Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction

Mort 2: What Should Be Will Be

Next Word — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:30:20 -0500

This week, we return to Terry Pratchett's Mort to discuss perspective, the dualities of life on the Disc, and what is really going on with Death. Do we believe that everything is predestined? Who gets to tell the story? Does Ysabelle sparkle in the sunlight?

To see the video version of this week's show, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Footnotes:

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Mort 1: The Uncommon Man

Next Word — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:37:27 -0500

This week, we dive into the Discworld with our first discussion of Terry Pratchett's Mort. Are the rules as unbreakable as they seem to be? Are ideas as dangerous? How does Death blow smoke rings?

To see the video version of this week's show, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Footnotes:

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Neuromancer 3: It's The Punk

Next Word — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:07:40 -0500

This week, we return from an extended hiatus to offer a short conclusion to our unit on William Gibson's Neuromancer. How are Zion and Istanbul connected? Is Wintermute right about the power of hate? Is the punk more important than the cyber?

Footnotes:

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Neuromancer 2: No Imagination

Next Word — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 21:42:15 -0600

This week, we continue our unit on William Gibson's Neuromancer. Are there only a few pathways to juvenile rebellion? How does the industrial become the post-industrial? How does Gibson's understanding of artificial intelligence hold up in 2025?

To see the video version of this week's show, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Footnotes:

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Neuromancer 1: But The Dreams Came On

Next Word — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 14:54:30 -0600

This week, we begin our unit on influential science fiction with the first part of William Gibson's novel Neuromancer. Where does cyberpunk come from? How does Gibson complicate the mind-body problem? How do we know what's cool?

To see the video version of this week's show, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Footnotes:

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The Haunting Of Hill House 3: The Unreliable Narrator

Next Word — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 11:44:23 -0600

This week, we conclude our spooky-season unit on The Haunting Of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. As Eleanor retreats from the story, how do we become aware of the perspective of the house itself? Is it possible to read Theodora as a villain? What, in the end, walks alone inside Hill House?

To see the video version of this week's show, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Footnotes:

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The Haunting Of Hill House 2: Come Home

Next Word — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 21:00:59 -0500

This week, we continue our thirteenth unit on The Haunting Of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. What are the atomic units of identity, and how do they interact? How does the book operate with -- or without -- the queer subtext? Is there, at the most basic level, something supernatural about Hill House?

To see the video version of this week's show, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, chapters six to nine of The Haunting Of Hill House, live on Patreon on Thursday, October 30th at 9PM Central Time.

Footnotes:

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The Haunting Of Hill House 1: Swallowed By A Monster

Next Word — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 08:03:24 -0500

This week, we begin our thirteenth unit with an introduction to The Haunting Of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. How does Jackson's biography help us to understand the themes of this book? How do we understand Hill House in the gothic tradition? Is this the best first paragraph any book ever?

To see the video version of this week's show, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, chapters two to five of The Haunting Of Hill House, live on Patreon on Thursday, October 23rd at 9PM Central Time.

Footnotes:

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The Haar 3: The Old Woman And The Sea

Next Word — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 10:34:50 -0500

This week, we conclude our unit on David Sodergren's The Haar. Where did cozy fiction come from? Is the satire effective? How do we understand Muriel's faith and final decision?

To see the video version of this week's show, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we begin Shirley Jackson's The Haunting Of Hill House, live on Patreon on Thursday, October 16th at 9PM Central Time.

Footnotes:

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The Haar 2: Bright Sea

Next Word — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 08:08:59 -0500

This week, we continue our spookily-seasonal unit on David Sodergren's The Haar. What is the role of memory in a story preoccupied with bodies? How is identity constructed? Is this book the first recorded instance of Cosy Gore?

To see the video version of this week's show, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we conclude David Sodergren's The Haar, live on Patreon on Thursday, October 9th at 9PM Central Time.

Footnotes:

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The Haar 1: It's Mrs McAuley

Next Word — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 08:13:18 -0500

Welcome to spooky season, and our Modern Horror unit on David Sodergren's The Haar. What is the necessary context for this novel? How does the possibility space of a horror novel work in practice? Is Muriel Margaret McAuley the best protagonist we've studied?

To see the video version of this week's show, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we continue David Sodergren's The Haar, live on Patreon on Thursday, October 2nd at 9PM Central Time.

Footnotes:

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Sense And Sensibility 6: A Knave Or A Fool

Next Word — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 13:33:03 -0500

This week, we conclude our discussion of Jane Austen's Sense And Sensibility. How does the text position WIlloughby as an interesting villain? Is there a moral lesson to be found in Marianne's last transformation? Is Edward enough for Elinor?

To see the slides, click here!

Don't forget to check out my new Tolkien-related show, Shire Reckoning!

Next week, we begin David Sodergren's The Haar, live on Patreon on Thursday, September 25th at 9PM Central.

Footnotes:

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Sense And Sensibility 5: Dropping Eaves

Next Word — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 08:07:11 -0500

This week, we continue our discussion of Jane Austen's Sense And Sensibility. How are the Miss Steeles revealed to be undesirable types? Why does Mrs. Jennings set up a great conflict, then immediately resolve it? Just how feminist is Austen anyway?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Don't forget to check out my new Tolkien-related show, Shire Reckoning!

Next week, we finish Sense and Sensibility, live on Patreon on Thursday, September 18th at 9PM Central.

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Sense And Sensibility 4: A Very Awkward Narrator

Next Word — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 20:12:15 -0500

This week, we continue our discussion of Jane Austen's Sense And Sensibility. How does Colonel Brandon's awkwardness communicate his honesty? How do we understand the backstory of Willoughby and Eliza? Is John Dashwood or Robert Ferrers worse?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Don't forget to check out my new Tolkien-related show, Shire Reckoning!

