Bujold’s Hunt Based On Books
SCI FI Wire just published a piece I wrote about Lois McMaster Bujold’s recent Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature nomination for her novel The Hallowed Hunt.
SCI FI Wire just published a piece I wrote about Lois McMaster Bujold’s recent Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature nomination for her novel The Hallowed Hunt.
Science Fiction Weekly just published my interview with James Patrick Kelly and John Kessel, which is focused on the release of their new slipstream anthology, Feeling Very Strange. This one’s a full-length Q&A, not one of the short pieces I do for SCI FI Wire.
Here’s an excerpt:
Kessel: I’ve been interested in fiction that bends the genres for a long time, and have tried some of it myself. Ever since Bruce Sterling’s essay of 1989 gave a new name to such fiction, I’ve wondered if it might become a recognizable form. One thing that I wanted to do in the anthology was show some of the writers not normally associated with SF or fantasy who are writing this kind of work. By putting some of their stories next to ones from writers normally associated with genre fiction, like Howard Waldrop and Ted Chiang, I hope that we can see more clearly what slipstream fiction might be. Although part of me objects to trying to take the magic these writers practice and turn it into a mundane genre, another part of me would not mind seeing a “Slipstream” shelf in every bookstore. We could debate which books belong on it and which should absolutely not be allowed to sully it.
Go read it, then come back and tell me how awesome it is.
SCI FI Wire just published a piece I wrote about Nick Sagan’s latest novel, Everfree, which concludes his debut trilogy.
Intergalactic Medicine Show just published the latest installment of my TV/DVD review column, Camera Obscura. This time around, I review the DVD of Natural City, a Korean SF film in the vein of Blade Runner.
[Excerpt:] Director Byung-chun Min says that Natural City was his attempt to make the first great Korean SF film. He didn’t quite succeed in that lofty ambition, but he did come damn close; the film does have great directing, acting, cinematography, and special effects. Alas, the only thing it’s lacking is a great, or even totally coherent, plot.
Fantastic Genres II:
Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror
and Children’s Literature
SUNY New Paltz
Following the success of the first Fantastic Genres conference in late April-early May of 2004, the second conference once again looks to bring together writers, editors, critics, and academics in dialogue about the fantastic genres. Taking place over Columbus Day weekend of 2006, (October 6-8), the conference will host a range of programming including fiction and poetry readings, academic papers, and panel discussions on topics ranging from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein to the narrative elements of Role-Playing Computer Games.
Keynote Writer:
John Crowley
From the beginning of his career, John Crowley has been among the most innovative and exciting writers working in the fantastic genres. His Little, Big (1981) has achieved the status of modern classic, while subsequent works such as The Translator (2002) and Lord Byron’s Novel: The Evening Land (2005) have solidified his accomplishment.
Keynote Critic:
Joan Gordon
Reviews editor for Science Fiction Studies, Joan Gordon is the author of a critical study of Gene Wolfe, and co-editor of the anthologies Blood Read: The Vampire as Metaphor in Contemporary Culture (1997) and Edging into the Future: Science Fiction and Contemporary Cultural Transformation (2002). She is Professor of English at
Other Scheduled Guests:
John Joseph Adams, Marleen Barr, Dave Belden, Rick Bowes, Chris Cevasco, Michael Cisco, Douglas E. Cohen, F. Brett Cox, Jeffrey Ford, Alexander Irvine, Sarah Langan, Nick Mamatas, Sarah Micklem, Kim Paffenroth, Helen Pilinovsky, Veronica Schanoes, Amy Tibbetts, Gordon Van Gelder, Ysabeau Wilce, Paul Witcover
If you’re a science fiction/fantasy/horror professional, and you’d like to participate, contact conference administrator John Langan (langanj@newpaltz.edu).
Conference Fee:
Admission to the conference is $35.00, payable by check or money order to SUNY New Paltz. Please mail payments to John Langan at the address below. SUNY New Paltz students with a valid student I.D. may attend the conference at no charge.
Lodging Options:
There are a number of lodging options available within a relatively brief drive to the SUNY New Paltz Campus. The 87 Motel offers affordable rooms and rates; the area is also home to the Mohonk Mountain House and Minnewaska Lodge, both of which offer more deluxe accommodations. For a complete list of local motels, hotels, and bed and breakfasts, please consult the New Paltz Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, contact:
John Langan (langanj@newpaltz.edu)
SUNY New Paltz
75 South Manheim Blvd.
New
845-257-2736
SUNY New Paltz Homepage
(includes driving directions)
SCI FI Wire just published a piece I wrote about Diana Pharaoh Francis’s new novel, Path of Blood, which concludes her Path of Fate series.
It’s Slush Writer Appreciation Month! What shall we do to celebrate this year?
(Thanks to Patrick M. for reminding me.)
What was your favorite story in the June 2006 issue? Vote in the poll! Let your voice be heard!
F&SF 6/06: Favorite Story Poll
VOTING HAS CLOSED
Selection
Votes
Halluciegnia – Laird Barron
33%
Animal Magnetism – Albert E. Cowdrey
12%
Counterfactual – Gardner Dozois
14%
The Protectors of Zendor – John Morressy
4%
Why the Aliens Did What They Did to That Suburb of Madison, Wisconsin – Tim McDaniel
12%
Terms of Engagement – C.S. Friedman
4%
I wasn’t overly impressed by any of them.
20%