monthly free of charge and may be distributed without charge so long all the following information is included.

Dispatches from the Border
Editor - Na'amen Gobert Tilahun
Assistant Editor - Jude Feldman

All contents unless otherwise noted are the property of Borderlands Books, 866 Valencia St.
San Francisco CA 94110
415 824-8203
http://www.borderlands-books.com
Comments and suggestions should be directed to editor@borderlands-books.com

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Dispatches from the Border, September 2018

Events and News From Borderlands Books
September 2018

----------------------
Upcoming Events
----------------------

SANTA CRUZ NOIR (Akashic Books, Trade Paperback, $15.95) event with with editor Susie Bright, associate editor Willow Pennell, and contributors Jon Bailiff, Seana Graham, Vinnie Hansen, Dillon Kaiser, Liza Monroy, Micah Perks, & Jill Wolfson, Saturday, September 15th at 1:00 pm

SF in SF (at The American Bookbinders' Museum, 355 Clementina) with authors Sheila Finch, David D. Levine, moderated by Terry Bisson, Sunday, September 16th at 6:30 pm

Gail Carriger, SOULLESS, THE ILLUSTRATED EDITION (Orbit, Hardcover, $20.00) Sunday, September 23rd at 3:00 pm

Lisa Brackmann, BLACK SWAN RISING (Midnight Ink, Hardcover, $24.99) Saturday, September 29th at 1:00 pm

Caitlin Seal, TWICE DEAD, (Charlesbridge, Hardcover, $17.99) Saturday, September 29th at 3:00 pm

Meet and Greet signing with Peter Moreira, THE HAIGHT (Pike and Powder, Hardcover, $24.95)  Thursday, October 4th at 6:00 pm

Writers With Drinks (at the Make Out Room, 3225 22nd St. San Francisco) with authors Indira Allegra, Cassandra Dallett, Rose Eveleth, Christine No, Anita Sarkeesian, and Sam Sax, plus guest host Elena Rose! Saturday, October 13th at 7:30 pm

John Scalzi, THE CONSUMING FIRE (Tor, Hardcover, $26.99) Friday, October 19th at 6:00 pm

Litquake Litcrawl Phase 3 (in the Cafe) with authors Charlie Jane Anders, Marie Brennan, Megan E. O'Keefe, and Nancy Tingley, Saturday, October 20th at 8:00 pm

(for more information check the end of this newsletter)

-------------
Overheard
-------------

This is a feature that appears periodically, usually (but not always) as we attend conventions and overhear things.  The tradition of keeping track of anonymous overheard bits and bobs started for us at the 2002 ConJose, where trying (or trying not to) fill in the blanks on overheard conversations made us laugh so much that we made it a tradition.  (For those keeping track, the one that started it all was "Shelby, it's not okay to touch your sister's breast with the back of your hand, either!".)

This issue we share some highlights from the store, Writers With Drinks, and this year's World Science Fiction Convention in San Jose:

* Overheard in the Store:

"I'm super-excited about rugs. I guess that means I'm a grown-up, huh?"

"Could you PLEASE stop staring at me like you're thinking 'The quickest way to a man's heart is through his sternum.'?"

"That job just wasn't for me. I really need to work with beings who understand object permanence."

"I would never, ever have pegged her for an 'Interview With the Vampire' person."

"Have you _been_ to Worcester? Have you _seen_ Turtle Boy?"

* Overheard at Writers With Drinks:

"... and that's how I snuck an incredibly tasteful orgy into my young adult novel."

* Overheard at WorldCon:

"It's like rolling your tongue over a minefield."

"The place is _exceptionally_ slick and chrome.  It's like pooping in the future."

"Just say the word if you want 'Weird Japanese Snacks' on your name badge."

"I WASN'T lying.  I was just making sh*t up."

"I'm pretty sure no one's going to come up and say 'Please fix my Patrick Stewart!"

"I have baser instincts but very high restraint."

"That's why there's so much on the line; because it's entirely about ego."

"Aliens, robots, & monsters -- that's my kink!"

"My mom is like, 500 times hipper than I am."

"You had me at 'Murder Bunny'."

"It's Nerd Burning Man, that's what it is."

"I'M your conscience?! You're really screwed."

"I was the goth-est Deadhead EVER."

"Do you want the dragon or the gargoyle?"
"That sounds like my dating scene."

"It's as upcoming as you can get without actually having come."

"It's reminiscent of seaweed, old ashtrays, used bandaids, and a head-butt. . . . Y'know, subtle."

"I am SURE that cheese should not be flammable."

"I've become that guy who buys his underwear on EBay."
"You haven't hit rock bottom until you buy it on Craigslist."

"It CAN'T be blackmail if he's not ashamed of it."

"After multiple accidental Dr. Pepper/tequila shooters, I literally began speaking in tongues when the breakfast buffet opened at 5 am."

"And then we almost fell into an accidental grenade sump.  So we've come full circle."

"I've really never seen anyone be SO sincere in the face of stripper tits."

"It was like a THC enema, and then, oh boy!"

-------
News
-------

* Podcaster Matthew Felix interviewed Borderlands owner Alan Beatts on his show!  Matthew says: "On my last episode, I had a wide-ranging talk with Borderlands Books' owner and founder Alan Beatts. We discussed Borderlands' history -- including the controversy that garnered it unexpected national attention in 2015, landing Alan everywhere, from the pages of the New Yorker to on camera with Fox and other news outlets. We also talked about what the climate is like today for indie bookstores, both how they've dealt with Amazon and some of the innovative ways they continue to adapt to the future."  You can watch the show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1NA3DNB8ZXM or Facebook: https://buff.ly/2LWIokz, or you can listen on iTunes: https://apple.co/2N9OC5p or Google Play: https://buff.ly/2Q4jjYo .

