New this month: a tale of religious fervor by Daryl Gregory; two pieces on luck from two Michaels: one from Kandel, the other from Libling; a stunning Cambodian modern day fantasy from Geoff Ryman; post-apocalyptica from Carol Emshwiller; some ghostly Hollywood humor from Ron Goulart; and John Morressy revisits the O’Farrisseys.
I just witnessed the most obnoxious slush submission EVER. Someone sent us a letter informing us of the impending arrival of his brilliant new story, along with a bunch of quotes from people he knows that say how good it is. But the best (or worst) part about the submission is that it was full of red, white, and blue stars, which got all over the place when I opened the envelope. And to make things worse, they’re made of some material that’s very static-clingy, so they’re very difficult to pick up and/or brush off your hands.
Advice: DON’T DO THIS.
SCI FI Wire just published a piece I wrote about Marvin Kaye’s forthcoming SFBC anthology, Forbidden Planets.
SCI FI Wire just published a piece I wrote about Sean Williams’s new novel, The Crooked Letter.
And the winner is… well, there is no true winner. I decided to go with something of my own. But here are my top five favorite suggestions
All five finalists will receive a prize even though I didn’t end up using their entry.
The title I chose is: “Laterna Magica.” I offered this up to Orson Scott Card, and he liked it, but suggested that “Magick Lanthorn” might be more immediately accessible to readers. In case you don’t know, here’s a definition: “a small optick machine, by means of which are represented on an opposite wall in an obscure place, many monstrous and hideous shapes terrifying to the beholder; and which, by those who are ignorant of the device, are thought to be effected by magick.” (And here’s another, more complex definition.)
I’m undecided on which is better. Perhaps a poll will help me decide. Look for one in the extended entry.
Subterranean Press is having a sale:
We’ve decided to clear some space, pay the taxes and a few vet bills, and let readers in on some great reading at unbelievable prices. Here’s the deal. Not everything is marked sale in our online store, but a ton of items are. Forthcoming and in-stock titles are included. There are a few rules, of course, but not too many:
1. You must order at least four SALE books to qualify for the 40% discount.
2. Limit one copy of each SALE title.
3. Books not marked SALE are at regular price.
4. Regular shipping charges apply.
5. Not valid with other coupons, offers, or savings certificates.That’s it. This sale won’t last long — we’ll pull it in the next day or two, so have at it.
Science Fiction Weekly just published my Interview with John Scalzi. This one is a full-length Q&A interview, not one of the short pieces I do for SCI FI Wire.
Go read it!
SCI FI Wire just published a piece I wrote about Ben Bova and his forthcoming novel, Titan.
So, as I noted in the previous post, I’ll be moderating a panel at Lunacon called “Ask the Editors,” with panelists Douglas Elliott Cohen, Marvin Kaye, Darrell Schweitzer, and Mike Penncavage.
Magazine editors discuss what they’re looking for, what they see too much of, and do’s and don’ts for genre short story writers and poets.
What sort of questions would you ask if you attended this panel? I’d like to go in with a list in case the audience needs a little help getting started. I think most of my readers are in the target audience for this sort of panel, so speak up: what would you want to ask?
The preliminary Lunacon schedule is now available. Here’s what panels I’m on:
Friday
The Art of Review & Criticism
A panel of experts reviews the state of the “art” of fantasy review and criticism. Is there too much out there? Too little? Are reviews helping or harming the field? Where can a reader go for reliable reviews? And, of course, what practical things can a writer do to insure a fair review?
Friday
Science Fiction about Mars
A discussion of the tradition of Mars exploration stories in SF, exploring the evolution of the subgenre from its planetary romance roots to the current hard SF mission-to-Mars stories.
Saturday 11:00-noon Yale (Kim Kindya [M], John Joseph Adams, Zach Eskinazi)
Battlestar Galactica in the post Sept-11 World
Enemy sleeper agents, suicide bombers, religious disputes, anti-war protesters, abortion debates – the evening news, or the latest episode of our favorite SF TV show? Is BSG the latest example of how SF TV uses metaphor and a fictional world to create a “safe distance” for discussing contemporary hot-button issues, fears, and anxieties?
Saturday
Ask the Editors
Magazine editors discuss what they’re looking for, what they see too much of, and do’s and don’ts for genre short story writers and poets.
Saturday
Escaping the Slushpile
What makes an unsolicited manuscript catch an editor’s eye?
Saturday
Lost: Science and Reason vs. Faith
How does the show Lost use conflicts between such characters as Jack vs. Locke to debate this eternal philosophical tug-of-war. (Is Hurley crazy for believing that the Numbers are cursed, or is he right? What is the role of Claire’s baby – savior, shaman, or just an innocent child caught in the wrong place at the wrong time? Was the episode with Charlie’s dreams a valid religious allegory or a clumsy attempt at cheesy mysticism? Are they setting up some kind of conflict between Baby Aaron and young Walt’s creepy powers?)
Sunday
Who Are the Next Generation of Writers?
A look at some of the young and upcoming writers in the genres and what to expect from them. Which youngsters are going to shape the future of the genre, and just what will it look like when they’re through with it?
Sunday noon-1:00 p.m. Dunhill (John Hertz, Douglas Elliott Cohen, Marvin Kaye, Wendy Delmater [M], John Joseph Adams)
The State of
Are there signs of a resurgance in the SF magazine market? Where is the magazine field going, and what will it look like when it gets there?