Last night, I had the great pleasure of attending a presentation by Scott Westerfeld and Robin Wasserman at Politics and Prose here in DC. They were there to talk about their new books (Leviathan and Crashed, respectively) but the way they did so brought the experience of the author visit to a whole new level. I was blown away by the amount of time and effort had gone into their slideshows and lectures — clearly, I’ve gotta up my game.
Scott’s lecture was about the history of illustration in novels, since his new book, LEVIATHAN, features 50 gorgeous illustrations of his unique and beautiful world.
He also talked about how a lot of the things in the book are not so outlandish as one might think — a topic which I hear myself relating all too often (ahem, bone-covered monasteries).
And then Robin’s presentation was about the history of robotics, and how did we get from a place where we thought robots were cute little toys to the place where we are daily frightened of the robot revolution.
And let me tell you why, I, personally, am afraid of the robot revolution. Scary fast robotic hands. Robots that jump 25-foot fences. We’re already creating the robots that will hunt us down and kill us the second SkyNet gets smart. ::shudder::
However, the thing I find so interesting about Robin’s series is that she goes, “Hey, let’s look at it from the robot’s POV.” And the thing that’s especially fascinating about SKINNED, the first book in the series, is that the main character, Lia, spends the whole time questioning whether she is really Lia Kahn, the dead girl whose brain has been “downloaded” into a cyborg body, or she’s just been programmed incredibly well to think she’s Lia Kahn. The question of identity is mind-blowingly complex.
(Ahem, insert rant here about how YA literature is some of the best and most interesting out there…)
So what I’ve got today is a SIGNED copy of CRASHED to give away to one lucky blog reader. And to enter the contest all you have to do is leave a comment here on one of hte following two topics:
- Are you afraid of the roboto revolution? If so, why? If not, why not, you foolish, foolish human?
- If I were to come and do an author visit where you are, what kind of slideshow/presentation would YOU like to see?
Have at it! Tell your friends!
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:24 am
It was fabulous, they were both fascinating. They convinced my friend to try YA and I came home and raved to my husband who now wants to read Leviathan, the airship got him
And I now think all books should have illustrations! You would have some brilliant ones in Rampant!
Totally terrified of Robots, Robin’s trailer gave me goosebumps.
You could do a great slideshow with all your Rome pictures and unicorns through history. I love seeing the inspiration for places in books and where ideas came from, like the walking motorbike thing.
Anyway I won’t enter (as I was there) I just wanted to comment
oh and it was nice to see you.
[Reply]
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:26 am
I’m not afraid of the robot revolution, because robots (unlike humans) can be easily reprogrammed.
[Reply]
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:28 am
#2 – a timeline look at how you went from initial idea for Unicorns to manuscript, revisions to acceptance for publication OR how you approach marketing and promoting your books (ideas, execution, level of effort, cost, who helps you, etc.).
Thank you for having this contest, and for your awesome books!
– Heidi
[Reply]
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:30 am
[...] Diana Peterfreund Blog | Westerfeld and Wasserman! http://www.dianapeterfreund.com/westerfeld-and-wasserman – view page – cached Last night, I had the great pleasure of attending a presentation by Scott Westerfeld and Robin Wasserman at Politics and Prose here in DC. They were there to — From the page [...]
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:39 am
1. I’ll admit it, I’m a bit afraid of the robot revolution. We rely on computers so much, and that’s just going to grow, so I have a fear of them becoming programmed to do Bad. Things. and also a fear of them all crashing when we have depended on them so much.
2. I would first just be extremely ecstatic if you would come to WI. But I would love to see pictures of the things that inspired different parts of your books, so I have a better idea of what things look like when I’m reading.
[Reply]
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:47 am
I’m not afraid of the robots . . . mostly because I don’t have room left in my brain to think of them. It’s too full of other things like zombies and vampires and evil faeries and fallen angels and demons and teenaged stepchildren yes, killer unicorns . . .
If you come to Portland I would love to see pictures of the tapestries and whatnot that you looked at while you were researching unicorns.
I saw Scott’s talk here in Portland and I loved the artwork for his book. I agree that novels should have pictures! How fun!!!!
[Reply]
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:33 am
I think for me the fear of the robotic industy is how replacable human beings become. Without a doubt humanity will continue to grow and thrive. What happens when they are replaced for work and no longer needed by robots. We’ve already seen how a society becomes lax with the innovation of technology. The question remains not what’s in store for robots, rather for humans.
As for book viewings and presetations…sadly I can’t do them. Not because I wouldn’t love to, rather because I’m deaf. The whole presentation would be lost on me. Mabe if you had a written pamphlet for your audience to follow along with it would be possible. Then again I’m a very small minority in a much bigger audience.