* Celebrated actor Burt Reynolds died recently, and while he didn't act in many science fiction films (famously turning down the role of Han Solo!) here are four movies & TV episodes where Mr. Reynolds experimented with genre.  https://www.inverse.com/article/48749-burt-reynolds-best-roles-in-science-fiction-tv-or-movies

* If you happen to be in the UK in November, why not stop by SFX BookCon 2?  Plenty of amazing authors will be there including Pat Cadigan, MR Carey, Rebecca Kuang, Tade Thompson, Sarah Lotz, Richard Morgan and more!  Check out all the details here: http://www.foyles.co.uk/SFX-Book-Con-2?aCode=AFW&awc=1414_1536332121_5a259d21238595760a04c3abfefd50f2

* So you've read N.K. Jemisin's Broken Earth trilogy all the way a dozen times . . . what now?  Well, Bustle has come up with a list of amazing books for you to check out next! https://www.bustle.com/p/15-science-fiction-fantasy-books-for-fans-of-nk-jemisin-because-you-can-only-re-read-the-fifth-season-so-many-times-9975346

* If you're a Robert E. Howard fan, why not take a cool roadtrip down to Texas and check out the house he grew up and died in?  It been transformed into a museum in his honor. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/robert-e-howard-museum

* The fantasy juggernaut that is "Game of Thrones" is set to air its final season next year, but worry not!  Here are FORTY-THREE upcoming fantasy & sci-fi shows -- some that might make it to air. . . and some that might not.  https://tv.avclub.com/game-of-game-of-thrones-thrones-43-big-upcoming-fantas-1828746565

* An interview with bestselling author Roshani Chokshi as she tours book festivals to promote her numerous books.  https://triad-city-beat.com/roshani-chokshi-science-fiction/

* And every nerd out there sighed and rolled their eyes, because we have known this forever.  https://www.indy100.com/article/scifi-fantasy-literature-study-harry-potter-romance-relationships-8495681

* Check out this podcast on building worlds with N.K. Jemisin, where she also recommends some of her favorite groundbreaking sci-fi.  https://www.vox.com/2018/8/27/17779026/ezra-klein-show-book-recommendations-n-k-jemisin-broken-earth-hugo-award

* A lot of fantasy fans aren't exactly raving about "Disenchantment", the new series from Matt Groening and Netflix.  Check out a few of the critiques here: https://www.wired.com/2018/09/geeks-guide-robert-repino/

* The (obvious) problems with the creation of fantasy and sci-fi cultures that are just an amalgam of anti-Semitic stereotypes.  https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/made-by-history/wp/2018/08/14/science-fictions-anti-semitism-problem/?utm_term=.85a892084bbd

* An article on the importance of world-building in the genres of fantasy/sci-fi romance, with some recommendations to try out.  https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/the-importance-of-worldbuilding-in-sci-fi-and-fantasy-romance

* An article about the hit Boots Riley film "Sorry To Bother You": why it's not being hailed as a science fiction film, and the other works it's in conversation with. https://www.wired.com/2018/08/geeks-guide-tanarive-due/

* Two Indian Hugo nominees have a far-ranging conversation about life in the world of genre.  https://scroll.in/article/890816/a-conversation-on-science-fiction-and-fantasy-between-the-two-indian-nominees-for-the-hugo-awards

* Planning to attend DragonCon next year?  Check out this handy-dandy survival guide.  https://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/entertainment/how-survive-dragon-con-2018/k3WHsBn8iGIekitbCXIrwM/

* The new season of "Doctor Who" is going to be the first season starring a woman as the titular Doctor, but it will also be inspired by Spielberg's 80s films.  We can't wait! https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/doctor-who-director-talks-spielbergs-influence-on-the-upcoming-season

* "Adventure Time" has finally ended after eight year and hundreds of episodes, and unlike many long-running series, the finale did not disappoint. https://ew.com/tv/2018/09/04/adventure-time-finale-review/

* Here are 15 tips for world-building!  https://www.bustle.com/p/15-tips-for-creating-a-fictional-world-that-actually-makes-sense-to-the-reader-9258495

* The highly-anticipated Netflix original "The Dragon Prince", from an illustrious creative team that has been involved in "Avatar: The Last Airbender", "Uncharted", "Star Wars" & "Justice League", had a sneak preview of the first episode and it seems like it actually lives up to the hype.  https://www.polygon.com/2018/9/5/17819324/the-dragon-prince-netflix-characters-plot-reaction-interview

* As some of the few fans of the rebooted "Ghostbusters" film, knowing what the sequel would have done just makes us more angry that we'll never get it. http://sciencefiction.com/2018/09/07/ghostbusters-sequel-gone-international/

* Here are the 69 worst science-fiction films of all time according to critics.  We're not gonna lie; there are a handful of titles on this list we actually love, like "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes". Check out the whole list here: https://www.businessinsider.com/worst-science-fiction-movies-all-time-critics-2018-8#1-baby-geniuses-1999-69

* A list of 26 underrated science-fiction books: https://www.techrepublic.com/pictures/the-most-underrated-science-fiction-books/

------------------
Award News
------------------

* The 2018 Hugo Award winners were announced at WorldCon in San Jose.  Congratulations to all of them, and particularly to N.K. Jemisin, who became the first author in history to win the Best Novel award for all three books in a trilogy, and also the first to win three Hugos for Best Novel in a row.  https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/20/17698208/2018-hugo-awards-n-k-jemisin-martha-wells-science-fiction-fantasy-books . (Also check out seven facts about N.K. Jemisin, with a link to a video of her Hugo acceptance speech. https://www.blackenterprise.com/nk-jemison-hugo-awards/ )

