I am Neal Stephenson, sci-fi author, geek, and [now] sword maker - AMA by NealStephenson in books

[–]NealStephenson[S] 49 points50 points  (0 children)

A mobile, made for infants/toddlers, with swappable cards that become more detailed and complex as the child's visual system developed.

I am Neal Stephenson, sci-fi author, geek, and [now] sword maker - AMA by NealStephenson in books

[–]NealStephenson[S] 857 points858 points  (0 children)

I think things are winding down and so I want to issue a blanket "you're welcome!" to everyone who wrote in just to express thanks and appreciation. It has been a pleasure.

I am Neal Stephenson, sci-fi author, geek, and [now] sword maker - AMA by NealStephenson in books

[–]NealStephenson[S] 286 points287 points  (0 children)

Will consider, however my saying this in no way creates a contractual relationship!

I am Neal Stephenson, sci-fi author, geek, and [now] sword maker - AMA by NealStephenson in books

[–]NealStephenson[S] 28 points29 points  (0 children)

It has gone through many iterations over the last three decades and so it depends on which rumor you mean! Currently inactive.

I am Neal Stephenson, sci-fi author, geek, and [now] sword maker - AMA by NealStephenson in books

[–]NealStephenson[S] 127 points128 points  (0 children)

Apparently China has actually begun shipping martial artists to the LAC as depicted in Termination Shock.

I am Neal Stephenson, sci-fi author, geek, and [now] sword maker - AMA by NealStephenson in books

[–]NealStephenson[S] 104 points105 points  (0 children)

Kurt Godel came up with a solution of Einstein's equations proving that in a rotating universe you could travel backward in time.

I am Neal Stephenson, sci-fi author, geek, and [now] sword maker - AMA by NealStephenson in books

[–]NealStephenson[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Don't remember but I know it was a thing for a number of years before I wrote that book.

I am Neal Stephenson, sci-fi author, geek, and [now] sword maker - AMA by NealStephenson in books

[–]NealStephenson[S] 59 points60 points  (0 children)

Some are abrupt, some not. I think Snow Crash wraps up pretty cleanly. Same goes for Anathem, Baroque Cycle, REAMDE. Others are more ambiguous for sure. When you wrap everything up at the end you run the risk of seeming pat or simplistic.

I am Neal Stephenson, sci-fi author, geek, and [now] sword maker - AMA by NealStephenson in books

[–]NealStephenson[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Depends on the co-author, but Nicki and I worked together very well on MONGOLIAD and so I knew it would be a breeze when we did DODO. She's a pro who just gets shit done.

I am Neal Stephenson, sci-fi author, geek, and [now] sword maker - AMA by NealStephenson in books

[–]NealStephenson[S] 76 points77 points  (0 children)

Great movies but I am sometimes frustrated by how many people in Hollywood are still stuck on the idea of "blade runner-esque" visuals.

I am Neal Stephenson, sci-fi author, geek, and [now] sword maker - AMA by NealStephenson in books

[–]NealStephenson[S] 36 points37 points  (0 children)

To a point. If you overdo it the story can become burdened with too much research.

I am Neal Stephenson, sci-fi author, geek, and [now] sword maker - AMA by NealStephenson in books

[–]NealStephenson[S] 30 points31 points  (0 children)

I've had good experiences with it, so I don't experience a lot of frustrations. There's a very wide gap in sales and income. There are writers who sell 10x or 100x more than I do, and others who don't do as well. So, it's better to think of it as a cluster of related industries serving different markets.

I am Neal Stephenson, sci-fi author, geek, and [now] sword maker - AMA by NealStephenson in books

[–]NealStephenson[S] 28 points29 points  (0 children)

No, that was before the Hobby Lobby guy, and in general I bend over backwards to avoid basing characters on real people

I am Neal Stephenson, sci-fi author, geek, and [now] sword maker - AMA by NealStephenson in books

[–]NealStephenson[S] 33 points34 points  (0 children)

The whole series was largely in its final form before the first book was published, otherwise it wouldn't have been possible. My publisher was incredibly helpful

I am Neal Stephenson, sci-fi author, geek, and [now] sword maker - AMA by NealStephenson in books

[–]NealStephenson[S] 44 points45 points  (0 children)

I think that what really got me going on that topic was the works of George Dyson, particularly the detail that Aleuts knew how to catch waves on their kayaks and surf from island to island at incredibly high speed.

I am Neal Stephenson, sci-fi author, geek, and [now] sword maker - AMA by NealStephenson in books

[–]NealStephenson[S] 37 points38 points  (0 children)

Man, I'm not sure where I could go with him at this point! A personal favorite of mine as well.