Prime Time Replay:
S.P. Somtow
on his novel Darker Angels
MsgId: *omni_visions(21)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:01:07 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
Good evening, everyone, and welcome to tonight's OmniVisions with our special guest, S.P. Somtow. I'll be having a bit of conversation with Somtow for the first hour; then producer Ellen will open up the chat to all who care to participate. So be preparing some stumper questions for tonight's extraordinary guest!
MsgId: *omni_visions(22)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:02:15 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
I am already feeling stumped! All right, Ed . . . tonight I am fair game. What are the soul-searching questions of the day?
MsgId: *omni_visions(25)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:04:16 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
S.P. Somtow's been publishing books in the sf and fantasy fields since the early '70s, starting with "STARSHIP & HAIKU." As well as his novels, readers have taken note of his marvelous short stories, mostly recently collected in "THE PAVILION OF FROZEN WOMEN." Some of his best-known works include the Timmy Valentine series, the latest volume of which is "VANITAS," a continuation of his examination of vampirism.
MsgId: *omni_visions(26)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:06:08 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
Well, the late 70s really . . . my first pro pub was 79.
MsgId: *omni_visions(27)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:06:35 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
Also note the epic historical western lycanthropic novel, "MOONDANCE." Somtow's a gifted composer who most recently premiered his royal-command ballet KALKI in Bangkok. He has directed two feature films, "THE LAUGHING DEAD" and "ILL MET BY MOONLIGHT." His newest books are a young adult novel, "THE VAMPIRE'S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER" (Atheneum), and "THE DARKER ANGELS" (Gollancz and Tor). Welcome, Somtow!
MsgId: *omni_visions(28)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:06:37 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
"STARSHIP AND HAIKU" was '81 . . . I ain't that old, to paraphrase chief Dan George, my hero. What a boffo intro, Ed, I am stumped!Ed is too modest to point out that he starred in both my films. The ballet is KAKI -- KALKI was by Gore Vidal, though oddly enough that book is dedicated to Kukrit Pramoj, ex prime minister of Thailand and plagiarizer or John Wyndham.
MsgId: *omni_visions(32)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:10:05 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
Okay, okay, so I'm subject to typos. Let's start with "THE DARKER ANGELS." I just read British critic Simon Clark's review in SFX, in which he said the novel is a "fascinating, awe-inspirting book, and certainly the best I've read this year." That's heady stuff. I've read the novel too and my opinions are pretty positive too, but let me ask you -- do you consider this a horror novel? Or a historical work? A dark fantasy? A Civil War novel? E.L. Doctorow meets Stephen King? How would you describe it?Oops, sorry. Strike the definite article from "DARKER ANGELS". My fault.
MsgId: *omni_visions(34)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:13:00 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
Well, Ed, if we must play the X meets Y game, I would say, "OLDEST LIVING CONFEDERATE WIDOW" TELLS ALL" meets "NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD." It has a similar structure to Alan Gurganus, with the layered stories (his are consecutive, mine inside one another) . . . the actual analog is "THE ARABIAN NIGHTS," tho as far as narrative structure, but no: NOT a horror novel really.I take that back. If you take horror in a line from Henry James and Hawthorne, then I'd say the book could be considered horror, but it's not horror a la King, really . . . it doesn't have scared people running away from things.
Simon Clark really liked the book didn't he? "Best I've read all year" is the Holy Grail in book reviews . . . I've never received it before from anyone. Remind me to pay him off!
MsgId: *omni_visions(39)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:17:59 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
Considering the setting, it'll be interesting to see if the book stays in perpetual sale at gift shops at all the Civil War battlefields. The beginning, in which the widowed Paula Grainger visits the body of the recently murdered Lincoln lying in state, and then meets Walt Whitman, is a stunner. I was intrigued by the structure you quickly establish, with a succession of distinctive character voices telling the story. Did you have to research this aspect, particularly the white Southerners and the black characters?