* Fran Wilde's "Clearly Lettered in a Most Steady Hand" won this year's Eugie Foster Memorial Award for Short Fiction.  For a full list of nominees with links to the stories go here: http://www.eugiefoster.com/eugieaward

* The 2017 Sidewise Award for Alternate History announced their winner at WorldCon as well.  https://locusmag.com/2018/08/2017-sidewise-awards-winners/

* The Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists have announced the 2018 Chesley Award winners: http://www.asfa-art.org/?page=chesley

--------------------
From The Office
--------------------

So, Why So Slow?
An interview by Alan Beatts with Alan Beatts

Hi Folks.  Alan Beatts, freelance interview guy, here and today I'm going to be interviewing Alan Beatts, the owner of Borderlands Books.  Since he and I are both Geminis and, as a result, suffer from an inherent (though quite mild) split personality, this should be a fun interview.  We're going to be talking about his new bookstore location -- specifically I'm going to be asking him why it's taking so very goddamn long for him to finish up the construction work and move the darn store.

Interviewer:  Nice to see you, Alan.  It's been a while.  I think the last time was about six hours ago when I was shaving.  How have you been?

Bookseller:  I've been alright.  A little overworked so far this year, but overall good.  And, the construction work has gotten me into great shape so physically I'm feeling very well.

I:  Since you brought up the construction work, we might as well get right to it.  You're working on the building that you purchased in November last year, right?  The place that you're going to move the bookstore to?

B:  Yup.  Since contractors are scarce right now because of the building boom and, if you can get one, they're pretty expensive, I've been doing most of the construction work myself with help from volunteers.  It's saving us a boat-load of money and I'm having a lot of fun.

I:  But, it's going kind of slowly, isn't it?  When you first bought the building you were hoping to move by July.  That was _two_ months ago.

B:  Ouch.  Yes, it is going quite slowly, thanks for reminding me.  I had forgotten that.

I:  Really?

B:  No.  I think about it every single day -- I've just been trying not to because it really stresses me out.  Sometimes I go for as long and two or three hours without it crossing my mind.

I:  Well, if it's bugging you so much, why not just hire a bunch of contractors and have them get it done?  It might be expensive, but taking so long to move must be costing you money too, right?

B:  As I mentioned, contractors are very busy right now and the rates are quite high.  Let me give you an example; a while ago we did a single, well-defined job at the building.  It took me about a week to complete, with help from some folks, and the materials cost was about $2000.  I talked with a couple of contractors and they both said that the same job would have taken them a while to schedule, taken about a week to complete, and cost, in one case, $15,000, and in the other, $20,000.  That's a pretty huge price difference and no advantage in terms of the time it took.

Granted, I think that it's taking me much longer for most of these jobs than it would take a contractor (if nothing else, I do a lot of work by myself and a contractor would throw a bunch of people at the same project).  But when the price difference is 7 to 10 to one, I think that I'm making the right call by taking more time but saving a hell of a lot of money.

I:  But, there's still a price tag on the delay.  What if you run out of money before the job is done?

B:  Yeah, that's the thing that really is worrying me.  But, as it stands, I've got three big expenses coming up.  In November, the first big set of interest payments will be due on the loans for the building.  Shortly, the property tax bill will arrive for 2019.  And, there will be an additional property tax bill coming for 2018 to make up the difference between what the previous owner paid (based on his purchase price) and what we owe (based on our purchase price).  [Regarding that last, if you don't live in California, it might seem a really strange way to do property taxes - look here for an explanation https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Proposition_13_(1978)]

I have enough put aside to cover all those expenses plus the amount that I think the construction will cost.  Now, if we don't get moved by next year (or if the construction costs are a lot higher than my estimate), then I'll have a problem.  But, for now, I think we're doing alright.

I:  Still, couldn't you get the job done faster and / or cheaper?  You've been spending a lot of time and, I assume, buying a lot of materials for the work you're doing in the garden.  That's not something that is really critical in terms of moving the store, right?

B:  You're right.  But, here's what it gets down to: right now is our one chance to get everything right and to fix things for the future.  With the place empty and the walls torn open, I can get all sorts of work done that will _never_ be easy (or, in some cases, possible) to do again.  Originally I planned to move fast and get the job done but, as I began to understand the building better and get a clearer idea of what it could be like when we're finished, I started moving more slowly.

We're going to be in this building for a very long time.  Although we could move fast and only do the work that's absolutely necessary, I know something for sure from the many other jobs like this that I've done: we would end up regretting it.  A time would come when I would kick myself for not taking the time to deal with a small problem or take an extra step when it was easy to do, before it ever gets to be a big problem.

I:  Well, I hope you know what you're doing.

B:  Yeah, I hope so too.  But I've done a fair amount of this kind of work, I've got access to great advice, and I've got some absolutely wonderful people who are helping me get it done.  I think we're going to be alright.

I:  OK.  I hear what you're saying but; when is the store finally going to move?  When are you going to be done?

B:  We're going to move when the work is done.  And the work is going to take as long as it's going to take for me to make the place, within reason, the best bookstore it could be.

I:  Well,  good luck.  I hope it goes well and as quickly as possible.  I don't know about you, but I'd sort of like to get a whole weekend off sometime this year.

Folks, thanks for reading, and both of my personalities are looking forward to seeing you at the shop sometime soon.

Best,
Alan Beatts

PS  There's been some major progress at the building these last few weeks.  I finished all the work for the I-beam in the basement, including setting the posts, and the structural engineer has signed off on it.  I need to get the city inspector to do the same, and then we can pour the concrete.  We also have completely finished the planters in the back yard.  This week we'll be ordering the plants and putting in the irrigation system.  When the plants arrive in a week or two, then we'll get starting really making it happen.  This is going to be a good month for the construction work!

