Scott Sigler is the Future Dark Overlord™. That's what he says. We believe him. He has a pair of chicken scissors ready if we dare say otherwise. So that's what we'll all say "Oh, hail Future Dark Overlord!"
On a more serious note, there is a reason why we chose Scott to be our FU of the Week -- he epitomizes the FU. He's a science fiction horror novelist who took matters into his own hands after getting rejection letter after rejection letter. And they didn't involve sharp deadly weapons, though some may consider podcasting equipment just that.
Armed with two turn tables and a microphone -- okay, okay, a mic, a mac and audio editing software -- Scott began recording his books and offering them up as free podcasts. He even went as far as turning his small closet into a recording studio, which he appropriately calls The Closet of Doom. I can only imagine all the dark ideas that are born in that dark room.
Gaining a large following, he was then able to stick out his tongue at those pesky book publishers and say "See, I told you so." They in turn concurred and offered him a book deal. Nicely played.
Just because the Future Dark Overlord is working with a book publisher now doesn't mean that he's abandoned the web. In fact, it's the opposite. You can still get a taste of the free sci-fi podcast by listening to Nocturnal Episode #1 and Infected Episode #1. If you like what you hear, make sure to subscribe to his stuff through iTunes.
And if you like all that, we're giving away a signed copy of Infected as well as one of the audio books. So be sure to let us know if you want it at epicfu.com/giveaway. And let Scott himself know you're dig his stuff by checking out his web site and joining the cult.
It just goes to show us all that if we're passionate about the work we produce, there will always be people who get it and support what we do. And especially that if there is a will, there is always a way -- and if there's not a way, we can always take to the chicken scissors.
Allen Sale (aka Astral Guardian) said:
Scott is a true pioneer; ambitious and forward thinking. I like to think of him as the Julius Caesar of podcasting. (And if anyone thinks of taking that literally, consider that a death wish.) He manages to take the time to connect with us, his Junkies; whether it is through email, over IM, or on Twitter, he lets us know what he's doing. When he's stuck on a plot point, he asks for help. I personally can remember one instance where we brainstormed over a two hour period. He is quite animated, engaging, and cordial; both enthusiastic about getting the job done and helping others to achieve success. His ambition and drive is to be emulated. It is because of all of this that I was inspired to jump into the podcasting arena, and Scott is my biggest critic (as well as one of the first people to subscribe). He markets himself well and teaches others how to do the same. This is my first time here, but an awesome way to get broken in by watching my FDO™ at work. Great interview!