Thanks for this opportunity! Indigo
[Reply]
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:45 am
1. I think I’m only a little bit afraid of the robot revolution because I spent my college years majoring in Cognitive Science, where we spent hours discussing whether we could create a mind in a machine. What Indigo says is very true – I think people are really afraid of becoming dispensable, and robots represent that. What I’m really afraid of is how people desperately want to dominate technology. Robots themselves don’t scare me, it’s what we do with them that does scare me. If we do create a mind in a machine, will we immediately want to use and dominate it just because we are the creators? Why do we feel the need to do this? The scary part is the human reaction, not the machine itself (which is really just like another species to me).
I’d be really interested in seeing or understanding more about your POV problem in Rampant. I know you mentioned re-writing the entire book in a different POV – what was that like? Also, in terms of SSG, I’d be interested in seeing how you managed to plan for a four-book series, and how you paced yourself and let surprises like Poe (who was supposed to be a minor character, right?) happen without changing your entire plan.
But you’re not coming to Toronto any time soon, are you?
[Reply]
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:46 am
I’m not afraid of robots — unless it’s holding a syringe.
And what I would want to see in a slideshow/presentation would depend on whether you were doing it on the Rose & Grave books, or the Killer Unicorn books.
[Reply]
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:01 pm
If I were to go to an author signing I would love to see how they got their first book got published and the road to success afterward
[Reply]
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Hi Diana
Thanks for the great post.
I am so glad *squelches envy* you got to see Robin Wasserman & Scott Westerfeld.
I am not afraid of the robot revolution because I know it ends with humanity & robots (cylons) joining forces & inter-species-mating.
All the best,
RKCharron
xoxo
[Reply]
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:20 pm
I would love to see you lecture on your research methods. I am always surprised at how in-depth and well-researched books must be, even (and especially) those in the SF/F genres.
I would love to hear more about how much time you put into your research (compared to how much time you spend writing) and how important you think that is when you’re writing about a fictional world anyway!
I know you are frequently defending your killer unicorn premise, so I’d love to see a presentation putting all of that stuff into one comprehensive, fact-filled experience! I’m really interested in Art History, so I loved your blog post about the illustration you found of Alexander the Great and Bucephalus, and I’m intrigued by all the beautiful discriptions of the Roman scenery in Rampant.
[Reply]
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:21 pm
I most definitely am afraid of the robot revolution. Only a matter of hours ago a robot disguised as an “electrician” came into my house. He cut the power, set off the alarms and would not allow us to leave our rooms. And he’s coming back next week. If you’re not afraid of the revolution. YOU SHOULD BE. They disguise themselves as plumbers, electricians, painters etc. even some of those writers are robots…
[Reply]
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Totally scared of robot revolution! Damn books and media (film, TV, etc.) only make me more freaked out.
Let me add something to the YA rant: I was having lunch with some “adult” friends yesterday and one is into Twilight. Other friend says, isn’t that a YA novel? in tone that was clearly belittling. I’m like, so what? And he says it just seems that YA books would be edited down to a G/PG-ish rating, whereas adult books wouldn’t be. Meaning that YA is lesser in quality and content than Adult. (Wow, typing these labels seem so ridiculous!) I couldn’t believe my Twi-hard friend agreed with some of that!
[Reply]
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:28 pm
And let me just add, that if you happen to be in the San Francisco / South Bay Area, I would be so thrilled to hear your talk.
[Reply]
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:31 pm
I’d love to have a copy of CRASHED, but I’m a book reviewer so it wouldn’t be fair since I can get most books free anyway. If you want to send me a review copy, just email. Loved SKINNED! Can’t wait to read LEVIATHAN too.
[Reply]
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Kimber An, I’m afraid I only have the one copy for the giveaway. It’s not a “review copy” — a term which I confess I do not understand, though it’s become increasingly common! It’s my own that I bought with my money and had signed by Robin at the bookstore.
[Reply]
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:13 pm
1. I’m more afraid of nano-technology than I am of big robots. I think we are advanced enough to produce self-reproducing nano-bots that will turn everything in to grey goo.
2. If and when I get a chance to meet these authors, I would like to see a Turing test in progress as a side show. That or music composed entirely by machine (can they do that yet, or did I make that up?) I would like to not see a man made up as a bronze statue standing very still. What’s all that about?
[Reply]
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:26 pm
I’d love to see a presentation on the history of unicorns in mythology. It’d be great to hear it from you in person.
[Reply]
October 23rd, 2009 at 4:32 pm
I am afraid of the robot revolution, mostly because I fear we will create something without thinking of the consequences and end up in big trouble.
[Reply]
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:05 pm
I’ll answer the first question: Umm, yes. Yes I am. Eagle eye much? I sweet talk my computer now. Without shame. Can’t be to safe
[Reply]
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:31 pm
I went to one of Scott Westerfeld’s presentations and loved the slideshow he did as well. I think for yours we can totally see UNICORNS! It’s not something I know much about. On the other hand, if you’re promoting your Ivy League novels, I’d be interested in seeing photos of your college days, and how similar or different your experience was from Amy.
