sean guynes
@guynes.bsky.social
critic and cultural historian of fantasy, horror, sf + senior acquiring editor, @leverpress.bsky.social + associate editor of sf, @lareviewofbooks.bsky.social + read more: seanguynes.com
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Ballantine Adult Fantasy: Reading “Tolkien: A Look Behind The Lord of the Rings” by Lin Carter
The tenth essay in my Ballantine Adult Fantasy reading series, which looks at Lin Carter’s curious non-fiction study Tolkien: A Look Behind The Lord of the Rings (1969), a book that helped pa…
seanguynes.com
My latest essay in the Ballantine Adult Fantasy reading series is about Lin Carter's Tolkien: A Look Behind The Lord of the Rings, his 1969 book about, well, Tolkien. It's also Carter's attempt to tell the history of "epic fantasy." It's messy and weird but, as I argue, really important:
Reposted by sean guynes
Like it or not this technology is here to stay and if you don’t use it you’ll fall behind in your industry
November 16, 2025 at 11:51 PM
Like it or not this technology is here to stay and if you don’t use it you’ll fall behind in your industry
Reposted by sean guynes
Tomorrow!
Coming Monday, a double-hitter:
(1) My 10k word essay reflecting on Elizabeth Kostova's THE HISTORIAN (2005).
(2) An episode of @mealofthorns.bsky.social that I guested on to talk about Kostova's really rather mediocre novel. Sorry to have made @casella.bsky.social read this 700-page monstrosity.
(1) My 10k word essay reflecting on Elizabeth Kostova's THE HISTORIAN (2005).
(2) An episode of @mealofthorns.bsky.social that I guested on to talk about Kostova's really rather mediocre novel. Sorry to have made @casella.bsky.social read this 700-page monstrosity.
November 16, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Tomorrow!
Reposted by sean guynes
As an acquisitions editor, this is my personal nightmare.
Hey folks. I have spent *days* reading and meticulously drafting comments on a very lengthy manuscript. Which I have just found includes an AI-faked quote. Attributed to ME.
Here is a thread of my feelings
Here is a thread of my feelings
a man in a blue shirt says " i am untethered and my rage knows no bounds ! "
ALT: a man in a blue shirt says " i am untethered and my rage knows no bounds ! "
media.tenor.com
November 16, 2025 at 7:39 PM
As an acquisitions editor, this is my personal nightmare.
Reposted by sean guynes
Coming Monday, a double-hitter:
(1) My 10k word essay reflecting on Elizabeth Kostova's THE HISTORIAN (2005).
(2) An episode of @mealofthorns.bsky.social that I guested on to talk about Kostova's really rather mediocre novel. Sorry to have made @casella.bsky.social read this 700-page monstrosity.
(1) My 10k word essay reflecting on Elizabeth Kostova's THE HISTORIAN (2005).
(2) An episode of @mealofthorns.bsky.social that I guested on to talk about Kostova's really rather mediocre novel. Sorry to have made @casella.bsky.social read this 700-page monstrosity.
November 16, 2025 at 12:12 AM
Coming Monday, a double-hitter:
(1) My 10k word essay reflecting on Elizabeth Kostova's THE HISTORIAN (2005).
(2) An episode of @mealofthorns.bsky.social that I guested on to talk about Kostova's really rather mediocre novel. Sorry to have made @casella.bsky.social read this 700-page monstrosity.
(1) My 10k word essay reflecting on Elizabeth Kostova's THE HISTORIAN (2005).
(2) An episode of @mealofthorns.bsky.social that I guested on to talk about Kostova's really rather mediocre novel. Sorry to have made @casella.bsky.social read this 700-page monstrosity.
Coming Monday, a double-hitter:
(1) My 10k word essay reflecting on Elizabeth Kostova's THE HISTORIAN (2005).
(2) An episode of @mealofthorns.bsky.social that I guested on to talk about Kostova's really rather mediocre novel. Sorry to have made @casella.bsky.social read this 700-page monstrosity.
(1) My 10k word essay reflecting on Elizabeth Kostova's THE HISTORIAN (2005).
(2) An episode of @mealofthorns.bsky.social that I guested on to talk about Kostova's really rather mediocre novel. Sorry to have made @casella.bsky.social read this 700-page monstrosity.
November 16, 2025 at 12:12 AM
Coming Monday, a double-hitter:
(1) My 10k word essay reflecting on Elizabeth Kostova's THE HISTORIAN (2005).
(2) An episode of @mealofthorns.bsky.social that I guested on to talk about Kostova's really rather mediocre novel. Sorry to have made @casella.bsky.social read this 700-page monstrosity.
(1) My 10k word essay reflecting on Elizabeth Kostova's THE HISTORIAN (2005).
(2) An episode of @mealofthorns.bsky.social that I guested on to talk about Kostova's really rather mediocre novel. Sorry to have made @casella.bsky.social read this 700-page monstrosity.
OK -- this is a long shot -- but does *anyone* have a copy of either of these two books about Lin Carter? (in the thread) They are hellishly difficult to find; I can't even find them from used sellers or on auction sites at any price!