Next week, Volume 3, Chapter I (37) to VII (43) of Sense and Sensibility, live on Patreon on Thursday, September 11th at 9PM Central.

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Sense And Sensibility 3: Properly Idle

Next Word — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 11:14:15 -0500

This week, we continue our discussion of Jane Austen's Sense And Sensibility. How does Marianne embody the modernity of Austen's age? What are the social expectations surrounding courtship and engagement? Is Edward maybe sometimes kind of a loser?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Don't forget to check out my new Tolkien-related show, Shire Reckoning!

Next week, Volume 2, Chapter VI (28) to XIV (36) of Sense and Sensibility, live on Patreon on Thursday, September 4th at 9PM Central.

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Sense And Sensibility 2: Neither Genius, Taste Nor Spirit

Next Word — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 09:05:56 -0500

This week, we continue our discussion of Jane Austen's Sense And Sensibility. Does Willoughby make the perfect heroic entrance into the story? What draws Elinor and Colonel Brandon together? Is Barton Cottage secretly a metaphor for Marianne?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Don't forget to check out my new Tolkien-related show, Shire Reckoning!

Next week, Volume 1, Chapter XV (15) to Volume 2, Chapter V (27) of Sense and Sensibility, live on YouTube on Thursday, August 21st at 9PM Central.

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Sense And Sensibility 1: To Wish Was To Hope

Next Word — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 23:14:55 -0500

This week, we begin our eleventh unit and our discussion of Jane Austen's 1811 novel Sense And Sensibility. How are Elinor and Marianne Dashwood compared and contrasted? How sharp is Austen's satire? What exactly makes a flannel waistcoat so unattractive?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Don't forget to check out my new Tolkien-related show, Shire Reckoning!

Next week, we finish the first volume of Sense and Sensibility, live on YouTube on Thursday, August 14th at 9PM Central.

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The Silmarillion 27: The Hands Of The Weak

Next Word — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 10:17:08 -0500

This week, we conclude the our study of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion with the back half of On the Rings of Power and the Third Age. How bad is Isildur's failure? How does Tolkien integrate the material from The Hobbit? Does Sam deserve more attention?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Don't forget to check out my new Tolkien-related show, Shire Reckoning!

Next week, we begin Jane Austen's classic Sense and Sensibility, live on YouTube on Thursday, August 7th at 9PM Central.

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The Silmarillion 26: Into The Realm Of Hidden Things

Next Word — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 08:03:13 -0500

This week, we conclude the history of Númenor and the Second Age with some apocalyptically terminal punctuation, and then rewind to consider what's been happening in Middle-earth this whole time. Could Sauron have been redeemed? What are the powers of the Rings? Why is it called the Last Alliance?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Don't forget to check out my new Tolkien-related show, Shire Reckoning!

Next week, the end of The Silmarillion and the feature story of the Third Age, live on YouTube on Thursday, July 31st at 9PM Central.

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The Silmarillion 25: This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things

Next Word — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:30:33 -0500

This week, the history of Númenor and the Second Age in the penultimate part of The Silmarillion, Akallabêth. How do we understand the different influences which inspire this part of Tolkien's secondary creation? Why do the Men of Westernesse have such a hard time reconciling themselves to death? Are the words Atalantë and Avallónë really just coincidental?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Don't forget to check out my new Tolkien-related show, Shire Reckoning!

Next week, the end of The Silmarillion and the feature story of the Third Age, live on YouTube on Thursday, July 24th at 9PM Central.

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The Silmarillion 24: Of Mariners Most Renowned

Next Word — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 13:06:59 -0500

This week, the stories of Eärendil and the War of Wrath in Chapter XXIV of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion. How does Tolkien stick the landing in the story of Beleriand and First Age? How do we understand the consequences of the Oath of Fëanor and the Doom of the Noldor? Are there hints of a happy ending?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, the story of the Second Age and the Fall of Númenor in Akallabêth, live on YouTube on Thursday, July 3rd at 9PM Central.

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The Silmarillion 23: Work And Devices

Next Word — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 11:07:01 -0500

This week, the last city falls but a new hope is born in Chapter XXIII of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion. How is Tuor different from the other heroes of the age? Why is the story, as presented in this book, so brief? Does Maeglin get the fate he deserves?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, the end of the Quenta Silmarillion and the story of Eärendil in Chapter XXIV, live on YouTube on Thursday, June 26th at 9PM Central.

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The Silmarillion 22: A Dark Road

Next Word — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 10:38:09 -0500

This week, things come undone in Chapters XXII of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion. What do we make of the final fate of Húrin? How does the influence of Morgoth differ from that of the Silmarils? Could anything have saved Beleriand?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we discuss Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin in Chapter XXIII of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Thursday, June 19th at 9PM Central.

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The Silmarillion 21: Now Comes The Night

Next Word — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 11:20:34 -0500

This week, we conclude the story of Túrin Turambar in Chapter XXI of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion. Who do we blame for the tragedy of the Children of Húrin? Does Nienor end her life on her own terms? Why is Túrin counted among the Elf-Friends?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we approach the end of the First Age with Of The Ruin of Doriath, Chapter XXII of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Thursday, June 12th at 9PM Central.

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The Silmarillion 20: Bloodstained, Son Of Ill-Fate

Next Word — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 10:10:51 -0500

This week, the middle act of the story of Túrin Turambar in Chapter XXI of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion. Why is this version of Glaurung so different? What is the mythic power of a sword re-forged? How many names can one man have?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we conclude our discussion of Túrin with Chapter XXI of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Thursday, June 5th at 9PM Central.