----------------
Best Sellers
----------------
Borderlands Best-Selling Titles for August, 2018

1) Competence by Gail Carrgier
2) Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells
3) Hollywood Dead by Richard Kadrey
4) Ball Lightning by Cixin Liu trans. by Joel Martinsen
5) Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett
6) Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
7) Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
8) Alternate Routes by Tim Powers
9) Summerland by Hannu Ranjaniemi
10) Binti by Nnedi Okorafor

Trade Paperbacks
1) The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
2) The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal
3) Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu, trans by Ken Liu
4) Record of a Spaceborn Few by Becky Chambers
5) Freeze-Frame Revolution by Peter Watts
6) All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders
7) Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
8) The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin
9) Walkaway by Cory Doctorow
10) The Girl in the Green Silk Gown by Seanan McGuire

Mass Market Paperbacks
1) Who Fears Death? by Nnedi Okorafor
2) Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
3) Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. LeGuin
4) Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
5) The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
6) Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
7) Old Man's War by John Scalzi
8) American Gods by Neil Gaiman
9) Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
10) Tricks for Free by Seanan McGuire

------------------------------
Book Club Information
------------------------------

The QSF&F Book Club will meet on Sunday, October 14th, at 5 pm to discuss HEROINE COMPLEX by Sarah Kuhn.  Please contact the group leader, Christopher Rodriguez, at cobalt555@earthlink.net, for more information.

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Club will meet on Sunday, September 16th, at 6 pm to discuss THE LATHE OF HEAVEN by Ursula K. Le Guin. The book for the following month will be THE DARK FOREST by Cixin Liu.  Please contact bookclub@borderlands-books.com for more information.


------------------------------
Upcoming Event Details
------------------------------

SANTA CRUZ NOIR (Akashic Books, Trade Paperback, $15.95) event with editor Susie Bright, associate editor Willow Pennell, and contributors Jon Bailiff, Seana Graham, Vinnie Hansen, Dillon Kaiser, Liza Monroy, Micah Perks, & Jill Wolfson, Saturday, September 15th at 1:00 pm - From the publisher's website: "Following in the footsteps of LOS ANGELES NOIR. . . [and] SAN FRANCISCO NOIR, this new volume further reveals the seedy underbelly of the Left Coast."  What darkness lurks behind the sunshiney facade of paradise just a bit over an hour south of here?  Check out this volume of brand-new stories from acclaimed writers, many of whom are local -- we're delighted to welcome editor Susie Bright and the most contributors to one anthology that we've ever had appear here together!  Susie will be preparing a "script" of short excerpts for the authors to read, followed by a Q&A and signing.  Check out an interview with the editor here: http://www.kazu.org/post/short-fiction-stories-explore-santa-cruzs-seedier-side#stream/0

SF in SF (at The American Bookbinders' Museum, 355 Clementina) with authors Sheila Finch, David D. Levine, moderated by Terry Bisson, Sunday, September 16th at 6:30 pm - (Suggested donation $10.)  Doors and bar at 6:00 pm, event begins at 6:30 pm.  We're so happy to participate in the Science Fiction in San Francisco reading series!  The authors will read a selection from their work, followed by Q&A from the audience moderated by author Terry Bisson.  Authors will schmooze & sign books after.  Books available for sale courtesy of Borderlands Books. Seating is limited, so first come, first seated.  Bar proceeds benefit the American Bookbinders Museum. Questions?  Email sfinsfevents@gmail.com.

Gail Carriger, SOULLESS, THE ILLUSTRATED EDITION (Orbit, Hardcover, $20.00) Sunday, September 23rd at 3:00 pm - Join us for the book launch of SOULLESS, the Illustrated Edition; celebrating where it all began with Alexia Tarabotti!  This time our parasol-carrying heroine is presented in a new, gorgeously illustrated edition inked by the talented Jensine Eckwall. Eckwall's Edward Gorey-like style is sure to please both those fans who have been following the series from the beginning, and those just now discovering the world of SOULLESS.  Gail Carriger will be on hand sharing her wit and wisdom and will be available to personalize your very own copy of Soulless, the Illustrated Edition, or any of her other titles!

Lisa Brackmann, BLACK SWAN RISING (Midnight Ink, Hardcover, $24.99) Saturday, September 29th at 1:00 pm - We're delighted to host the talented Lisa Brackmann!  From the book jacket of her thrilling, frighteningly-timely new novel: "Sarah Price wants a career in politics.  But she has a secret past that won't stay past, threatening her job on a San Diego congressman's reelection campaign.  Casey Cheng wants a story.  An ambitious local television reporter, Casey needs to get her career back on track after being seriously injured in a mass shooting.  When she investigates the man who nearly killed her, she finds a connection to a group of online harassers called #TrueMen -- and realizes her shooter may not be the only killer they have inspired. Casey's investigation and Sarah's secret put them both in the crosshairs of a hate group that targets anyone they've deemed to be against their cause, including Sarah's boss, the congressman.  Now Sarah and Casey have a choice to make -- do they hide? Or do they fight back?"

Caitlin Seal, TWICE DEAD, (Charlesbridge, Hardcover, $17.99) Saturday, September 29th at 3:00 pm - We are honored to be the first on stop on Caitlin Seal's book tour with the release of her debut hardcover, TWICE DEAD!  Caitlin will be reading from the book, answering any questions you may have, and personalizing copies of the book for your collection.  From the Publisher's website: "In this imaginative debut perfect for fans of character-driven fantasies like GRACELING and DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE, seventeen-year-old Naya Garth becomes one of the undead and an unlikely spy for her country.  Naya, the daughter of a sea merchant captain, nervously undertakes her first solo trading mission in the necromancer-friendly country bordering her homeland of Talmir.  Unfortunately, she never even makes it to the meeting.  She's struck down in the streets of Ceramor. Murdered.  But death is not the end for Naya.  She awakens to realize she's become an abomination -- a wraith, a ghostly creature bound by runes to the bones of her former corpse.  She's been resurrected in order to become a spy for her country.  Reluctantly, she assumes the face and persona of a servant girl named Blue.  She never intended to become embroiled in political plots, kidnapping, and murder.  Or to fall in love with the young man and former necromancer she is destined to betray."

