This week, we hang out with second-time guest, Laura VanArendonk Baugh (try saying that one three times fast!) We last visited with Laura in episodes 39 & 40 (which you can find here). Last time we spoke, we discussed her Japanese culture books. But this time, she takes us to a different culture altogether with The Songweaver's Vow, which is a retelling of Ares and Psyche, but in the Norwegian culture rather than Greek.

In this episode:

• • Laura's unique view on fiction
  • Laura's upcoming trilogy...that she may or may not be working on...an epic fantasy. (Angst porn!)
  • Laura's research in Denmark. Nine months of winter and mead!
  • Laura's take on Greek and Norse mythology.
  • Having a reader warning on her books.
  • On writing Loki.
  • Who would Laura go on a quest with?

Greek mythology is all about people having sex. Norse mythology is all about people on LSD. ~ Laura VAB

Links

Laura VanArendonk Baugh
The Songweaver's Vow

Details on our contest!

Our first ever contest!

Write a 1,000 or less fan fiction featuring Samwise Gamgee (Lord of the Rings fame) and River Song (Doctor Who with David Tennant, Matt Smith, and Peter Capaldi). PG-13 rating max. You can put them in whatever scenario or world you want and whatever other characters you want as long as you feature them.

Prizes:

E-book of The Songweaver's Vow.
E-book or Audible of Liberty Speidel's Omission.
E-book of Aaron DeMott's A New Threat.
An opportunity to come on the show and talk about whatever you want to talk about, plus read your winning short story.

Deadlines and contact:

E-mail your polished story in standard manuscript format (12-point Times New Roman, 1 inch margins, double-spaced) to LasersDragonsKeyboards@gmail.com no later than August 1, 2017. Winner will be announced on an upcoming episode of the show and selected by the hosts and Laura VanArendonk Baugh. Timeframe on when winner will be selected depends on number of entries. We will e-mail you back to confirm receipt of your story. Please put "Sam & River" in the subject line.

Our guest tonight is Amy Brock McNew, who apparently can't stay away. Our hosts, though, I'm not sure about. We apparently have two Liberties, and one Josh... I think...

Tonight's topic... Venison, and how delicious it is! ...uh, I mean, we're talking about Amy's second book, Reconciliation.

*** SPOILER WARNING***

You might not want to listen to this podcast (Episodes 22 & 23) if you haven't read the first book in the series. Go read, then come back and listen to this episode.

Go on... we'll wait...

Wow, it's a little mushy in here as we talk about putting yourself back in old situations, re-living old hurts and fears as we put our characters in similar situations... and the healing that can come with dealing with those emotions.

Enough of that, let's go hunt moose and squirrel!

In this episode:

• Differences in writing Rebirth versus Reconciliation
• The catharsis of writing
• Prayer & forgiveness
• Russian Ninja Barbie!
• Amy's passion for helping women get out of human trafficking.
• Fighting with your husband (as story research)
• Casting the Reluctant Warriors
• We are Groot!
• Reading our own books for pleasure
• Rebirth NOT on sale now
• Amy's combat demo videos!

For more links to books and organizations discussed, visit our website:

https://www.lasersdragonsandkeyboards.com/2017/05/23/amy-mcnew-take-two/