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The Silmarillion 19: The Eyes Of Death

Next Word — Fri, 23 May 2025 07:45:18 -0500

This week, battle and bloodshed as we conclude the Nirnaeth Arnoediad and begin the story of Túrin Turambar in Chapters XX and XXI of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion. Why does foresight get so sharp at the moment of death? Is Morwen very good at naming children, or very bad? What are the literary and mythic inspirations behind Tolkien's most depressing story?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we conclude our discussion of Túrin with Chapter XXI of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Thursday, May 29th at 9PM Central.

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The Silmarillion 18: The Day Has Come

Next Word — Mon, 19 May 2025 15:38:23 -0500

This week, we give up the promise of immortality as we reach the end of Chapter XIX and begin Chapter XX of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion. Why does the Lay of Leithian end where it does? Why are the sons of Fëanor so unkillable? Have we finally solved the mystery of the deadly hallowing?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we conclude our discussion of the battle of Unnumbered Tears and continue to the story of Turin in Chapters XX and XXI of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Thursday, May 22nd at 9PM Central.

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The Silmarillion 17: The Best Kind Of Correct

Next Word — Fri, 09 May 2025 07:47:14 -0500

This week, Beren and Lúthien reach the end of their story in Chapter XIX of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion. Why do our heroes keep trying to disguise themselves? Where does Lúthien's sleep-magic come from? Is Huan the Hound an under-celebrated character?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we conclude our discussion of Beren and Lúthien and chapter XIX of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Thursday, May 15th at 9PM Central.

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The Silmarillion 16: Meet The Parents

Next Word — Fri, 02 May 2025 12:01:24 -0500

This week, love and tragedy in Chapter XIX of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion. Why is the tale of Beren and Lúthien such an important story? Are oaths always a bad thing? Why has no-one written a network TV sitcom about Thingol and Melian?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we conclude our discussion of Beren and Lúthien and chapter XIX of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Thursday, May 8th at 9PM Central.

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The Silmarillion 15: Sudden Flame

Next Word — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 11:23:23 -0500

This week, we see the fall of Fingolfin and a new war in Beleriand in Chapter XVIII of the Quenta Silmarillion in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion. How do we understand Tolkien's perspective on race? How much direct intervention can we credit to Manwë? What is Maeglin's problem with Men?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we discuss the most important story in Tolkien's legendarium, Beren and Lúthien in chapter XIX of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Thursday, May 1st at 9PM Central.

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The Silmarillion 14: Loved Not At All

Next Word — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 08:16:28 -0500

This week, we establish Maeglin in Gondolin and the Men in the West as we move through the end of Chapter XVII of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion. Does the Maeglin apple fall far from the Eöl tree? Why are the connections and distinctions between languages so important? What did the elves learn from the Valar when it comes to welcoming new arrivals?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we reach the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin in chapter XVIII of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Wednesday, April 24th at 9PM Central.

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The Silmarillion 13: The Essentials

Next Word — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 08:09:43 -0500

This week, we get into the weeds as we attempt something ambitious, only to spend the whole episode in and around Nan Elmoth with the story of Maeglin in Chapter XVI of the Quenta Silmarillion. Why is the suppression of language so important? How does Tolkien's essentialism change the way we understand this book? How much dramatic irony are we supposed to detect in the wisdom of our heroes?

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The Silmarillion 12: Location, Location, Location

Next Word — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 11:19:23 -0500

This week, we fast forward four hundred years, then rewind to see what really happened as we try to make it to the end of Chapter XV of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion. What does Glaurung have in common with the Balrogs? Why does Ulmo whisper instructions to Turgon and Finrod? Does this book really pass the Bechdel-Wallace test?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we continue our journey with everything to the end of Chapters XVI and XVII of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Wednesday, April 10th at 8PM Central.

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The Silmarillion 11: Ashes To Ashes

Next Word — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 11:47:16 -0500

This week, we face battle and bloodshed in Beleriand in Chapters XIII and XIV of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion. Is Fëanor's fate inevitable? How do we understand the rescue of Maedhros in the context of the Doom of the Noldor? Why do we get so much geography?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we continue our journey with everything to the end of Chapter XV of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Wednesday, April 2nd at 8PM Central.

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The Silmarillion Q&A: Machinery Of Government And Industry

Next Word — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 15:06:22 -0500

In this bonus Q&A, we address the issue of inheritance among the immortal elves, the lost story of Lady of Lothlórien, the political infrastructure of The Shire, and the official power ranking of the Valar!

On Thursday, we continue our journey with Chapters XIII and XIV of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Thursday, March 27th at 8PM Central.

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The Silmarillion 10: Here Comes The Sun

Stars and Swords — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 12:31:53 -0500

This week, we continue our discussion of The Silmarillion with Chapters XI and XII, including the creation of the sun and the moon, the securing of Valinor, and the awakening of Men. How do we understand moral philosophy in a world of eucatastrophe? How do we judge the action (and inaction) of the Valar?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we continue our journey with Chapters XIII and XIV of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Thursday, March 27th at 8PM Central.

Footnotes:

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

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The Silmarillion 9: Doom

Stars and Swords — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 18:41:30 -0500

This week, we continue our discussion of The Silmarillion with the end of Chapter IX and all of Chapter X, including the Doom of the Noldor, a quick recap of three thousand years of the elves back in Beleriand, and some cosmic renovation. Is Mandos really a Theatre Kid? What’s so special about Lúthien Tinúviel anyway? Is it time for the dwarves to reclaim the word “cumbrous”?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we continue our journey with Chapters XI and XII of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Sunday, March 16th at 2PM Central.

