The Shelf Warmers

This week, we discuss the different philosophies that guide two major superheroes, Spider-Man and Batman, as well as cultural reactions to them. Both are aspirational, but differ greatly in their relationship to their aspirants both in and out of the narrative. Links: BUY Stargun Messenger! Subscribe to Darby's newsletter for FREE fiction and updates! Instagram:  shelfwarmerspod Twitter:  @She...

We discuss the Irish rock icon and protest singer Sinead O'Connor, who passed away recently. Rest in peace, Sinead.

This week we discuss Imposter Syndrome in art and other aspects of life. Take a listen and let us know your thoughts! Links: Imposters, Insiders, and Interlopers by Amy Rowland BUY Stargun Messenger! Subscribe to Darby's newsletter for FREE fiction and updates! Instagram:  shelfwarmerspod Twitter:  @ShelfWarmers Original theme music by Sugu!

This week we discuss a question writers ask all the time: where do you start with a novel? How do you begin the process that will take you from the blank page to a finished book? We talk about some ways you can based on Darby's experiences. Take a listen and let us know your thoughts! Links: BUY Stargun Messenger! Subscribe to Darby's newsletter for FREE fiction and updates! Instagram:  sh...

This week we discuss Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse! Is it a better movie than the original? Does it take full advantage of its narrative potential? How many Spider-Men is too many and there is such a thing? Take a listen and let us know your thoughts! Links: BUY Stargun Messenger! Subscribe to Darby's newsletter for FREE fiction and updates! Instagram:  shelfwarmerspod Twitter:  @ShelfWa...

This week we talk about platforms and where do you go when there's nowhere to go? This episode was recorded before the announcement and release of Threads, the Meta Twitter competitor. But we discuss Twitter alternatives, federated spaces, and how being an independent artist suffers when social media collapses into chaos. Take a listen and let us know your thoughts! Links: BUY Stargun Messenge...

This week we talk about SPOILERS! Or actually, we don't. Why are spoilers such a difficult subject in pop culture? Where did this even come from? Is it healthy or necessary for readers/viewers? Take a listen and let us know your thoughts! Links: BUY Stargun Messenger! Subscribe to Darby's newsletter for FREE fiction and updates! Instagram:  shelfwarmerspod Twitter:  @ShelfWarmers Original...

This week, we talk to author Marc J. Sylvester! Marc is the author of "Little Ace", a children's book, and "Infinite," an anime project! Marc's creative talents have taken him around the world and reflect his unique life experience. Take a listen to this amazing young artist! Links: Crazy Clowne Entertainment BUY Stargun Messenger! Subscribe to Darby's newsletter fo...

This week, we discuss Darby selling his books for the first time at a comic book convention. How did it go? What were the lessons learned? Will he do it again?!? Take a listen and let us know your thoughts! Links: BUY Stargun Messenger! Subscribe to Darby's newsletter for FREE fiction and updates! Instagram:  shelfwarmerspod Twitter:  @ShelfWarmers Original theme music by Sugu!

In this episode, Sugu and Darby discuss the steps required to take his novel Nothing Ever Ends from a draft to a finished book. What is the editing process? The design process? What are beta readers? Do you need sensitivity readers? What programs do you use? We discuss all that and more! Take a listen and let us know your thoughts! Links: BUY Stargun Messenger! Subscribe to Darby's newsletter...

What does success mean for an independent author? What are the different routes to it? We discuss Darby's journey into selling books at conventions and where he goes from here in this week's episode. Take a listen and let us know your thoughts! Links: BUY Stargun Messenger! Subscribe to Darby's newsletter for FREE fiction and updates! Instagram:  shelfwarmerspod Twitter:  @ShelfWarmers...

Sugu recaps his experience at the first-ever Osaka Comic Con! How was this different or similar to other conventions in Japan or the United States? What amazing artists did Sugu meet? Take a listen! Links: BUY Stargun Messenger! Subscribe to Darby's newsletter for FREE fiction and updates! Instagram:  shelfwarmerspod Twitter:  @ShelfWarmers Original theme music by Sugu!

Last time on The Shelfwarmers Podcast... We finish our discussion on Star Trek: Picard, focusing on the last four episodes. SPOILERS! How did it end? What did we think? Take a listen and let us know your thoughts! Links: BUY Stargun Messenger! Subscribe to Darby's newsletter for FREE fiction and updates! Instagram:  shelfwarmerspod Twitter:  @ShelfWarmers Original theme music by Sugu!

