Philip K. Dick – FULL CONTACT NERD

Science fiction novel – “Providence” (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2020) – Max Barry interview

Check the book out here https://amzn.to/2xHNTCx

Max Barry has authored six novels including science fiction. He also developed the popular nation simulation game NationStates. He’s recently published a new science fiction novel Providence and we spoke about the book, his inspirations, and the craft of writing.

0:42 – Max talks about why he chose to write Providence.

5:46 – Max talks about how he constructed the world in the novel. He also talks about the science behind the novel.

10:23 – Max goes into more detail about the alien force in the book and the conflict.

12:36 – Max talks about the works that inspire his writing and process.

17:25 – Max talks about how he completed the work process-wise.

22:34 – Max talks about having been a programmer before writing. He’s also created a popular online game called Nation States. Providence also has an associated game at providence.training.

25:48 – Max talks about the editing of the book.

28:25 – Max talks about the musical aesthetic of the book.

32:43 – Max talks about his love of a game called Elite on the Commodore 64.

34:23 – Max talks about his latest writing project.

37:37 – Max talks about what he focuses on in his writing. He talks about the use of satire in writing.

41:08 – Max can be found at maxbarry.com.

Links of interest

https://amzn.to/2xHNTCx

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/612940/providence-by-max-barry/

https://maxbarry.com/

https://providence.training/

https://www.nationstates.net/

For more “Full Contact Nerd” please follow me at crisalvarez.com, on Facebook at CrisAlvarezFCN, on youtube at Cris Alvarez on twitter @CrisAlvarezFCN, on Instagram @crisalvarezscifi, and on Apple / Stitcher / Spotify for the podcast

Guests: Max Barry

Host: Cris Alvarez

Tags: science fiction, conflict, future, spaceship, advanced technology, larry niven, philip k. dick, old school sci-fi, alien, first contact, genome, star wars, programmer, artificial intelligence, Jennifer Government, nation states game, Daft Punk, orchestral dubstep, electronica, Commodore 64, Elite

Check the book out here https://amzn.to/2xHNTCx

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Italian science fiction studies book – “Italian Science Fiction: The Other in Literature and Film” (Palgrave Macmillan, 2019) – Simone Brioni interview

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Check the book out here https://amzn.to/2yda3MY

Dr. Simone Brioni is a professor of Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature. He’s written and taught on the subject of migration and Italian colonialism. He recently co-authored a book with Daniele Comberiati about Italian science fiction and how those works reflect and comment on Italian culture.

0:43 – Simone talks about how he got into writing on science fiction and on Italian science fiction. He saw science fiction not as predictive but rather a reflection of reality.

2:49 – Simone talks about how the book is laid out chronologically.

4:42 – We discuss the theme of travel in Italian science fiction. Simone talks extensively on I Am Legend and the themes of fascism in the story.

12:38 – Simone talks about fascism’s fascination for the future and science fiction.

14:37 – Simone talks about the major periods of Italian science fiction.

18:07 – We talk about monsters in Italian science fiction.

21:07 – Simone talks about Itlaian science fiction that embraces liberal ideas.

23:51 – We discuss science fiction productions that were done in Italy.

28:11 – Simone talks about Italian tv and film sci-fi production.

32:18 – Simone talks about how he did his research on Italian sci-fi and the books he found.

35:44 – Simone talks about how he found Italian sci-fi shows and movies.

37:53 – Simone talks about how such major social themes are discussed in Italian science fiction. He also talks about how the Romani have a major part in Italian science fiction. He also touches on translation issues.

43:00 – Simone talks about time machines and robots in Italian sci-fi.

44:54 – Simone hopes to influence English speakers in understanding the importane of Italian science fiction in global science fiction.

47:00 – Simone talks about why Italian sci-fi didn’t become familiar to English speakers.

51:08 – Simone can be found on twitter @SimoneBrioni and has a webpage at Stonybrook University.

Links of interest

https://amzn.to/2yda3MY

https://www.palgrave.com/gp/book/9783030193256

https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/cscl/people/simone%20brioni.html

https://twitter.com/simonebrioni

Guests: Simone Brioni

Host: Cris Alvarez

Tags: science fiction, Berlusconi, Italy, James ballard, mediascape, national identity, panopticon, philip k. dick, dystopic, i am legend, fascism, zombie, colonialism, horror, alternative history, neofascist, mussolini, world war two, WWII, afrofuturism, dystopic, Nirvana, Space 1999, Barbarella, Dune, Primo Levi, Italo Calvino, alternative realities, Planet of Vampires, Alien, They Will Leave, concentration camps, Roma, Rome, Luce D’Eramo

Check the book out here https://amzn.to/2yda3MY

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Science Fiction history book – “The Technical Delusion” (Duke University Press, 2019) – Jeffrey Sconce interview

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Dr. Jeffrey Sconce specializes in radio, tv, and film studies and is an assistant professor in communications studies. He’s written many books on the subject and we discussed his latest book on electricity, paranoia and conspiracy theories.

1:04 – Jeffrey talks about he ended up writing the book.

2:55 – Jeffrey talks about the early days of electricity.

5:16 – Jeffrey talks about the explosion of ideas of being mentally controlled when televisions became commonplace.

13:13 – Jeffrey talks about paranormal tv shows which discuss haunted technology.

23:05 – Jeffrey talks about the increasing overlap between science fiction, conspiracy theories, and delusional psychosis.

31:33 – Jeffrey talks about Philip K. Dick and his writing.

41:11 – Jeffrey talks about what he used for his research including Journals on “Insanity.”

43:41 – Jeffrey talks about the truly delusional versus people pretending to be delusional.

1:04:43 – Jeffrey has a blog at ludicdespair.blogpsot.com

Links of interest

https://www.dukeupress.edu/the-technical-delusion

http://ludicdespair.blogspot.com/

For more of “The Art and Design of Sci-Fi and Fantasy, Mystery and Horror” please follow me on Facebook at crisalvarezwlc, on youtube at Cris Alvarez and on Instagram @crisalvarezscifi

Guests: Jeffrey Sconce

Host: Cris Alvarez

Tags: science fiction, electronics, psychosis, conspiracy theories, supernatural, occult, paranormal, mediums, seance, industrial revolution, anxiety, depression, twilight zone, outer limits, haunted technology, twilight zone, x-files, brain chips, MK Ultra, ray kurzweil, Matrix, Philip K. Dick, targeted individuals