MsgId: *omni_visions(40)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:23:10 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
I did study 19th century Black English as a foriegn language, and I also taught myself Haitian creole which has a very similar structure, except with French vocab. Now Thailand is south of Mason-Dixon, but I don't consider that a prequalification. However, I lived in Virginia for 7 years.I am used to doing a lot of research on my historcial novels. In fact in the excerpt thats on OMNI's page right now, you'll note certain recipes that are from a wartime booklet circulated for Southern housewives to deal with ingredient shortages. But much of the research I did on "MOON DANCE" proved useful here, since it is only 20 years earlier . . . had to be VERY careful about that though. Women's fashions were totally different in the 1860s from the 1880s.
MsgId: *omni_visions(44)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:26:58 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
As a writer born and reared in Thailand, educated in Europe, and now settled in southern California, you seem to be at ease in any number of cultural environments. Do you have a particular interest in historical (or contemporary, for that matter) Americana? I'm thinking not just of "DARKER ANGELS," but of other examples such as "MOONDANCE."
MsgId: *omni_visions(46)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:29:19 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
Yes, Ed, I love 19th century America. It has a lot in common with 20th century Southeast Asia . . . unbridled opportunity and opportunism, sexual prudery comingled with incredible sexual aberration. In fact, I love many things about America than most Americans might decry . . . the tackiness . . . the brashness . . . as well as the things Americans are proud of.
MsgId: *omni_visions(48)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:33:08 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
In this increasingly conservative U.S. cultural climate of the late '90s, do you foresee getting any static for your temerity, for "cultural appropriation"?
MsgId: *omni_visions(49)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:35:11 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
Yes. Already got some heat for "JASMINE NIGHTS." Why? Because it is a society of rich, privileged Asians, and the American characters are not great white father types but shown as comparatively underprivileged and declasse . . . and how dare a little yellow boy have anything to say about American civil rights?But you know, I haven't REALLY had much heat from mainstream America for daring to write about middle class white people . . . and I have had to study them just as much as I had to study the idiom and societal structures of native Americans or 19th century slave cultures.
MsgId: *omni_visions(51)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:38:11 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
How is your work received in Thailand?
MsgId: *omni_visions(52)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:38:37 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
brb running to kitchen to get coffee
MsgId: *omni_visions(53)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:40:33 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
Ah, during the coffee break, then, let me remind you that in another quarter hour or so, we'll be opening the chat up so any or all of you out there can ask questions of Somtow. Prepare.Also a reminder that in one week on OmniVisions, Jim Freund will be talking with Patrick O'Leary, author of "DOOR NUMBER THREE" and the brand new "THE GIFT." I won't be here in 2 weeks because of . . . Thanksgiving.
MsgId: *omni_visions(54)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:41:51 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
Interesting question, Ed. I'm a big celebrity there, do all the talk shows, am a notorious gadfly . . . but not much of work has been read. All of it that's available was translated by my mother -- BRILLIANTLY "ported over" to an extremely alien linguistic matrix -- maybe 3 books, a dozen stories.I love being the sort of Howard Stern of Thailand, but . . . it's hard to have a deep discussion of my work there without more of it being available
MsgId: *omni_visions(57)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:44:38 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
I'm curious about that very early work in Bangkok of yours that inspired Shirley MacLaine. Has that ever been reprinted in one of your own books?
MsgId: *omni_visions(58)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:45:20 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
yes . . . wild questions please! aha! I was only 11 then so . . . yes, I was forced to reprint it in "FIRE FROM THE WINEDARK SEA," my RARE first collection. Do you know that Maclaine's book has never gone out of print and that my poem has been seen by more people tan have read all my other books put together?
MsgId: *omni_visions(60)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:49:16 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
True what I remember . . . that MacLaine thought your poem was the work of some old and revered Thai classic author?
MsgId: *omni_visions(61)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:50:11 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
"I am not a man" was a line from this poem. Natural thing for a kid to say, but viewable, from a non gender specific ancient sage context, as a highly feminist remark. The $500 I got in 1970 was the highest word rate I ever received in my life.
MsgId: *omni_visions(62)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:51:31 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
Your other brand-new novel, "THE VAMPIRE'S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER" . . . How would you describe it?
MsgId: *omni_visions(64)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:52:33 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
You want an X meets Y description? How about the dark side of Buffy?
MsgId: *omni_visions(66)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:53:52 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
Nah -- I'm not a producer you're pitching to. More of a reader-friendly description. Tho the dark side of Buffy is something that will draw ME to pick the story up!