Footnotes:

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

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The Silmarillion 8: Kin And King

Stars and Swords — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 07:14:19 -0600

This week, we continue our discussion of The Silmarillion with the end of Chapter VIII and all of Chapter IX, including the the darkening of Valinor, the theft of the Silmarils, and the violence and tragedy which follows. Are any of Fëanor’s decisions defensible? How do we understand acts of creation which can’t be repeated? Is Tulkas still the MVP of the Valar?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we continue our journey with chapters ten and eleven of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Sunday, March 9th at 2PM Central.

Footnotes:

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

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The Silmarillion 7: The Darkening

Stars and Swords — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:15:45 -0600

This week, we continue our discussion of The Silmarillion with the the forging of the Silmarils, domestic discord in the House of Finwë, and the secret origins of Tolkien’s most terrifying creation. Does anyone make a good choice in Valinor? Are the Valar living up to their responsibilities? What is Ungoliant, and where does she come from?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we continue our journey with chapter nine of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Thursday, February 27th at 7PM Central.

Footnotes:

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

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The Silmarillion 6: Spirit Of Fire

Stars and Swords — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 10:59:19 -0600

This week, we continue our discussion of The Silmarillion with the logistics of crossing the Great Sea, our introduction to Fëanor and the family of Finwë, and the subtlety of Melkor. What’s the most desirable property in Eldamar? Is Fëanor a hero, a villain, or both? What qualifies Manwë to judge Melkor?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we continue our journey with chapters seven and eight of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Thursday, February 20th at 8PM Central.

Footnotes:

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

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The Silmarillion Q&A: The Idea Of Fighting

Stars and Swords — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 15:12:28 -0600

In this bonus episode, we discuss the location of the Far Heaven, the nature of the Ainur, the absence of dwarves and a vision of medieval utopia.

We’ll continue our journey with chapters six and seven of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Thursday, February 13th at 8PM Central.

Footnotes:

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

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The Silmarillion 5: The Elves, Themselves

Stars and Swords — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 08:47:58 -0600

This week, we continue our discussion of The Silmarillion with the secret origins of dwarves and ents, the battle against Melkor and the Sundering of the Elves across Middle-Earth. What distinguishes good creativity from bad? Who (and what) has a soul? How many names can we possibly remember?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we continue our journey with chapters five and six of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Thursday, February 13th at 8PM Central.

Footnotes:

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Silmarillion 4: Arda Marred

Stars and Swords — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 21:27:10 -0600

This week, we continue our unit on The Silmarillion and discuss the Days Before Days, time and space (and calendars and maps), and the paradox of free will. How do we understand the geography of Middle-Earth? How are elves and men different, according to the elves? What instruments do each of the Valar play, and what do their mansions looks like?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we begin the main events with chapters three, four and five of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Thursday, February 6th at 8PM Central.

Footnotes:

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Silmarillion Pop Quiz: The Valaquenta

Stars and Swords — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 14:00:00 -0600

In this special bonus episode, test your knowledge of the Valar and the Maiar, the relationships between them, and a few other things besides! It’s all for fun and the points don’t matter, but let me know how you did.

To see the video version of this episode, click here!

I’ll be back on Thursday with chapters one and two of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Thursday, January 30th at 8PM Central.

Footnotes:

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Silmarillion 3: Acquainted With Grief

Stars and Swords — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 10:23:27 -0600

This week, we continue our unit on The Silmarillion and discuss the Valaquenta, spheres of authority, intertexting already and The Diagram. What do the Valar tell us about what Tolkien thought important? How is this pantheon connected to the those of the classical world, and how is it unique? What do sibling and spousal relationships mean for the Valar?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we begin the main events with chapters one and two of the Quenta Silmarillion, live on YouTube on Thursday, January 30th at 8PM Central.

Footnotes:

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Silmarillion 2: Void And Flame

Stars and Swords — Sat, 18 Jan 2025 22:47:51 -0600

This week, we continue our unit on The Silmarillion and discuss the Ainulindalë, aesthetics and philosophy, the subcreative process and the Secret Origins of Melkor. How do we understand the different perspectives enfolded in this creation myth? Does Tolkien convincingly resolve the paradox of free will? Why don’t the Valar talk about their battles?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we continue with the second part of The Silmarillion, the Valaquenta, live on YouTube on Thursday, January 23rd at 8PM Central.

Footnotes:

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Silmarillion 1: From The Shores Of Faery

Stars and Swords — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 20:31:49 -0600

This week, we begin our unit on J.R.R. Tolkien’s posthumous work of mythology and history, and discuss reading strategies, layers of narrative and the creative impulse. Is the Professor the best letter writer in history? Did Christopher Tolkien really intend this book to be definitive? How is Middle-Earth different from Star Trek?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we dive into the text with the first part of The Silmarillion, the Ainulindalë, live on YouTube on Thursday, January 16th at 8PM Central.

Footnotes:

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Prince Caspian 3: Making Good On Macbeth

Stars and Swords — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:00:00 -0600

This week, we overcome treachery to win the war in chapters ten to fifteen of C.S. Lewis’ Prince Caspian and discuss the Narnian timeline, fear as an alienating force, and the worst of Susan. Why is Aslan larger now? Could Nikabrik and his allies resurrect the White Witch? Is evil always self-defeating?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we begin our discussion of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Silmarillion with an introductory lecture, live on YouTube on Thursday, January 9th at 8PM Central.