Meet and Greet signing with Peter Moreira, THE HAIGHT (Pike and Powder, Hardcover, $24.95)  Thursday, October 4th at 6:00 pm - We're delighted to welcome Peter Moreira to the store for an informal meet-and-greet signing.  Given our new location-to-be in the Haight, this murder mystery couldn't possibly be a more appropriate book for us!  From the publisher's website: "Jimmy Spracklin thinks he knows Haight-Ashbury when he's called out to the neighborhood to investigate the murder of artist John Blakely in the spring of 1968.  Marie, Spracklin's beloved step-daughter, ran away to the birthplace of acid rock during the Summer of Love the previous year.  What Spracklin learns quickly is that heroin is now replacing acid as the most popular drug in Haight-Ashbury.  Gangs are taking over.  The scene is getting violent.  Now Spracklin, the head of the San Francisco Police Department's famed Bureau of Inspectors, must catch Blakely's killer while he struggles to bring his daughter home."

Writers With Drinks (at the Make Out Room, 3225 22nd St. San Francisco) with authors Indira Allegra, Cassandra Dallett, Rose Eveleth, Christine No, Anita Sarkeesian, and Sam Sax, plus guest host Elena Rose! Saturday, October 13th at 7:30 pm - Writers With Drinks is the most awesome spoken-word variety show in the world, and we're always happy to participate! The amazing lineup this month includes authors Indira Allegra (Blackout), Cassandra Dallett (Collapse), Rose Eveleth (Flash Forward), Christine No (The Rumpus, Story Magazine), Anita Sarkeesian (History vs. Women), and Sam Sax (bury it, madness).  Cost: $5 to $20, no-one turned away for lack of funds.  All proceeds benefit local non-profits.  Doors open at 6:30 and Borderlands will be on hand to sell books.

John Scalzi, THE CONSUMING FIRE (Tor, Hardcover, $26.99) Friday, October 19th at 6:00 pm - We are absolutely thrilled to welcome John Scalzi back to Borderlands, where he'll show off the sequel to the Hugo-nominated COLLAPSING EMPIRE!  From the publisher: "The new novel will continue Scalzi's Interdependency Series, picking up the story as humanity's interstellar empire, teeters on the verge of collapse.  The Flow, the extra-dimensional conduit that makes travel between the stars possible, is disappearing, leaving entire star systems stranded.  When it goes, human civilization may go with it -- unless desperate measures can be taken.  Emperox Grayland II, the leader of the Interdependency, is ready to take those measures to help ensure the survival of billions.  But nothing is ever that easy.  Arrayed before her are those who believe the collapse of the Flow is a myth -- or at the very least, an opportunity that can allow them to ascend to power.  While Grayland prepares for disaster, others are preparing for a civil war, a war that will take place in the halls of power, the markets of business, and the altars of worship as much as it will take place between spaceships and battlefields.  The Emperox and her allies are smart and resourceful, but then so are her enemies.  Nothing about this power struggle will be simple or easy… and all of humanity will be caught in its widening gyre." Check out this interview with John Scalzi at The Verge: https://www.theverge.com/2018/2/12/16992910/john-scalzi-the-consuming-fire-collapsing-empire-cover-reveal-q-and-a

Litquake Litcrawl Phase 3 (in the Cafe) with authors Charlie Jane Anders, Marie Brennan, Megan E. O'Keefe, and Nancy Tingley, Saturday, October 20th at 8:00 pm - We are delighted to once again take part in one of the most exciting literary events in San Francisco - the LitCrawl!  This is a three-hour pub-crawl-style literary event with dozens of venues and hundreds of authors, all taking place right here in the Mission District.  Phase 3 will take place in the Cafe and will feature Charlie Jane Anders, the author of THE CITY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT and host of the Writers With Drinks reading series; Marie Brennan, the World Fantasy and Hugo Award-nominated author of the Memoirs of Lady Trent; Megan E. O'Keefe, who won the David Gemmell Mornigstar Award for her debut novel STEAL THE SKY; and Nancy Tingley, who, like the curator protagonist in her Jenna Murphy mystery series (A DEATH IN BALI), is a specialist in Southeast Asian art.  We hope you'll join us for this fast-paced and fun reading!

Thursday, August 9, 2018

Dispatches from the Border, August 2018

DISPATCHES FROM THE BORDER
Events and News From Borderlands Books
August 2018

----------------------
Upcoming Events
----------------------

Writers With Drinks (at The Make Out Room, Make Out Room, 3225 22nd St, San Francisco) with authors Laura Antoniou, S.L. Huang, Jack Kaulfus, Hannah Pittard, Margaret Wilkerson Sexton, and Marlee Jane Ward, hosted by Charlie Jane Anders!  Saturday, August 11th at 7:30 pm

Seanan McGuire, NIGHT AND SILENCE (DAW, Hardcover, $26.00) Saturday, September 8th at 5:00 pm

Rachel Fellman, THE BREATH OF THE SUN (Aqueduct Press, Trade Paperback, $19.00) Sunday, September 9th at 1:00 pm

Nick Mamatas, THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF EVERYTHING (Tachyon Publication, Trade Paperback, $15.95), with guests Meg Elison, Tim Pratt, and Jason Ridler, Sunday, September 9th at 3:00 pm

SANTA CRUZ NOIR (Akashic Books, Trade Paperback, $15.95) event with contributors Susie Bright, Jon Bailiff, Seana Graham, Vinnie Hansen, Dillon Kaiser, Liza Monroy, Micah Perks, & Jill Wolfson, Saturday, September 15th at 1:00 pm

SF in SF (at The American Bookbinders' Museum, 355 Clementina) with authors Sheila Finch, David D. Levine, moderated by Terry Bisson, Sunday, September 16th at 6:30 pm

(for more information check the end of this newsletter)

-------
News
-------
* Overheard in the Store:
"I keep forgetting that, in the Mission, Thursday is now Friday, and Friday is now Stupid."