MsgId: *omni_visions(68)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:55:09 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
It's a kid's book . . . just selected by the Junior Library Guild, so it is even now corrupting the young of America. A half-Lakota, half-Jewish boy is having an identity crisis, but meets a half-human, half-vampire girl at Claudette Colbert High School in Encino (the setting for all my kids books). They then have to learn the old WHO THEY ARE thing. It's pretty touching I think.Oddly enough, THE DARK SIDE OF BUFFY is how director Mary Lambert describes "VAMPIRE JUNCTION," and we're in the process of "taking meetings" even now on it . . . its been on and off for seven years, but THIS time I have high hopes
MsgId: *omni_visions(70)
Date: Thu Nov 13 22:57:09 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
This is not your first YA book -- you've got a good track record. Any more on tap? Any any more adult historical off-trail novels planned?
MsgId: *omni_visions(72)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:00:09 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
Thats about 20 Qs all at once really. Yes, I have an endless supply of YA novels up my sleeve . . . if this one proves popular. (I've written 4; 3 have won some kind of award or received some honor). As for off beat historical novels . . . boy, do I have one for you! I am doing a book called "MOTHER OF GOD: THE MEMOIRS OF MIRIAM OF NAZARETH." In fact, if you want to throw this open to the floor, I believe that the Very Rev. Worley is itching to say something about this book . . . as one of the few to have read the first 111 pages.
MsgId: *omni_visions(74)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:01:39 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
Hmm. Is that going to raise as much . . . er . . . holy heck as I might guess it could?
MsgId: *omni_visions(75)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:02:01 PST 1997
From: guest At: 138.86.14.107
Hello, I'm Lloyd Worley, Prof. of English at Univ. of No. Co. I find that Somtow is one of the best . . . if not the best . . . stylist writing fantasy fiction today. What is a major influence on that style?
MsgId: *omni_visions(77)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:04:19 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
Rev. Worley, my influences are very eclectic. But I would say that on the whole I've skipped the 19th century . . . and seem to hark back directly to the 18th and earlier. As an English professor, do you see that? I'd say that my work is sort of influenced by Thomas Browne as disciplined by Jane Austen.
MsgId: *omni_visions(79)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:06:02 PST 1997
From: guest At: 138.86.14.107
The Mother Mary novel in progress is a stunner in many ways. There will be some Christians who will be shocked . . . yet, Somtow has brought a fine tune to his characters . . . who are both natural and INTERESTING! Both Mary and Paul are fascinating.Yes, what I see is the 18th c. understanding of English as a kind of symphony of sound. No short sentences, but no confusing sentences, either. Lovecraft was successful at it, but he didn't have your ear.
MsgId: *omni_visions(81)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:08:04 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
But it is very subversive . . . it explains the pagan roots of Christianity very explicitly.
MsgId: *omni_visions(82)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:08:47 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
Perhaps there's something to the observation that Somtow's music informs his writing. And he IS an accomplished composer and performer.
MsgId: *omni_visions(83)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:09:13 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
I appreciate your comments about my ear; I HEAR everything I write . . . my first career was in music.aha! we both thought of that
MsgId: *omni_visions(85)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:10:16 PST 1997
From: guest At: 138.86.14.107
Yes, the "pagan roots" thing will terrify some people. Yet, even St. Augustine recognized the value in pre-Christian ideas, ritual, and practice. Thus, only the ignorant (as usual) will be angry and unhappy.
MsgId: *omni_visions(86)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:10:34 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
I've bene sneaking back into music . . . in fact, you should all run out and buy my CD KAKI from Tower Records
MsgId: *omni_visions(87)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:11:40 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
A good recent example would be the score for KAKI which is, I believe, available on CD. Where can people find it?
MsgId: *omni_visions(88)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:11:45 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
Well said about the pagan roots. As always, those who haven't imbibed at the Pierian Spring will be more furious than those who have (if you'll excuse the Popish reference)Tower Records or: www.imaginaryrecords.com
MsgId: *omni_visions(90)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:12:33 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
Ah, parallel minds. Is there any of your other music available? Well, on the videos of your films, true?