November 15, 2025 at 7:05 PM
OK -- this is a long shot -- but does *anyone* have a copy of either of these two books about Lin Carter? (in the thread) They are hellishly difficult to find; I can't even find them from used sellers or on auction sites at any price!
Oooh, excellent retrospective and introduction to CL Moore!
Catherine Lucille Moore was an important writer in science fiction, fantasy, & weirds. This retrospective of her early career covers her entire output at WEIRD TALES & correspondence with Lovecraft, Robert E. Howard, & other writers who helped shape her as a writer.
deepcuts.blog/2025/11/15/d...
deepcuts.blog/2025/11/15/d...
Deeper Cut: C. L. Moore Early Career Retrospective
The writing life of Catherine Lucille Moore (24 Jan 1911 – 4 Apr 1987) can be roughly divided into five periods, dominated by major life events: C. L. Moore Before The Pulps (1911-1930): Her juveni…
deepcuts.blog
November 15, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Oooh, excellent retrospective and introduction to CL Moore!
Reposted by sean guynes
My latest essay in the Ballantine Adult Fantasy reading series is about Lin Carter's Tolkien: A Look Behind The Lord of the Rings, his 1969 book about, well, Tolkien. It's also Carter's attempt to tell the history of "epic fantasy." It's messy and weird but, as I argue, really important:
Ballantine Adult Fantasy: Reading “Tolkien: A Look Behind The Lord of the Rings” by Lin Carter
The tenth essay in my Ballantine Adult Fantasy reading series, which looks at Lin Carter’s curious non-fiction study Tolkien: A Look Behind The Lord of the Rings (1969), a book that helped pa…
seanguynes.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:15 AM
My latest essay in the Ballantine Adult Fantasy reading series is about Lin Carter's Tolkien: A Look Behind The Lord of the Rings, his 1969 book about, well, Tolkien. It's also Carter's attempt to tell the history of "epic fantasy." It's messy and weird but, as I argue, really important:
My latest essay in the Ballantine Adult Fantasy reading series is about Lin Carter's Tolkien: A Look Behind The Lord of the Rings, his 1969 book about, well, Tolkien. It's also Carter's attempt to tell the history of "epic fantasy." It's messy and weird but, as I argue, really important:
Ballantine Adult Fantasy: Reading “Tolkien: A Look Behind The Lord of the Rings” by Lin Carter
The tenth essay in my Ballantine Adult Fantasy reading series, which looks at Lin Carter’s curious non-fiction study Tolkien: A Look Behind The Lord of the Rings (1969), a book that helped pa…
seanguynes.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:15 AM
My latest essay in the Ballantine Adult Fantasy reading series is about Lin Carter's Tolkien: A Look Behind The Lord of the Rings, his 1969 book about, well, Tolkien. It's also Carter's attempt to tell the history of "epic fantasy." It's messy and weird but, as I argue, really important:
Reposted by sean guynes
When I edit an academic book manuscript, one of the key things I do is ask: "What does this [book, chapter, section] promise to do? And what does it ACTUALLY do?"
These questions may seem simple, but they take a lot of time to answer, and they generate incredibly helpful insights!
#AmEditing
These questions may seem simple, but they take a lot of time to answer, and they generate incredibly helpful insights!
#AmEditing
November 13, 2025 at 5:35 PM
When I edit an academic book manuscript, one of the key things I do is ask: "What does this [book, chapter, section] promise to do? And what does it ACTUALLY do?"
These questions may seem simple, but they take a lot of time to answer, and they generate incredibly helpful insights!
#AmEditing
These questions may seem simple, but they take a lot of time to answer, and they generate incredibly helpful insights!
#AmEditing
Reposted by sean guynes
35) Jessica Amanda Salmonson deserves more kudos.
As a writer, Salmonson's work is definitely a continuation of the WEIRD TALES tradition, including historical adventure fiction, S&S, horror, weird fiction, & poetry. Sadly, her peak of influence has passed, & not enough people read her now.
As a writer, Salmonson's work is definitely a continuation of the WEIRD TALES tradition, including historical adventure fiction, S&S, horror, weird fiction, & poetry. Sadly, her peak of influence has passed, & not enough people read her now.
November 12, 2025 at 3:44 PM
35) Jessica Amanda Salmonson deserves more kudos.
As a writer, Salmonson's work is definitely a continuation of the WEIRD TALES tradition, including historical adventure fiction, S&S, horror, weird fiction, & poetry. Sadly, her peak of influence has passed, & not enough people read her now.
As a writer, Salmonson's work is definitely a continuation of the WEIRD TALES tradition, including historical adventure fiction, S&S, horror, weird fiction, & poetry. Sadly, her peak of influence has passed, & not enough people read her now.
This show fucking rocks. Best debut show in a long while.
🚨Deadloch heads: S2 of the Aussie crime satire/drama (it's good!) arrives on Amazon Prime March 20. Many chaotic Aussie weirdos return/debut. But HEADS UP they have added a Hemsworth (Luke)! This is not a drill! Kudos to the hair & costume team for this whole deal. www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/st...