* Borderlands' owner Alan Beatts will be interviewed by Matthew Felix on Facebook Live at 6:00 pm on Sunday, August 26th!  Here's some information from the interviewer: "The Matthew FĂ©lix On Air video podcast features author Matthew Felix and guests discussing writing, travel, and whatever else piques Matthew's interest, from spirituality to cultural happenings to the outdoors to anything with a good story worth exploring.  In this episode, Matthew talks with Borderlands Books' Alan Beatts about Borderlands' history, mission, and the current climate for indie bookstores -- and some of the innovative ways they're adapting for the future."  Check it out here, and do remember it's live! https://www.facebook.com/authormatthewfelix/  You'll also be able to catch it later on YouTube https://bit.ly/1MoDsNS or iTunes: https://apple.co/2KAS0AP, or follow the link from Matthew's webpage: http://www.matthewfelix.com

* If you're visiting the Bay Area for the World Science Fiction Convention and will be in San Francisco either before Monday, August 13th or after Monday, August 20th, we'd be delighted to give you a tour of our location-to-be, which is still very much a work in progress.  Just email Alan, abeatts@borderlands-books.com, to set up a time.

* Speaking of WorldCon: if you're an author attending the con and we've somehow missed having your books at our booths, we'd be happy to carry them on consignment at the con.  We usually do a 60% / 40% split, with the author getting 60% of the cover price.  Authors pick up any unsold copies near the end of the con, and we send you a check for sold copies around 30 days after the event.  Just find the Borderlands booth at the convention and Jude should be able to assist you.

* A classic article on how the lack of an OB/GYN effectively lead to the crumbling of Star Wars' Old Empire. https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/53d4db/womens-healthcare-star-wars

* Author and Borderlands sponsor Seanan McGuire has written her first X-Men comic, and went back to her childhood comic shop to have the signing, as she vowed to do 30 years ago! https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/x-men-gold-annual-2-writer-seanan-mcguire-returns-to-her-hometown-comics-shop

* Not everyone has a book in them: https://theoutline.com/post/5541/unconventional-wisdom-you-should-not-write-a-book

* Julie Dillon is Kickstarting a collection of her gorgeous speculative art! https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/29/17627590/julie-dillon-science-fiction-fantasy-art-book-kickstarter

* Well, it turns out that sf/f readers make better relationship partners, which we think most of us already knew.  https://www.bustle.com/p/sci-fi-fantasy-readers-apparently-make-better-romantic-partners-according-to-a-new-study-9975483

* Krista Ball is curating a database of fantasy novels with LGBTQ+ representation, with the help of Reddit.  The latest update is here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Fantasy/comments/8y59dy/lgbtq_database_update_happening_now_details_in/

* "The Darkest Minds" is a highly-anticipated movie about children who develop abilities and a society that seeks to control and use them. Its dystopian themes seem even more relevant now.  http://ew.com/movies/2018/08/03/darkest-minds-jennifer-yuh-nelson-political-resistance-movements/

* There are certain months where studios dump films they don't expect to do well.  io9 has compiled a list of the coolest sf/f films that were dumped in the month of August.  Check it out here: https://io9.gizmodo.com/28-of-the-coolest-sci-fi-and-fantasy-movies-that-got-du-1828025659

* Speaking of sf/f films, why not check out this list of 51 forgotten films from the 90s?  You're sure to come across at least one movie you've never seen or heard about. http://www.denofgeek.com/us/movies/sci-fi/247782/51-forgotten-sci-fi-movies-from-the-1990s

"Heathers" is a great, dark film and the theories about it range from the believable to the utterly bizarre: https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/high-school-hell-how-heathers-predicted-everything-1.3583180

* WorldCon has completely redone their programming after many authors began to pull out in protest over a number of missteps. https://www.dailydot.com/parsec/worldcon-2018-diversity-nominees/

* A comic about intrigue and life at court that isn't about leverage but trust.  Check out the review for "Sleepless vol. 1" here. https://www.polygon.com/comics/2018/7/13/17568522/image-comics-sleepless-sarah-vaughn-leila-del-duca

* The first theatre dedicated solely to performing live plays of a fantasy or science fictional nature is opening in Chicago.  Road trip!  https://www.broadwayworld.com/chicago/article/Otherworld-Theatre-Opens-Worlds-First-Venue-Dedicated-To-Sci-Fi-And-Fantasy-Theatre-20180709

* Wired takes a look back at some of the best costumes they saw at Comic-Con this year: https://www.wired.com/story/cosplay-comic-con-2018/


* "Entertainment Weekly" made a list of 50 books they would love to see adaptations for, and a number of them are of interest to speculative fiction fans. http://ew.com/books/50-books-to-adapt/

* It looks like Legendary Pictures' upcoming adaptation of classic SF novel Dune will only cover the first half of the first book, so it looks like we're in for a two-parter! https://winteriscoming.net/2018/07/30/denis-villeneuves-dune-movie-will-cover-first-half-first-book/