MsgId: *omni_visions(91)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:12:39 PST 1997
From: guest At: 138.86.14.107
I think it's the music background that really informs Somtow's writing. The KAKI CD makes for interesting background while reading VANITAS . . . even though it's not written for it.
MsgId: *omni_visions(93)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:14:09 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
And for a detailed exegesis of the MARY book, I invite the readers to check out this interview at the following website: http://members.aol.com/tarotforum/feature.htmlActually, how to get hold of almost everything I've done that is available is told in the MALLWORLD section of my web page http://www.primenet.com/~somtow/somall.html
MsgId: *omni_visions(96)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:16:05 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
Is the MARY book still in progress? And has the publishing world started to either express interest or recoil in shock?
MsgId: *omni_visions(97)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:16:36 PST 1997
From: guest At: 138.86.14.107
But for Somtow, it isn't only the music, it's his background in the humanities that also informs his writing. The Mary novel is interesting in that respect: first, it presents ancient Middle East people . . . who speak in modern English . . . yet this is not noticed by the reader. There's a feat! Not accidental, either, since Somtow is perfectly capable of controlling the speech of his characters.
MsgId: *omni_visions(98)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:17:04 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
While i'm plugging, get the SP SOMTOW NEWSLETTER in the mail! Just write to THE VALENTINE SOCIETY, 6440 Bellingham #192, North Hollywood CA 91606, or valentymes@aol.comThe Mary book has just been submitted to people. Got a great rejection letter from Doubleday! Too controversial for them to publish! hohoho, that letter is a framer.
When the Rev Worley debates the Rev Falwell on Larry King, the sparks shall fly!
MsgId: *omni_visions(101)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:19:15 PST 1997
From: guest At: 138.86.14.107
Back to "DARKER ANGELS." I first heard Somtow read the first chapter to this book at a con in Ft. Collins, Colorado. The audience sat utterly silent as he read . . . then insisted that he continue on to the second chapter! Again, what the listeners were hearing was first-rate writing and pure language control.
MsgId: *omni_visions(102)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:20:12 PST 1997
From: guest At: 207.152.4.112
Actually, the complete URL for Imaginary Records is www.imaginaryrecords.com/~townsend. It's a lovely text-only document; if a few folks order the "Kaki" CD (or Somtow's other Imaginary release, "Hexaphony," I can buy a scanner and zip it up! Lloyd Townsend, Prop., Imaginary Records
MsgId: *omni_visions(103)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:21:23 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
Interestingly, the Pope is now considering deifying the Blessed Virgin. In the year 2000 perhaps. This will change the very roots of Christianity, the gulf between catholics and protestants will be permanent, if it happens
MsgId: *omni_visions(104)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:21:38 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
"Hexaphony"? Hadn't heard of that before. What is it?
MsgId: *omni_visions(105)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:22:54 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
Thank you Lloyd. Whoops! Everyone on here is named Lloyd, right? Yes, please order the CD from the very courageous Lloyd Townsend . . . he is a Card"HEXAMPHONY" was an improvisatory piece, sort of fusion meets post-serialism. 1977 vintage. It was world music before World Music ever existed as a category.<
MsgId: *omni_visions(106)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:23:48 PST 1997
From: guest At: 138.86.14.107
The Virgin Mary has been considered an embodiment of the Holy Ghost for quite a while, now, so a formal statement regarding this will not be amiss, either among the Latin Catholics or the Eastern Orthodox . . .who have a saying: "He who rejects the Mother will eventually reject the Son."
MsgId: *omni_visions(108)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:24:12 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
Somtow, recently a new edition of Ray Garton's "LIVE GIRLS" included a CD sound track composed specifically for the novel. Have you considered doing that sort of specific accompaniment for any of your books? Out in the mainstream, Judy Collins did it for her first novel. Maybe . . . maybe for MARY?
MsgId: *omni_visions(109)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:25:19 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
What a splendid idea, Ed! I think I may do it. Please note that my music publisher is present here, so it is a good moment to plan new CDs
MsgId: *omni_visions(111)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:27:06 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
You might say it'd be going for the full monty . . . Have you looked ahead of the MARY book? How many projects ahead do you plan and work? One at a time? More more of a carrousel of projects?
MsgId: *omni_visions(112)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:27:08 PST 1997
From: guest At: 138.86.14.107
What an idea! Music to read the Valentine series by . . . this you must do! Ed's right on target.
