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Posts Tagged ‘genre fiction’

We gave a dinner party over the weekend and talk turned (as it does) to entertainment. When, one conversant asked, would the Game of Thrones books ever be published? I don’t know the answer to that question (obviously, but the timeline tells its own tale) but I was interested to read this take by editor and journalist Maddy Meyers.

If George R. R. Martin doesn’t want to write Winds of Winter, that’s OK – Polygon

…without speaking to the man or knowing him personally at all, I am nonetheless prepared to make the case that George R. R. Martin simply does not want to finish writing The Winds of Winter.

He’s just not into it. If he continues to force himself to do it, the end result will probably be a pretty terrible book — and I think he knows that, and that’s why he can’t finish it, because he doesn’t want to publish a bad book. The alternative? We don’t get the book at all. And for me, that’s actually preferable.

Honestly, I agree. While I’d love for him to finish the rest of the series, a bad book is far worse than no book at all.

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I recently signed up for artist Louisa Pressler’s newsletter. Because someday, I’d love to have her illustrate one of my books.

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As a follow-up to yesterday’s discussion of animal crossings as one way we can be kind to the other creatures with which we share this world, I decided to resurface a post from last year:

We Are Mirrors | J.R. Johnson

I came from the stars to meet you. I was happy. Excited, even. First contact with your verdant world. Think of all that we could share with you.

“You” could have meant a lot of things. I started with one of the most populous. An insect.

Go forth, and be kind.

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Photo by Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash

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Are you the sort of writer who can imagine a better future? Do you care about the climate? This may be the contest for you!

Imagine 2200 climate fiction contest 2024: Submit your story | Grist

Imagine 2200 is an invitation to writers from all over the globe to imagine a future in which solutions to the climate crisis flourish and help bring about radical improvements to our world. We dare you to dream anew… 

In 2,500 to 5,000 words, show us the world you dream of building…

There is no cost to enter. Submissions close June 24, 2024, 11:59 p.m. U.S. Pacific Time.

Here’s an example of a climate positive / “hey, maybe we will get out of this alive“ story:

Fishy by Alice Towey – Clarkesworld Magazine

I enjoyed it. Because I too dare to dream.

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Photo by Cristofer Maximilian on Unsplash

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The news, man, it can be heavy. If you’re in the market for lighter reads, put these short stories from Reactor (f.k.a. Tor.com, why are so many sites changing their names these days? like we don’t all have enough to keep track of) on your list. 

Six Seriously Funny Speculative Short Stories – Reactor

Haven’t read them all yet but I’m looking forward to it. For even more recommendations, scroll down to the page’s comment section. Readers have thoughts.

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I set out to write a post about climate fiction or reading the geophysical landscape or talking plants, but instead I detoured to write a drabble. Because some days are just like that.

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Help Wanted: Must Love Laser Sharks

The day dawned cold and dispirited. Nila gently set her coffee on the table to keep from screaming. Her mother had ejected her from The Lair exactly one year ago. 

She scanned the classifieds out of habit. A new ad caught her eye:

Assistant needed. Must:

  • understand the intricacies of shark breeding;
  • be comfortable with most weaponry (prepare for mortal danger);
  • be skilled in fire management (including molten lava).

Salary negotiable; you keep what you kill. 

Yes, please. Six months, twelve max, and she’d take over this aging villain’s empire. Her mother wouldn’t know what hit her.

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Photo by Jack Dong on Unsplash

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Field report on current story progress, the eighth day of May, 2024:

I have drafted three drabbles recently but sadly, have nothing yet to share. 

  • The first drabble is refusing to shrink to the appropriate length. 
  • The second drabble needs a twist, something spicy. 
  • And the third drabble is a tiny bit (way too) dark for these pages. (I mean, my nephews are mostly grown now but still, I try to keep it light.)

I plan to finish at least some of these projects soon, but no guarantees. One of the (many) ideas I started for last year’s Writers of the Future 24-hour story has been requesting my attention. And it’s hard to ignore a telepathic dirigible!

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Photo by Linus Sandvide on Unsplash

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Today is work work work but that doesn’t mean I’m not thinking about what’s good for the planet. If you are looking for ideas on what to do and how to do it, check out the Earth Day 2024 website or this Earth Day Action Toolkit.

And for ideas on how interacting with nature can help change our perspective, here’s an article by documentary film maker and student of octopi Craig Foster:

Earth Day 2024: ‘Saving the Planet’ Is the Wrong Goal

I was gifted with a new way of seeing the day I got mugged underwater…

Note to self: do not swim with novel shiny things!

As we’re discussing octopi and how they see the world, let me also recommend Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Is it fiction? Maybe!

(And yes, my favorite character was the octopus.)

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I looked at the calendar and realized that a year ago, I was fresh off the plane and joining my fellow Writers of the Future winners in Los Angeles. Sleep deprivation aside, the week-long workshop was a fascinating experience and one which opened connections to a great group of people. Meeting and learning from contest judges and other famous writers opened some amazing doors, of course, but joining a cohort of excellent new writers was also incredibly rewarding. 

If you are an amateur writer or illustrator with an interest in science fiction or fantasy, consider entering Writers of the Future. It’s free and includes four submission windows per year. The next deadline is June 30, 2024; visit the above links for more detailed information. 

Not sure you’re ready, or just want to learn more about how to write a good story? Check out the free online writing workshop, with videos from judges David Farland, Orson Scott Card, and Tim Powers.

Because the world needs more fantastic fiction.

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It’s that time again for Americans: Tax Day. Fun? Not really, although my taxes are done and I can rest easy knowing that I have contributed to the collective project that is civilization, and also won’t get a disturbing letter from the IRS.

It’s also a day when a lot of us could use more humor in our lives, which makes it a perfect excuse to promote my friend David Hankins’ new book, out today!

Death and the Taxman | Universal Book Links Help You Find Books at Your Favorite Store!

Allies are few and hijinks are many in this hilarious race against time as the Grim Reaper himself tries to cheat death and avoid an audit by Hell’s Auditor and the Office of Micromanagement.

After sharing an ill-advised cup of tea with IRS auditor Frank Totmann, Grim finds himself trapped in Frank’s life amid a world of dangers: love, betrayal, reckless cabbies, implacable demon hunters, and the incessant needs that keep his body ticking . . . for now.

David’s writing is terrific, and this book is based on his award-winning short story of the same name. It’s great to see humorous fantasy done so well. Want a sample of his writing? Preview a chapter here.

Because when it comes to taxes, who doesn’t appreciate a laugh?

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