Agent to the Stars – John Scalzi (Read This)

As I have mentioned here before, I read Hugo Award-nominated author John Scalzi’s blog Whatever every day. On this very entertaining blog he writes about anything from politics, to writing, to everyday stuff. One of the best features of the site is that he interviews various up and coming authors (actually posted on his other blog, but linked on Whatever) which is a nice way to learn about books you would normally not hear about as well as to read different author’s advice on writing. Anyhow, check out Whatever when you get the chance.

The purpose of this post, however, is not to trumped Scalzi’s blog. Rather, I would like to bring to your attention Scalzi’s novel, Agent to the Stars, which he has posted on-line entirely for free. The neat part about the novel is that he wrote it as a challenge to himself – he wanted to see if he could do it. Then, once it was written he tried to sell it, but could not find any takers. So, he decided to release it on-line and asked people to send some money if they liked it. It turns out they did like the novel and he received about $4000, but not only that he credits his experience with Agent to the Stars in helping him sell his next novel. You can read more about this process in his Introduction to Agent to the Stars.

This is all well and good, but you may be asking me, “Is it any good?”. The answer to that would be a resounding “yes!”. I am really enjoying this novel and I wish I had a hard copy to read at home. The novel is funny and well written and though I am on Chapter 11, it has not lost my interest. The plot of the novel involves an up-and-coming agent who finds himself having to represent an alien species who have an “image problem” and who would like to be sold to the Earth public. My discription does not give the story justice, so just check it out and let me know what you think. I think you will enjoy it.