MsgId: *omni_visions(113)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:28:14 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
I am planning a third historical "horror" novel . . . "HANGMAN'S HOLLER." It is a novel in the CARNIVAL mode (like "Blind Voices" or "Something Wicked" or "Lao"). Set in 1899/1900 . . . a miillennia book . . . about TWO carnivals competing for the soul of a small Kentucky town . . . with characters from the "VJ" series, "Moon Dance," AND "Darker Angeles" in cameo. All dark fantasists have a carnival book inside them. "The dreaming jewels" . . . GOD what a brilliant book
MsgId: *omni_visions(117)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:33:18 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
Yep. I'd certainly add William Lindsay Gresham's "NIGHTMARE ALLEY" to that list of cool dark carney books. How about film? Have you any plans for returning to feature film or TV?
MsgId: *omni_visions(118)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:33:19 PST 1997
From: guest At: 138.86.14.107
That's because carnivals aren't really fun . . . they're scary, creepy, and flavored with a touch of evil.
MsgId: *omni_visions(119)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:33:28 PST 1997
From: guest At: 166.70.7.68
From: Tyler Johnson What a great storyline! Any idea on a date of completion?
MsgId: *omni_visions(120)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:33:39 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
Of 20th cent writers, STURGEON is my biggest influence.Not sure tyler . . . btw thanks for your email . . . I love getting praise in my email box from people I don't know, makes it all worth while. Late 1998 probably.
As for film . . . well, I have been kinda burned lately, but the "VAMPIRE JUNCTION" project actually looks promising. As for my own films, gotta wait for more money. If I can repay the investors on "ILL MET," I can make another film for sure
MsgId: *omni_visions(123)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:37:51 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
Your literary influences are eclectic. How about musical? And filmic?
MsgId: *omni_visions(125)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:39:48 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
You have found my secret, Ed. I am the ultimate magpie. The KAKI score: What if Prokofiev had spent a weekend on Bali? Is how I saw it . . . as for my films . . . there's a kind of Italian sensibility to them maybe . . . Fellini meets Tobe Hooper
MsgId: *omni_visions(127)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:41:59 PST 1997
From: guest At: 207.152.4.112
Is "Mallworld" OP, or between printings? Do you plan to eventually revisit that universe, or produce any other "hard" SF?
MsgId: *omni_visions(128)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:42:21 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
Or another way of putting it -- what have you listened to lately, or watched on screen, and genuinely enjoyed?
MsgId: *omni_visions(130)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:44:20 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
MALLWORLD! Well, I wrote a new MALLWORLD story for "THE ULTIMATE ALIEN" . . . as for SF, I have been feeling a little SF-ish lately, as far as doing short fiction in a near future . . . I've done 2 stories like that in the last 3 weeks . . . not sold them yet. Oh! I almost forgot! Stephe Pagel wants to do a "complete" Mallworld limited edition from his small press . . . we have been talking about that . . . if that comes through I will definitely do a few new MALLWORLD stories . . . I have offered to do a novel-length sequel, but no one seems to want it . . . yet
MsgId: *omni_visions(135)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:49:11 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
Dead silence greets this revelation
MsgId: *omni_visions(133)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:48:31 PST 1997
From: guest At: 207.152.4.112
That was me asking about "Mallworld." When the complete edition comes out, tell Stephen I'll trade him a couple of Somtow CDs for a copy! Lloyd Townsend
MsgId: *omni_visions(136)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:51:03 PST 1997
From: guest At: 138.86.14.107
Llloyd Worley: No silence from me . . . I eagerly await a complete edition of MALLWORLD stories . . . esp. from a small press.
MsgId: *omni_visions(134)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:49:02 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
We've got another 10 minutes or so, so there's still plenty of time to proffer questions. Don't forget to sign them, please. Somtow, this is an incredibly standard question, perhaps, but not one I've ever heard you address. New and/or young aspiring writers tune in to OmniVisions. What advice would you pass along to these people?
MsgId: *omni_visions(137)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:51:31 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
My advice to young writers is this: DO NOT BE AFRAID. That is what I have learned over the last 20 years. Say absolutely what you mean and really say it. No matter how much you want to skirt the issue. Being fearless is my secret . . . such as it is . . . I always go all the way . . .