We discuss the first six episodes of Star Trek: Picard Season 3! SPOILERS!!! What do we think of the big Next Generation reunion? Is there such a thing as too much fan service? Take a listen and let us know your thoughts! Links: BUY Stargun Messenger! Subscribe to Darby's newsletter for FREE fiction and updates! Instagram:  shelfwarmerspod Twitter:  @ShelfWarmers Original theme music by Sugu!

This week, we talk about SPOILERS in Star Wars: The Bad Batch and the larger conversation surrounding representation in media. How does representation conflict with, well, conflict? Drama? What happens when your favorite show finally represents you on screen and then kills the character off? Is this always a bad trope or is there more to it? Take a listen and let us know your thoughts! Links: PRE-...

This week, we discuss the challenges #indieauthors face in selling their books. Does handselling books at conventions work? What are the factors you should consider in doing so? #indieapril Take a listen and let us know your thoughts! Links: PRE-ORDER Stargun Messenger! www.darbyharn.com Ben Wolf, Author Instagram:  shelfwarmerspod Twitter:  @ShelfWarmers Original theme music by Sugu!

Is 'exhausted liberalism' to blame for Star Trek's current malaise? Is there a current malaise? A recent article suggests that's the case and we break it all down to find out why modern Trek is not that great (unless it is). Take a listen and let us know your thoughts! Links: SAD TREK by Alan Rome PRE-ORDER Stargun Messenger! www.darbyharn.com Instagram:  shelfwarmerspod Twitter: ...

We break down the big reveals from Star Wars Celebration 2023 including Rey coming back to restore the Jedi! The new Ahsoka trailer! And more! Come with us to a galaxy far, far away, and let us know what you think! Links: PRE-ORDER Stargun Messenger! www.darbyharn.com Instagram:  shelfwarmerspod Twitter:  @ShelfWarmers Original theme music by Sugu!

U2 released a new record of old songs and it got us thinking - what happens when the artistic well has run dry? Is there a natural end to creativity? Can you recharge? We have thoughts! Take a listen and let us know your thoughts! Links: PRE-ORDER Stargun Messenger! www.darbyharn.com Instagram:  shelfwarmerspod Twitter:  @ShelfWarmers Original theme music by Sugu!

We catch up on The Mandalorian Chapters 21 and 22... and it feels like the show has losst The Way. Where is the drama? Conflict? Has Din Djarin become a bystander in his own show? Take a listen and let us know your thoughts! Links: PRE-ORDER Stargun Messenger! www.darbyharn.com Instagram:  shelfwarmerspod Twitter:  @ShelfWarmers Original theme music by Sugu!

Wired published a feature on fantasy author Brandon Sanderson and let's just say there was a reaction. We discuss the article, which at best just doesn't know what it's doing and at worst is a deliberate hit piece on Sanderson and fandom writ large. We have thoughts! Take a listen and let us know your thoughts! Links: Brandon Sanderson Is Your God - WIRED PRE-ORDER Stargun Messenger! w...

This week, we discuss the mystifying and complicated cancelation - pause? - for Willow on Disney+. We have thoughts about the wisdom in ending a show that found viewers, is IP Disney is going to exploit anyway, and also provides necessary representation in the streaming landscape. Take a listen and let us know your thoughts! Links: PRE-ORDER Stargun Messenger! www.darbyharn.com Instagram:  shelfwa...

The Mandalorian Chapter 20 gives fans a MAJOR and fun reveal on how Grogu escaped Order 66. It also delves into Bo-Katan's continuing and unexpected journey as a convert into The Way. Also, maybe the Mandalorians should find a safer spot for their lair. Just saying. Take a listen and let us know your thoughts! Links: PRE-ORDER Stargun Messenger! www.darbyharn.com Instagram:  shelfwarmerspod Tw...

We discuss the design process behind the cover for Darby's forthcoming space opera, STARGUN MESSENGER! What goes into making a great book cover? Why is it so hard? And why is Al Hess the illustrator so awesome? Take a listen and let us know your thoughts! Links: PRE-ORDER Stargun Messenger! Find out more about Al Hess! www.darbyharn.com Instagram: shelfwarmerspod Twitter: @ShelfWarmers Original th...

The Mandalorian Chapter 19 borrows a page from Andor to extremely satisfying results. The show takes a complex detour to Coruscant while also advancing Bo-Katan's story arc in unexpected ways. What does this episode mean for the show's future? Is bureaucracy just bureaucracy whatever name you put on it?  Take a listen and let us know your thoughts! Links: PRE-ORDER Stargun Messenger! www.darb...