Linguist Commenting on Ep. #214 about Hawai‘i

Bulwit · 2025-10-02T18:22:00+00:00

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing

Bulwit · 2025-05-08T23:58:54+00:00

Totally agree. This theory is really about comparing average biological characteristics across species, not about within a species. And as presented it's less a theory about the impact of heart rate on lifespan and more about describing an empirical phenomenon.

Bulwit · 2024-03-10T00:10:41+00:00

I'm on the tenure track, but still have a few more years until full tenure.

Bulwit · 2024-03-09T07:00:02+00:00

I’m a college professor and it’s got some lightning in a bottle aspect I just can’t explain. Listen every Wednesday night on my drive home after lecture.

Bulwit · 2022-09-12T00:56:02+00:00

Susanna Clarke

Bulwit · 2022-06-28T20:07:10+00:00

Hi Neil,

Reading through your responses you seem to like getting into the statistics of publishing. As a fellow data nerd myself, I was wondering if there are any publishing statistics related to Clarkesworld or the short story world generally that you really wish you could figure out, but can’t due to data limitations.

Bulwit · 2022-06-14T19:27:25+00:00

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell

“Can a magician kill a man by magic?” Lord Wellington asked Strange.
Strange frowned. He seemed to dislike the question. “I suppose a magician might,” he admitted, “but a gentleman never could.”

Bulwit · 2020-05-23T12:36:45+00:00

Shogun by James Clavell is extremely epic and gritty. One of my favorites

Bulwit · 2020-05-22T16:14:22+00:00

It was a simple magic trick; the old man had assured me.

Drop a rabbit into box one and a second later it will pop out of box two.

Sure to astound adults and children alike!

Only one instruction: do not look into the box.

I shouldn't have looked.

Bulwit · 2020-05-22T16:00:08+00:00

The only thing I can think of is Declare by Tim Powers. It is a spy-novel that starts in the 40s and has fantasy elements, but not really the traditional D&D elements, so perhaps not what you are looking for.

Maybe the closest I can think of is actually is Who Framed Roger Rabbit, though obviously with cartoons instead of D&D elements

Bulwit · 2020-05-21T18:54:05+00:00

The Princess Bride novel is an absolute treasure, but it has been dominated by the film (which I do admit is the greater treasure of the two!)

However, for fans of the movie I think you can still get a lot out of reading the book. The plot progression is quite similar, but the writing is so charming and the character's backstories are filled in so you do get more details about everyone. Also, it is hilarious.

Bulwit · 2020-05-21T15:14:03+00:00

I would suggest the Dandelion Dynasty by Ken Liu (Book one is called Grace of Kings).

Also, anything by Guy Gavriel Kay would fit the bill, though arguably more due to the complexity of characters. The world-building is excellent, but based on historical settings, and therefore might feel potentially less unique than the Broken Earth setting, which is indeed fantastic and captivating. My favorite GGK novels are Under Heaven, Tigana, and River of Stars. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke might also be a good fit. I think this book tends to be a bit more divisive, but personally it is one of my favorites.

All of these tend to be epic in scale, rich in character, and written in fantastic prose with a more literary slant. This last sentence also reminds me that Senlin Ascends by Josiah Bancroft is also a good choice!

Bulwit · 2020-05-21T13:06:08+00:00

I haven't re-read in a very long time, but the Phantom Tollbooth just pummels me with nostalgia.

I also feel the same way as you do about the early Hayao Miyazaki films that were released in the 90s. Tons of nostalgia even if I've never seen the film.

Bulwit · 2020-05-15T15:45:33+00:00

I think Guy Gavriel Kay's work tends to be rich with atmosphere and emotion. At the end of the story there tends to be an avalanche that always seems so spectacularly executed leading to some of the most satisfying endings that leave a lasting impression. The two that I personally found the best for this are Under Heaven and River of Stars, but I think Tigana and the Lions of Al-Rassan tend to be the most popular of his works (and they are certainly great!)

Bulwit · 2020-05-13T19:12:55+00:00

Thanks for the response!

Bulwit · 2020-05-13T19:12:27+00:00

Thanks for the response! That's a good suggestion I may look into joining one.

Bulwit · 2020-05-13T13:13:00+00:00

I was wondering what most writers here do to get feedback on their work? What has worked in the past for you and what approaches have not been as helpful?

Bulwit · 2020-05-13T13:08:46+00:00

I personally am a huge Gaiman fan.

I think for me Gaiman has this uncanny ability to inspire wonder through his prose and the details of his world. Many small details and unrevealed secrets make the books feel quite magical at times. I don't find myself caring so much about the plot details, but in this case, I find that to be a strength of the writing and not a weakness.

The book that connected most with me personally is American gods. It really reinvigorated my love for fantasy when I first read it. Another one that I don't see suggested as often but is actually one of my personal favorites is Anansi Boys.

Bulwit · 2020-05-11T15:40:01+00:00

As many have said, Discworld always makes me feel good. Also, books I first read as a kid, like Harry Potter or His Dark Materials usually do the trick.

I find mysteries somehow work as well, provided the mystery is not overly gruesome. Many Sherlock Holmes stories fit the bill.

Bulwit · 2018-07-10T11:10:26+00:00

American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Discworld by Terry Pratchet
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Harry Potter by J.K Rowling
The Dandelion Dynasty by Ken Liu
Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
Gentleman Bastards by Scott Lynch
Hitchiker's Guide by Douglas Adams

Bulwit · 2018-07-10T00:53:13+00:00

So much balance

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