MsgId: *omni_visions(138)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:51:56 PST 1997
From: guest At: 138.86.14.107
from Lloyd Worley: To clarify . . . the small press usually does a fine job of printing and binding . . . .
MsgId: *omni_visions(139)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:52:58 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
I never cheat my readers by teasing them and not delivering.
MsgId: *omni_visions(140)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:53:31 PST 1997
From: guest At: 138.86.14.107
from Lloyd Worley: True . . . Somtow always follows through completely, as my students in Gothic Lit class discover when they read the Valentine series!
MsgId: *omni_visions(141)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:53:42 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
Yes Rev Worley, it would be a lovely bookYes Lloyd that's why some find it hard to stomach my books . . . but they are honest.
MsgId: *omni_visions(142)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:53:59 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
So where would you like to see yourself in another 20 years or so?
MsgId: *omni_visions(144)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:55:02 PST 1997
From: guest At: 207.152.4.112
New writers should also read autobiographies of the giants of SF and horror (or whatever genre they intend to produce). I'm reading Isaac Asimov's, and it's interesting to hear him tell how he quaked in his boots (so to speak) when he was first starting to submit stories and meeting the giants of his day for the first time . . . Lloyd Townsend
MsgId: *omni_visions(145)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:55:33 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
Yikes, Ed, I'll probably be dead in 20!
MsgId: *omni_visions(146)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:56:50 PST 1997
From: guest At: 138.86.14.107
Nonsense! Somtow has a long and productive life ahead of him! For those of us who love beautifully written dark fantasy, be grateful!
MsgId: *omni_visions(147)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:57:10 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
but i'll tell you what i'd like . . . the Nobel Prize in literature. I mean, it is so damn political. At some stage, Thailand will have to have its turn, and then I'll be the only candidate.
MsgId: *omni_visions(148)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:57:16 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
Nope, Somtow, you still have too many complacent readers and editors to stir up. You'll be around in 20.
MsgId: *omni_visions(149)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:57:28 PST 1997
From: TylerJohnson At: 166.70.7.68
There is nothing more refreshing than an straight forward author who is not afraid to tell it like it is!
MsgId: *omni_visions(150)
Date: Thu Nov 13 23:58:01 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
hows that for ambition? Thanks a lot Tyler!Lloyd" boy you are right, I damn near beshat myself when I ,met Sturgeon, my boyhood idol. Then he became a dear friend
MsgId: *omni_visions(154)
Date: Fri Nov 14 00:01:16 PST 1997
From: Ed_Bryant_mod At: 204.133.96.1
It's a brash and -- well, American sort of ambition. Just as you described much earlier . . . Somtow, thanks so very much for appearing on OmniVisions tonight. And to the rest of you, check out "THE VAMPIRE'S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER" from Atheneum, and "DARKER ANGELS" right now from Gollancz, and in Feb. from Tor. If you joined us late, scroll back to get web and e-mail locations to order Somtow's CDs, and to find his web site and fan club page. And thanks to producer Ellen, to questioners Tyler and the Lloyds, and to all the rest of you. Again, check in next week for Jim Freund's talk with Patrick O'Leary. Good night, and all of you have great holidays!
MsgId: *omni_visions(155)
Date: Fri Nov 14 00:01:50 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
That is the wonderful thing about our field, it is the only one where it is still possible to befriend one's idols.Thanks to all, and good night!
MsgId: *omni_visions(158)
Date: Fri Nov 14 00:03:04 PST 1997
From: EllenDatlow At: 38.26.14.138
Thanks Ed, Somtow, and everyone who came to watch and ask questions. I won't be in town to sys-op next week. Rob Killheffer will do so. I'm off to Spain.
MsgId: *omni_visions(159)
Date: Fri Nov 14 00:03:23 PST 1997
From: SPSomtow At: 207.218.34.20
This has been a vigorous 2 hours! Have a great time, Ellen!
MsgId: *omni_visions(161)
Date: Fri Nov 14 00:05:53 PST 1997
From: EllenDatlow At: 38.26.14.138
Thanks. And a happy Thanksgiving to everyone. No show that night.
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