[Reply]
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Ah, the robot revolution. It haunts my dreams, distracts me from everyday tasks… well, no, not really. But it’s certainly a concerning topic. I’m in love with all things apocalyptic: I’ve rarely been as excited for a movie as I am for 2012. I remember a program on The History Channel (or maybe it was Discovery?) that listed the ten most likely ways the world will end. Robots becoming to dependent, too advanced for humans to deal with was high on the list. It’s the thing that has stuck with me for the past couple of years, even with more pressing issues like our rapidly disappearing ozone layer. It seems one of the more gruesome ways to die – being killed by something so many humans slaved to bring to life. We’re probably still far from that future, but even if I’m eighty I don’t want a robot blasting me because it doesn’t need me to take care of it anymore.
[Reply]
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:37 pm
#2 : If you were to come and do an author signing where I am (Australia) I would love to hear a talk on writing strong female characters, on your road to publication, and a bit about your Aussie adventure
[Reply]
October 23rd, 2009 at 6:57 pm
I actually haven’t given the robot revolution much thought up to now. I almost think it is inevitable that robots will become a part of our world at some point. It always seemed like such a far away thing out of science fiction, but not anymore. Its all a little creepy! But the books sounds really really cool!
Enter me to win please!
[Reply]
October 23rd, 2009 at 9:29 pm
I love that series! Skinned was great!
1. I’m a bit scared I guess of robots taking over the world. But I think I would be the one leading the revolution, as I control all of the cyborg robot squirrels, (thats a reference there)
2. I’d love for you to do an author slide show in MN, no one ever comes here, its so sad. I’d like to see a slide show about the history of killer unicorns. No one believes me when I tell them Unicorns are in the bible thrice…hmmph.
[Reply]
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:03 pm
If you were to come and do a presentation in my area, I’d like to hear a presentation about different myths relating to unicorns and then hear about your version of unicorns.
Also, the robot revolution is a bit scary. There is a now a robot that can sense happiness. I watch a YouTube show, the Philip DeFranco Show, and Phil said in one episode that robots being able to sense happiness is only going to lead to them being able to sense fear… and they get us all!
Sara from The Hiding Spot
[Reply]
October 24th, 2009 at 12:20 am
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by AlexaBarry: RT @dpeterfreund: Enter the @robinwasserman CRASHED Giveaway on my blog: http://bit.ly/2QUDVB This book sounds great, go enter!…
October 24th, 2009 at 1:54 am
#1 – Robots are SCARY! The robot revolution is… Well, I don’t even want to be alive during that war…
I haven’t even seen that new movie “Surrogates” yet, but it’s creepy to think that one day we could wake up and be surrounded by what we think are people but they are really robots. And then on the drop of a dime, they can turn around on us and just kill us all.
And I was reading other posts… and Travis says “I’m not afraid of the robot revolution, because robots (unlike humans) can be easily reprogrammed.”… But… How… Do… You… Get… Them… To… Stop…? I mean, if they are going around massacring people… Who’s is going to be able to get close enough to reprogram… The robots will just ‘TERMINATE’ anyone who tries to stop them…
I dunno…
And #2 – I know that writers get this glazed over expression when they are asked stuff like, “What was your inspiration?” or “What writing process did you use for this book?” But most people are interested on how stuff like that. I would definitely use that in your slide show… and include a LOT of pictures… even the adults still love a slide show with lots of pictures.
[Reply]
October 24th, 2009 at 3:10 am
1) HELL YES I am afraid of robots. They rate right up there with zombies for me. I had chills racing up my spine when I saw the direction Xbox is going (there’s a program for the new consol in which a boy is on the screen and he reacts to you as a human would. *Shudders*).
2) I’d like to hear more about the history of unicorns and how you used them to create the world in Rampant. The few blog posts that you did were really intriguing and I’d definitely like to know more.
[Reply]
October 24th, 2009 at 6:59 am
I am definitely scared of the robot revolution. They are stronger and faster…I wouldn’t stand a chance.
[Reply]
October 24th, 2009 at 10:51 am
The Westerfeld roadshow hits Montreal soon and I can’t wait!
The robot revolution has already taken hold in my house. Everything is wired and controlled. The lights are supposed to ‘learn’ our patterns, but I am considered an anomaly so the lights are constantly going out while I am cooking, showering, or otherwise needing light. I have plugged in a few rogues, but as soon as they are discovered they get assimilated into the X10 hive.
In author presentations I like to hear about what went wrong and how you fixed it. I HATE hearing authors say the story just came to them and they channeled the muse. grrr
[Reply]
October 24th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
The robotic revolution is scary not because they are smarter than we are, it’s because we let ourselves go soft. How many people can do math without a calculator? How many people know their friends’ phone numbers (or are they just stored on a cell phone)? Technology does so much for us that we sometimes lose the skills we once had to have.
[Reply]
October 27th, 2009 at 11:30 am
1. I have been afraid of robots since reading ‘I, Robot’ when I was 14. And if that book doesn’t convince you, watch the Terminator movies! Scary!
2. You could always come to Arizona! It’s really nice right now but I warn you to avoid the summer. HOT! I love when authors do Q/A panels. I also like when they do readings from their books.
[Reply]