Footnotes:

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Prince Caspian 2: The Return of the King(s and Queens)

Stars and Swords — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 09:55:20 -0600

This week, we assemble our forces and call for help in chapters five to ten of C.S. Lewis’ Prince Caspian and discuss the medieval perspective on past and future, the oracular power of centaurs, and the difference between beasts. What is represented by each of Caspian’s companions? Who raised Aslan’s How? How did Edmund learn so much 21st century slang?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we conclude our unit on Prince Caspian with chapters ten through fifteen, live on YouTube on Thursday, January 2nd at 8PM Central.

Footnotes:

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Prince Caspian 1: Do You Remember?

Stars and Swords — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 12:57:18 -0600

This week, we return to Narnia with the first five chapters of C.S. Lewis’ Prince Caspian and discuss politics and persecution, fairytale and fantasy, and Edmund’s 2024 slang. How has Narnia changed, both as a place and as a story? What is the turning point between fairy tale and fantasy? Where did Peter’s sword get its name?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we continue our unit on Prince Caspian with chapters six through ten, live on YouTube on Thursday, December 26th at 8PM Central.

Footnotes:

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Dracula 8: And Also With Blood

Stars and Swords — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 22:17:38 -0600

This week, we conclude our horror unit and our discussion of Bram Stoker’s Dracula with logical fallacies and the limits of rationality, Dracula as a feminist text and Bram Stoker’s Best Joke. How does the tone change in the last act of the novel? How do we contrast Lucy and Mina? What does Van Helsing have to say to the Author’s Note?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we begin our unit on Prince Caspian with chapters one through five, live on YouTube on Thursday, December 19th at 8PM Central.

Footnotes:

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Dracula 7: The Bloofer Lady

Stars and Swords — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 07:43:02 -0600

This week, we continue our unit on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula and discuss the overlooked Van Helsing, the second death of Lucy Westenra, and the compilation of the novel by the characters in the novel. What is the significance of the gold crucifix on Lucy’s lips? What restores Jonathan Harker’s sanity? How did the reporter for the Gazette get to the word “Bloofer“?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we finish the book, live on YouTube on Thursday, December 12th at 8PM Central.

Footnotes:

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Dracula 6: All The Devils At Once

Stars and Swords — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 23:00:00 -0600

This week, we continue our unit on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula and discuss Dracula’s character sheet, how much wolves are better than dogs, and the fate of Lucy Westenra. What will it take for Seward to connect the dots? What is the spectrum from the noble-man to the commoner? Who really poisons the sherry?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we cover chapters thirteen through nineteen, live on YouTube on Thursday, December 5th at 8PM Central.

Footnotes:

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Dracula 5: The Master Is At Hand

Stars and Swords — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 14:06:43 -0600

This week, we continue our unit on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula and discuss the wreck of the Demeter, the limits of Dracula’s power, and the insidious assault on Lucy Westenra. What really happens aboard the ship from Varna? How is mysticism seeping into our rational view of the world? Has our attention to the timeline finally paid off?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we cover chapters eleven through fourteen, live on YouTube on Tuesday November 26th at 8PM Central.

Footnotes:

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Dracula 4: Boh-Ghosts, Barguests, Bogles

Stars and Swords — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 16:15:58 -0600

This week, we overcome ill fortune to continue our unit on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula. How do we listen to intuition in an age of rationality? Does the supporting cast describe the boundaries of (acceptable) Victorian society? Is work the universal cure?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we cover chapters seven through twelve, live on YouTube on Monday November 18th, 8PM Central.

Footnotes:

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Dracula 3: Tonight Is Mine

Stars and Swords — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 18:22:16 -0600

This week, we continue our unit on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula. What are we to make of a man who lays his own table? How does the Count turn the tools of the Victorian world against English society? Does a queer reading of Dracula falter on the threshold of the gender binary?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we cover the first seven chapters of the book, live on YouTube on Monday November 11th, 8PM Central.

Footnotes:

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Dracula 2: To Care Not For

Stars and Swords — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 22:22:08 -0500

This week, we finally resume our seasonal horror unit with the beginning of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula. How are we to understand Stoker’s introduction to the novel? Is Harker too stupid to live? What’s worse: dragons or devils?

To see the video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we cover the first seven chapters of the book, live on YouTube on Monday November 4th, 8PM Central.

Footnotes:

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Dracula 1: Long Shadows

Stars and Swords — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 21:34:15 -0500

This week, we begin our super-spooky horror unit with an all-time classic: Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula. Is it possible for a book as well-known and influential as this one to be under-appreciated? How did Dracula enter the public domain? Do we prefer Transylvania or Ultrasylvania?

To see the live video broadcast of this episode, click here; to see the slides, click here!

Next week, we cover the first seven chapters of the book, live on YouTube on Monday October 7th, 8PM Central.

Footnotes:

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Ultimate Spider-Man 2: Man Vs. Society

Stars and Swords — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 21:27:45 -0500

This week, we conclude our discussion of Ultimate Spider-Man, and discuss the second volume, Learning Curve. How does Peter Parker navigate the boundaries of society? How can a book stay continuity-light but bind itself to the original comic text? Is MJ or JJJ the best character in Spider-Man’s supporting cast?

To see the slides for this week’s episode, click here!

Next week: something spooky! Stay tuned, or head over to the Patreon page to cast your vote!

Footnotes:

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Ultimate Spider-Man 1: Man Vs. Himself

Stars and Swords — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 21:26:36 -0500

This week, we begin our discussion of Ultimate Spider-Man, and discuss the first volume, Power And Responsibility. How 2000s can a book possibly be? How does decompression change the way we interact with the text? Is Peter Parker the single best character of the last fifty years?