* Sword and sorcery and revenge. . . yup, we're already there.  This review of the new series "The Outpost" makes it sound like fun brain candy and we're ready to sign up. http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-et-st-outpost-review-20180709-story.html#

* Amazon has picked show-runners for their horrendously expensive "Lord of the Rings" TV show and are trying to convince Peter Jackson to let them film on his sets in New Zealand. https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/29/17627056/amazon-lord-of-the-rings-middle-earth-jrr-tolkien-jd-payne-patrick-mckay-writers

* "Buffy" is being rebooted with a more diverse cast, but this article argues that marginalized people deserve their own mythologies, and taking a chance on a new voice is better than rebooting an old one -- which we can't help but agree with. https://www.refinery29.com/2018/07/205026/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-reboot-black-woman-lead

* Aside from 2017's "Okja", most of Netflix's original science fiction movies have not been well received, and if you were hoping "Tau" was going to be different . . . sorry.  This article goes into how "Tau" fails and what it has in common with their other releases.  https://www.wired.com/story/netflix-sci-fi-tau/

* "The Expanse", one of the best science fiction shows of recent years, was rescued from cancellation by Amazon and the show-runner talks about why it needed to be rescued, and why he would have opted to go straight to streaming in the first place if he had to do it all over again. https://www.criticalhit.net/entertainment/expanse-showrunner-talks-rescued-sci-fi-shows-move-amazon/

* Amazon has optioned another sf/f adaptation: however this one is not based on the written world, but the artwork of Simon Stalenhag.  https://www.bleedingcool.com/2018/07/17/tales-from-the-loop-series-amazon-studios/

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Award News
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* The Sidewise Awards which celebrate Alternate History have announced their short list of nominees, which include Gregory Benford, Nisi Shawl and Harry Turtledove.  Check out the full list here: http://file770.com/2017-sidewise-award-nominees/

* Check out the shortlist for the 2018 Sunburst Awards, celebrating Canadian fantastic literature: http://www.sunburstaward.org/2018-shortlist

* Congratulations to all of the World Fantasy Award Nominees!  For the full list of nominees including Peter S. Beagle, Ellen Klages, JY Yang and other great voices, go here: https://www.tor.com/2018/07/25/2018-world-fantasy-award-finalists/

* The 2018 Mythopoeic Award Winners have been announced, including Garth Nix and John Crowley.  The full list is on the Mythopoeic blog: https://mythsoc-rohan.blogspot.com/2018/07/2018-mythopoeic-award-winners-announced.html

* The Eisner Awards were held at San Diego Comic-Con, and congratulations to all the winners, but especially to Marjorie Liu & Sana Takeda's stunning "Monstress", which took home five awards!  Check out all the categories here: https://deadline.com/2018/07/eisner-awards-2018-winners-list-montress-my-favorite-thing-is-monsters-1202430916/

* The winner of the 2018 Arthur C. Clarke Award is Anne Charnock for DREAMS BEFORE THE START OF TIME.  Check out the comments from the panel here: https://www.clarkeaward.com/2018-winner/

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From The Office
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Assistant Editor's Note - Alan wrote about five entertaining paragraphs of an office piece before deciding it just wasn't going to happen this month.  Between construction on the new building and prep for WorldCon, we're moving as fast as we can just to make sure nothing gets _really_ neglected or messed up.  So, look for the return of the Office Piece next month, and thank you for your patience and understanding meanwhile! - Jude Feldman

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Best Sellers
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Borderlands Best-Selling Titles for July, 2018

Hardcovers
1) Competence by Gail Carrgier
2) Noir by Christopher Moore
3) Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
4) Summerland by Hannu Rajaniemi
5) Space Opera by Cat Valente
6) Starless by Jacqueline Carey
7) Artificial Condition by Martha Wells
8) Deep Roots by Ruthanna Emerys
9) Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
10) The Cabin at the End of the Woods by Paul Tremblay

Trade Paperbacks
1) Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu, trans by Ken Liu
2) The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
3) Revenant Gun by Yoon Ha Lee
4) All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders
5) Freeze-Frame Revolution by Peter Watts
6) Record of a Spaceborn Few by Becky Chambers
7) Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
8) Walkaway by Cory Doctorow
9) Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant
10) Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero

Mass Market Paperbacks
1) Who Fears Death? by Nnedi Okorafor
2) American Gods by Neil Gaiman
3) Old Man's War by John Scalzi
4) Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. LeGuin
5) Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
6) Marked by Bendict Jacka
7) Heroine Worship by Sarah Kuhn
8) Collapsing Empire by John Scalzi
9) Lock In by John Scalzi
10) Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

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Book Club Information
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The QSF&F Book Club will meet on Sunday, August 12th, at 5 pm to discuss SPACE OPERA by Cat Valente.  Please contact the group leader, Christopher Rodriguez, at cobalt555@earthlink.net, for more information.

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Club will meet on Sunday, August 19th, at 6 pm to discuss (Hugo nominee for Best Novel!) SIX WAKES by Mur Lafferty.  The book for September will be THE LATHE OF HEAVEN by Ursula K. LeGuin.  Please contact bookclub@borderlands-books.com for more information.

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Upcoming Event Details
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Writers With Drinks (at The Make Out Room, Make Out Room, 3225 22nd St, San Francisco) with authors Laura Antoniou, S.L. Huang, Jack Kaulfus, Hannah Pittard, Margaret Wilkerson Sexton, and Marlee Jane Ward, hosted by Charlie Jane Anders! Saturday, August 11th at 7:30 pm - Writers With Drinks is the most awesome spoken-word variety show in the world, hosted by Charlie Jane Anders, and we're always happy to participate!  The amazing lineup this month includes authors Laura Antoniou (The Killer Wore Leather), S.L. Huang (Zero Sum Game), Jack Kaulfus (Tomorrow or Forever), Hannah Pittard (Visible Empire), Margaret Wilkerson Sexton (A Kind of Freedom), and Marlee Jane Ward (Welcome to Orphancorp).  Cost: $5 to $20, no-one turned away for lack of funds.  All proceeds benefit local non-profits.  Doors open at 6:30 and Borderlands will be on hand to sell books.