November 12, 2025 at 2:21 PM
This show fucking rocks. Best debut show in a long while.
I love when a 90s/00s sf show is like "welcome to our advanced alien planet" and it's a concrete plaza in Vancouver, Canada.
November 12, 2025 at 2:12 PM
I love when a 90s/00s sf show is like "welcome to our advanced alien planet" and it's a concrete plaza in Vancouver, Canada.
Wow, I don't play any TRPGs right now -- haven't since college, sadly -- but this looks incredible. Gorgeous art and important historical fantasy!
Carved in Stone is officially out!
In this comprehensive setting guide you'll be able to see, touch, taste, hear and smell your way through everything that modern-day scholars currently know of the enigmatic culture of the Picts, from the perspective of someone living in the late 7th Century.
In this comprehensive setting guide you'll be able to see, touch, taste, hear and smell your way through everything that modern-day scholars currently know of the enigmatic culture of the Picts, from the perspective of someone living in the late 7th Century.
November 12, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Wow, I don't play any TRPGs right now -- haven't since college, sadly -- but this looks incredible. Gorgeous art and important historical fantasy!
Reposted by sean guynes
this is literally never not accurate
November 10, 2025 at 6:32 PM
this is literally never not accurate
Reposted by sean guynes
Hoping this helps our colleagues across the industry
November 5, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Hoping this helps our colleagues across the industry
The new official Star Trek: Khan podcast starring Naveen Andrews and Wrenn Schmidt is surprisingly really fucking good. And I say "surprisingly" because I think Khan is such a boring character. I only reluctantly started the podcast, but I'm glad I did.
November 9, 2025 at 11:58 PM
The new official Star Trek: Khan podcast starring Naveen Andrews and Wrenn Schmidt is surprisingly really fucking good. And I say "surprisingly" because I think Khan is such a boring character. I only reluctantly started the podcast, but I'm glad I did.
Reposted by sean guynes
Continuing with my obsessive effort to read all of Thomas Burnett Swann's novels, in this essay I take a look at his fourth novel, THE FOREST OF FOREVER (1971), which is a prequel to his first novel, DAY OF THE MINOTAUR (1966).
It's... messy. But interesting! Interestingly messy!
It's... messy. But interesting! Interestingly messy!
Reading “The Forest of Forever” by Thomas Burnett Swann
Thomas Burnett Swann’s The Forest of Forever (1971) is the author’s fourth novel, a prequel to his first novel, Day of the Minotaur (1966). It’s a mediocre and somewhat messy return to …
seanguynes.com
November 8, 2025 at 3:49 AM
Continuing with my obsessive effort to read all of Thomas Burnett Swann's novels, in this essay I take a look at his fourth novel, THE FOREST OF FOREVER (1971), which is a prequel to his first novel, DAY OF THE MINOTAUR (1966).
It's... messy. But interesting! Interestingly messy!
It's... messy. But interesting! Interestingly messy!
Reposted by sean guynes
Other acquisitions editors: I have multiple authors, some under contract, one who has even had their book approved by the editorial board, who just don't respond to emails. For years.
Is this normal? It's so frustrating that they won't just send a brief response, anything!
Is this normal? It's so frustrating that they won't just send a brief response, anything!
November 7, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Other acquisitions editors: I have multiple authors, some under contract, one who has even had their book approved by the editorial board, who just don't respond to emails. For years.
Is this normal? It's so frustrating that they won't just send a brief response, anything!
Is this normal? It's so frustrating that they won't just send a brief response, anything!
Another of my recent acquisitions for @lareviewofbooks.bsky.social, this time a great review of Star Trek: Strange New World, season 3, in all its unholy messiness.
Hat tip to @gerrycanavan.bsky.social for letting us borrow his joke for the piece's title.
Hat tip to @gerrycanavan.bsky.social for letting us borrow his joke for the piece's title.
Strange New Lows | Los Angeles Review of Books
Adam Kotsko boldly goes into season three of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” with high expectations.
lareviewofbooks.org
November 7, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Another of my recent acquisitions for @lareviewofbooks.bsky.social, this time a great review of Star Trek: Strange New World, season 3, in all its unholy messiness.
Hat tip to @gerrycanavan.bsky.social for letting us borrow his joke for the piece's title.
Hat tip to @gerrycanavan.bsky.social for letting us borrow his joke for the piece's title.
Sure, yes, but a European saying "civilized societies"? 🤔
"Europeans recognize his vision about free public transit and universal childcare. We expect our governments to make these kinds of services accessible to all of us,” said Verbeek. “We pay higher taxes and get civilized societies in return."
Europeans recognize Zohran Mamdani’s supposedly radical policies as ‘normal’
Critics of New York City’s mayor-elect have said his pledges of free bus service and universal childcare are unrealistic, but in Europe it’s a given
www.theguardian.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Sure, yes, but a European saying "civilized societies"? 🤔
Reposted by sean guynes
Getting word that the Pope just said, “Habibis…” before addressing the Cardinals
November 5, 2025 at 3:30 AM
Getting word that the Pope just said, “Habibis…” before addressing the Cardinals
Reposted by sean guynes