To see the slides for this week’s episode, click here!

Next week: we continue our live-show format and discuss the second volume of Brian Michael Bendis’ Ultimate Spider-Man: Learning Curve. Join me live on the Next Word Discord server at 8PM Central Time on Monday, September 23!

Footnotes:

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Binti 4: Not Not The Force

Stars and Swords — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 22:12:02 -0500

This week, we conclude our discussion of Nnedi Okorafor’s Binti: The Complete Trilogy, and discuss the short story Sacred Fire. Why is it important to read according to the chronology of production? What’s the deal with the Saturnian aliens? What, in the end, is harmony?

Next week: in a new live-show format, we’re going to discuss the first volume of Brian Michael Bendis’ Ultimate Spider-Man: Power & Responsibility. Join me live on the Next Word Discord server at 8PM Central Time on Monday, September 16!

Footnotes:

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Binti 3: Deep Culture

Stars and Swords — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 22:33:46 -0500

This week, we continue Nnedi Okorafor’s Binti: The Complete Trilogy, and discuss the third novella, The Night Masquerade. What is the dividing line between science fiction and fantasy? Is identity reducible? Is Mwinyi an Edward or a Jacob?

Next week: a wrap-up episode on Binti, including discussion of the short story Sacred Fire.

Footnotes:

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Binti 2: The Gods Are Many Things

Stars and Swords — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 20:48:01 -0500

This week, we continue Nnedi Okorafor’s Binti: The Complete Trilogy, and discuss the second novella. What is philosophical dualism? Is Binti a Frodo or a Sam? How are universities exactly like Survivor?

Next week: Binti: The Night Masquerade, the third novella in Binti: The Complete Trilogy!

Footnotes:

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Binti 1: Everything Is Connected

Stars and Swords — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 14:05:15 -0500

This week, we begin Nnedi Okorafor’s Binti: The Complete Trilogy, and discuss the first novella. What is africanfuturism? How do books teach you to read them? Sure, drugs are cool, but have you ever gotten high on math?

Next week: Binti: Home, the second novella in Binti: The Complete Trilogy!

Footnotes:

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Great Expectations 5: The Villain Monologue

Stars and Swords — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 21:08:53 -0500

This week, we finally conclude Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. How is the world restored to order? How are the good rewarded and the evil punished? What does it mean to be a good person in Dickens’ world, and who gets to live happily ever after?

Next week: Binti, the first novella in Binti: The Complete Trilogy!

Footnotes:

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Great Expectations 4: One-Man Class War

Stars and Swords — Sun, 09 Jun 2024 21:10:07 -0500

This week, we discuss chapters thirty-six to fifty of Great Expectations with twists! So many twists! Which is the least plausible? How is Dickens handling the pathetic fallacy? Is Pip redeemed?

Next week, chapter 51 to the end of Great Expectations!

Footnotes:

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Great Expectations 3: The Declarative Question

Stars and Swords — Sun, 26 May 2024 21:47:47 -0500

This week, we continue our discussion of Great Expectations by looking at different kinds of life in London, the death of Pip’s sister, and the ease of making choices when you have no choice at all.

Next week, chapters 36 to 50 of Great Expectations!

Footnotes:

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Bonus: Hunting Gollum

Stars and Swords — Tue, 14 May 2024 09:27:52 -0500

Andy Serkis is directing a new movie based on The Lord of the Rings! In this excerpt from the recent live Patreon Q&A, I discuss my thoughts on the announcement, what the story could be, and why now might be the time.

To hear the rest of the show, and to help support Next Word and Stars and Swords, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord!

Footnotes:

Warner Bros. to Release New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movie ‘The Hunt for Gollum’ in 2026, Peter Jackson to Produce and Andy Serkis to Direct (Variety)

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Great Expectations 2: Fancy Lad Fight Club

Stars and Swords — Sat, 11 May 2024 22:37:02 -0500

This week, we continue our discussion of Great Expectations by discussing goblin mode, Pip’s increasing awfulness, and the transition to London.

Next week, chapters 23 to 35 of Great Expectations!

Footnotes:

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Great Expectations 1: Told No Lies

Stars and Swords — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 22:49:51 -0500

This week, we begin our discussion of Great Expectations by discussing the gothic, coming of age, and the traumas of childhood.

Next week, chapters 11 to 22 of Great Expectations!

Footnotes:

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Great Expectations Introduction: Better Than Bulwer-Lytton

Stars and Swords — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 17:16:37 -0500

This week, a brief introduction to Dickens, the Victorian Era, what makes Great Expectations the perfect book for this series, and Dickens’ most notorious peer.

Next week, chapters 1 to 10 of Great Expectations!

Footnotes:

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Daggerspell 3: Live and Learn

Stars and Swords — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 19:18:49 -0500

This week, we conclude Katharine Kerr’s Daggerspell, learn the secret of Rhodry’s parentage, unpick (some of) the ties that bind, and ride off on the long road!

Next week, an introduction to Charles Dickens!

Content Warnings: incest, suicidal ideation, violence, misogyny

Footnotes:

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Daggerspell 2: Dark Sides

Stars and Swords — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 20:59:23 -0500

In the second part of our adventure through Katharine Kerr’s Daggerspell, we read to the middle of Chapter Five, meet our main cast (again), tie tight the knots of destiny, and move into our oddly independent main plot.

Next week, we finish the book!

Content Warnings: incest, rape, suicide, suicidal ideation, violence, sexual violence, misogyny, racism, discussion of homophobia

Footnotes:

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Daggerspell 1: Despair And Desperation

Stars and Swords — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 21:07:58 -0500

In our first real episode studying Katharine Kerr’s Daggerspell, we cover the first two chapters, meet our main cast, meet our main cast again under very different circumstances, and begin to unpick the knots of fate and destiny that bind them together.