Seanan McGuire, NIGHT AND SILENCE (DAW, Hardcover, $26.00) Saturday, September 8th at 5:00 pm - We think the release of a new October Daye adventure is always a great reason for a party, even if Toby wouldn't agree at all!  (October Date really, really hates parties, even when they're for her.  Particularly when they're for her.)  We can't tell you much about this volume because Spoilers!, so we're keeping this write up deliberately vague: suffice to say that things are looking very rough indeed for our varyingly-degrees-of-fae heroine, and her fragile self-made family is fraying badly.  Then things get a lot worse.  We certainly hope you'll come meet Seanan McGuire, who loves to torment her characters, and join us for revelry, raffles, and stories!  Visit Seanan's webpage to find out more about Toby's, and click here to read free short stories set in Toby's world: http://seananmcguire.com/tobyshorts.php

Rachel Fellman, THE BREATH OF THE SUN (Aqueduct Press, Trade Paperback, $19.00) Sunday, September 9th at 1:00 pm - We're thrilled to welcome up-and-coming author Rachel Fellman to the store!  Her new release is called THE BREATH OF THE SUN, and check out the amazing synopsis from the publisher: "Lamat Paed understands paradoxes.  She's a great mountain climber who's never summited, the author of a tell-all that didn't really tell anything.  For years she guided pilgrims up the foothills of the Sublime Mount, leading them as high as God would let them go.  And then she partnered the apostate Southern priest Mother Disaine on the most daring, most blasphemous expedition in history -- an attempt to reach the summit of the sacred mountain, the top of God's head.  Disaine returned in triumph, claiming to be the first person since the prophet to have summited and lived. But Lamat went into hiding.  Now, late in life and exiled from the mountain, Lamat finally tells her story to her partner, Otile.  It's the story of why she really wrote her first book all those years ago, how she came to be cast out from the mountain-dwelling Holoh people, and how she fled to the anonymity of the city to hide from her fame.  Most of all, it's the story of her bond with Mother Disaine -- the blasphemer, charlatan, and visionary who stole Lamat's life to serve her own purposes -- and what really happened on their last, greatest expedition."

Nick Mamatas, THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF EVERYTHING (Tachyon Publication, Trade Paperback, $15.95), with guests Meg Elison, Tim Pratt, and Jason Ridler, Sunday, September 9th at 3:00 pm - Join us and four fabulous local authors for an afternoon of short readings and conversation!  Nick Mamatas is the author of numerous novels and short stories.  His newest collection is THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF EVERYTHING, and it "features a decade's worth of crimes, fantasies, original fiction, and the author's preferred text of the acclaimed short novel UNDER MY ROOF".  Meg Elison is the author of the Philip K. Dick Award winner BOOK OF THE UNNAMED MIDWIFE, and most recently THE BOOK OF ETTA.  Tim Pratt has written just about everything, and his newest novel is a sweet and funny space adventure called THE WRONG STARS.  Jason Ridler has published numerous short stories, and now he's working on a fabulous occult detective series, The Brimstone Files; his newest novel is BLACK LOTUS KISS.  Don't miss this event -- it's sure to be great fun!

SANTA CRUZ NOIR (Akashic Books, Trade Paperback, $15.95) event with contributors Susie Bright, Jon Bailiff, Seana Graham, Vinnie Hansen, Dillon Kaiser, Liza Monroy, Micah Perks, & Jill Wolfson, Saturday, September 15th at 1:00 pm - From the publisher's website: "Following in the footsteps of LOS ANGELES NOIR. . . [and] SAN FRANCISCO NOIR, this new volume further reveals the seedy underbelly of the Left Coast."  What darkness lurks behind the sunshiney facade of paradise just a bit over an hour south of here?  Check out this volume of brand-new stories from acclaimed writers, many of whom are local -- we're delighted to welcome editor Susie Bright and the most contributors to one anthology that we've ever had appear here together!  Susie will be preparing a "script" of short excerpts for the authors to read, followed by a Q&A and signing.  Check out an interview with the editor here: http://www.kazu.org/post/short-fiction-stories-explore-santa-cruzs-seedier-side#stream/0

SF in SF (at The American Bookbinders' Museum, 355 Clementina) with authors Sheila Finch, David D. Levine, moderated by Terry Bisson, Sunday, September 16th at 6:30 pm - (Suggested donation $10.)  Doors and bar at 6:00 pm, event begins at 6:30 pm.  We're so happy to participate in the Science Fiction in San Francisco reading series!  The authors will read a selection from their work, followed by Q&A from the audience moderated by author Terry Bisson.  Authors will schmooze & sign books after.  Books available for sale courtesy of Borderlands Books.  Seating is limited, so first come, first seated.  Bar proceeds benefit the American Bookbinders Museum. Questions?  Email sfinsfevents@gmail.com.

This newsletter is distributed monthly free of charge and may be distributed without charge so long all the following information is included.

Dispatches from the Border
Editor - Na'amen Gobert Tilahun
Assistant Editor - Jude Feldman

All contents unless otherwise noted are the property of Borderlands Books, 866 Valencia St.
San Francisco CA 94110
415 824-8203
http://www.borderlands-books.com
Comments and suggestions should be directed to editor@borderlands-books.com

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