Next week, we cover chapters three, four and the first half of chapter five; stop when Nevyn and Jill meet for the first time!

Content Warnings: incest, rape, suicide, suicidal ideation, violence, sexual violence, misogyny

Footnotes:

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Daggerspell Introduction: Deverry In Deverry

Stars and Swords — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 22:36:32 -0500

In this brief bonus episode, we set the stage for Katharine Kerr’s 1986 Celtic fantasy Daggerspell with some discussion of the fantasy landscape in the ’80s, and the pronunciation of the Deverrian language.

Next week, we get underway with the prologue and the first two chapters!

Footnotes:

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue 5: Teeth

Stars and Swords — Sat, 09 Mar 2024 21:47:52 -0600

In this episode, we discuss Parts Six and Seven of V.E. Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. How do we navigate so many late reveals? What comes next for Addie? If this book is a fairytale, what kind of fairytale is it?

Next week, we begin our fourth book: Katherine Kerr’s Daggerspell.

Unanswered Questions:

Is the thirty year/forty year contradiction simply a mistake?
Is The Last Word a part of Luc’s plan?
For how long has Luc been present in Henry’s life?

Footnotes:

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue 4: One Big Pencil

Stars and Swords — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 18:00:00 -0600

In this episode, we discuss Parts Four and Five of V.E. Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Does Addie really explain it all? Do we have the perfect fan-casting for Henry? What kind of deal did Beethoven make, anyway?

Next week, we conclude our reading with Parts Six and Seven.

Unanswered Questions:

Is Luc connected with all the storms we’ve seen?
How do we resolve the questions of consent in Addie and Henry’s manipulation of others?
In what ways are Luc and Addie alike? In what ways are the different?

Footnotes:

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue 3: I’ll Make You A Mix Tape

Stars and Swords — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 17:46:04 -0600

In this episode, we discuss Part Three of V.E. Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, get deep into the text, discuss red flags on first dates, wonder about drives Addie back to Villon, and consider again the dreams that feed defiance.

Next week, we continue our reading with Parts Four and Five.

Unanswered Questions:

How deliberate is the overlapping of art and dreams in Addie’s experience?
To what degree are Remy and Henry attractive because they are reflective of Addie’s sense of herself?
Is there a symbolic meaning to the unfinished bowl in Addie’s father’s workshop?

Footnotes:

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue 2: Oh, Henry

Stars and Swords — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 23:12:38 -0600

In this episode, we discuss Part Two of V.E. Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, delve deeper into the fairy tale, consider capitalism and the origins of modern France, and talk about our love triangle.

Next week, we continue our reading with Part Three.

Unanswered Questions:

How is Addie reborn after her near-death experience (in terms of proximity if not mortality) in Paris?
Is Henry’s study of theology significant, or significantly insignificant?
How, exactly, do names have purpose?
What’s going on with Henry’s siblings?

Footnotes:

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
V.E. Schwab
Julia Whelan
Daggerspell (Katherine Kerr)
Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence (Adrienne Rich)
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (William Shakespeare)

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue 1: Dreamers and Wanderers

Stars and Swords — Sun, 11 Feb 2024 20:00:00 -0600

In this episode, we discuss Part One of V.E. Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, discuss its genre and its style, defend the flexibility of third-person present-tense narration, and start to follow breadcrumbs into the past.

Next week, we continue our reading with Part Two.

Unanswered Questions:

Who or what is the darkness with whom Addie makes her pact?
If ideas and art and belief are the same — or at least similar — then what are memories?
What’s so special about Henry, anyway?

Footnotes:

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Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

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Rabbits 5: Emilysposition

Stars and Swords — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 18:00:00 -0600

In this episode, we discuss the last three chapters of Terry Miles’ Rabbits, discuss how it sticks the landing, question authority, and finally figure out what happened with K.

Next week, we begin our reading of VE Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, and discuss part one.

Unanswered Questions:

Is Scarpio trustworthy?
Is Worricker’s AI real? If so, how does it manipulate the players of the game?
Are we glad K and Chloe end up together, or would we have preferred K and Emily?

Footnotes:

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

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Rabbits 4: A Confluence Of Harolds

Stars and Swords — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 22:32:02 -0600

In this episode, we discuss chapters thirty to forty-one of Terry Miles’ Rabbits, consider the fin de siècle pastiche of American culture, muse on the nature of the hollow protagonist, and touch on the genius of Italo Calvino.

Next week, we end the book with chapters forty-two to forty-five.

Unanswered Questions:

Is Rabbits a second-generation pastiche on pre-Millennial American culture?
To what degree is K unreliable as a narrator?
What happened to Chloe?

Footnotes:

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

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Rabbits 3: Proper Noun Question Mark

Stars and Swords — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 21:55:11 -0600

In this episode, we discuss chapters seventeen to twenty-nine of Terry Miles’ Rabbits.

This week, we consider K’s role as a narrator and as a protagonist, discuss not one but two possible explanations of what is (metaphysically) going on with Rabbits, flip the script with Chloe, lament the loss of a cinematic classic, and close out the second act.

Next week, we continue with chapters thirty to forty-one.

Unanswered Questions:

Does the book sufficiently reassure the reader that the events of the game are not just in K’s head?
Does the rhythmic, episodic structure of the middle of the novel detract from its impact?
What are the echoes or reflections between Baron and Sydney? Neil and the Magician? Crow and Scarpio?

Footnotes:

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

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Rabbits 2: Manic Pixie Gamgee

Stars and Swords — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 20:59:57 -0600

In this episode, we discuss chapters four to sixteen of Terry Miles’ Rabbits.

This week, we dive into the murky waters of creepypasta, break down the brilliant narrative trick that makes Rabbits work, remember Frodo atop Amon Hen, make a list of everything that is not everything that is not Rabbits, figure out the surprising timeline and K’s age, and celebrate the ancient, arcane magnificence of computers in the 1980s.

Next week, we continue with chapters seventeen to twenty-nine.

Unanswered Questions:

Is there a difference between Rabbits and Connections?
How is retribution enacted against those players who talk publicly about the game?
What happened to Baron Corduroy?

Footnotes:

Creepypasta Footnotes:

These links should be approached with caution. Content warnings for shocking and upsetting images and descriptions of violence, including violence against children, depression and suicide.

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

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Rabbits 1: The Door Is Open

Stars and Swords — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 23:23:09 -0600

In this episode, we discuss chapters one to three of Terry Miles’ Rabbits.

This week, we begin our discussion of Rabbits by discussing second-person storytelling, the interaction of games and stories, truth and meaning, and how to navigate our mysterious narrator.

Next week, we continue with chapters four to sixteen.

Unanswered Questions:

What is Rabbits? How is the game is played and the purpose does it serve?
Is there anything to be made of the English idiomatic framework associating descent with movement toward truth?
Is Alan Scarpio also known as Californiac?

Footnotes:

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a Next Word production, written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

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The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe 4: Deep and Deeper

Stars and Swords — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 21:26:43 -0600

In this episode, we discuss C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, chapters fifteen to seventeen.

This week, we end our discussion of the first Narnia book with thoughts on the deep magic, the influence of Jupiter, and the power of things which aren’t real.

Next week, we begin our second unit with everything up to the beginning of chapter four of Terry Miles’ Rabbits.

Unanswered Questions:

What are the Deep and Deeper magics?
Does the breaking of the Stone Table speak to an end of the Deep Magic, of paganism, or of the Old Testament?
How do the Kings and Queens of Narnia relate to the characters of the Pevensie children when they return to Earth?

Footnotes:

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (Lewis)
The Narnia Companion (Paul F. Ford)
The Narnian: The Life and Imagination of C. S. Lewis (Alan Jacobs)
Always Winter and Never Christmas: Symbols of Time in Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia
Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C. S. Lewis (Dr. Michael Ward)
Dr. Michael Ward
Children’s Fantasy (xkcd)
Rabbits: A Novel (Terry Miles)
Rabbits Podcast

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars & Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a part of Next Word. It is written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

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The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe 3: Names and Noises

Stars and Swords — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 23:37:00 -0600

In this episode, we discuss C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, chapters eleven to fourteen.

This week, we approach the end of the novel with thoughts on essentialism, on Aslan’s role within and without the text, and the very masculine nature of Lucy’s healing cordial.

Unanswered Questions:

Is Aslan an authorial figure in the text?
What is the nature of the deeper magic, and what is its source?
What are the Aristotelian essences of the Pevensie children, as presented?

Footnotes:

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (Lewis)
The Narnia Companion (Paul F. Ford)
The Narnian: The Life and Imagination of C. S. Lewis (Alan Jacobs)
The Masculinization Of Medicine
Heavenly Dew: Crying in the Middle Ages

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars & Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a part of Next Word. It is written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

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The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe 2: Being and Seeming

Stars and Swords — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 23:05:00 -0600

In this episode, we discuss C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, chapters six to ten.

This week, we continue our journey through Narnia — albeit more slowly than we had intended! How do we feel about Lumps of Delight? When I say “we”, am I invoking the majestic plural? How do the Pevensie children match up with the X-Men?

Unanswered Questions:

What is the role and consequence of prophecy in the pages of this novel?
What are the things which look human, but are not? Why are they bad?
What is the purpose of Father Christmas in the story?

Footnotes:

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (Lewis)
Bassett’s Jelly Babies (TV Commercial)
Fry’s Turkish Delight (TV Commercial)
Why Was Turkish Delight C.S. Lewis’s Guilty Pleasure? (JSTOR)
The Narnia Companion (Paul F. Ford)
Istanbul (Not Constantinople)
Michael Ward

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars & Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a part of Next Word. It is written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

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The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe 1: The Tolkien Jar

Stars and Swords — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 18:35:21 -0600

In this episode, we discuss C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, chapters one to five.

Welcome to Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction! In this episode, we delve into the history of C.S. Lewis’ masterpiece, introduce Foucault’s author-function, and contrast Tumnus and the White Witch, the classic and the modern, three kinds of toast and Turkish delight.

Unanswered Questions:

What is the role of the parenthetical author-function in the novel? (This, as you know, is the kind of question a good child asks.)
What does the implied moral schema of the novel have to say about Edmund? We observe greed and cowardice and Peter recounts wrath — does he demonstrate other sins?
Do you agree that the White Witch’s crime is not the winter itself, but the forestalling of the natural order, and the passage of time?

Footnotes:

To support the podcast, join the conversation on Discord and get access to monthly bonus episodes, please visit Patreon.com/NextWord and pledge your support!

Stars & Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a part of Next Word. It is written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

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Welcome To Stars And Swords

Stars and Swords — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 15:00:00 -0600

Welcome to Stars & Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction. In this brief introduction, I’ll explain a little about what I’m going to do with this podcast. The first episode, discussing the first five chapters of C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, will be available on Sunday!

Stars & Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction is a part of Next Word. It is written and produced by Alastair Stephens.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★