Category: News & Commentary
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Review: Why aren’t ‘serious’ writers writing about climate change?
Adam Trexler argues that while climate change dominates discussions, fictional narratives are scarce. He critiques the literary world’s neglect of novels that convey climate challenges and emotions, advocating for compelling storytelling.
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Is Seattle the ‘New Space’ Capital of the USA?
Cape Canaveral’s dominance in space exploration is challenged by Seattle, home to a growing “new space” sector with 80,000 workers, aiming to capture the commercialization of space amid infrastructure challenges.
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Who are the new heroes of the Space Age?
The 1960s astronaut heroes have faded, replaced by entrepreneurs like Musk. While innovative, today’s figures lack the life-risking heroism of past astronauts, raising questions about modern heroic ideals in space exploration.
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Why science fiction writers should reveal their inmost selves
The author critiques a mystery novel for its overly polite characters who avoid expressing true emotions. True fiction should explore desires and fears honestly, revealing deeper truths about human nature.
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The new emerging hierarchy of publishing legitimacy
A new legitimacy hierarchy is forming among independent writers, where traditional publishing is viewed as the pinnacle for artistic status, despite the difficulties of securing a contract compared to self-publishing options.
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Why is it so hard to save our maritime heritage?
The Kalakala ferry, an iconic art-deco vessel, is set for demolition after years of neglect and failed restoration dreams, highlighting the ongoing struggle to preserve historic maritime heritage.
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Why Ursula K. Le Guin’s speech was misguided and wrong
Ursula K. Le Guin criticized the publishing industry for prioritizing profit over art, yet the author questions her stance, suggesting that capitalism enables diverse literary expressions, benefiting both traditional and self-published writers.
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Review: Has Game of Thrones reached its sell-by date?
The review critiques George R.R. Martin’s A Dance With Dragons, pointing out its excessive length, lack of discipline, and repetitive storytelling while acknowledging some strong characters and vivid scenes.
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Is fiction about climate change for real?
Interstellar, releasing November 7, portrays a future devastated by climate change. Discussing the emerging genre “climate fiction,” the piece reflects on artists addressing environmental anxieties through storytelling.
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Why Amazon is a writer’s best frenemy
Is Amazon a writer’s friend or enemy? For self-published authors, Amazon opens new markets and publishing opportunities that traditional publishers reject. Yet the platform’s review system and policies can hurt sales. Amazon isn’t friend or foe—it’s a business partner with house rules writers must follow.
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Utopia vs dystopia smackdown: Guess who wins.
Are dystopias depressing? The fact is, readers prefer dystopian novels, because they’re more interesting than utopian stories, most of the time.
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Is climate fiction a genre, a theme, a motif, or what?
Dan Bloom, who coined “cli-fi,” explores climate fiction’s definition as a genre, theme, or motif, highlighting its focus on humanity’s environmental impact and potential for literary categorization.
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10 omens that auger self-publishing for your novel
Writers today consider self-publishing due to rejection issues, personal pressure, and past experiences influencing their publishing decisions.
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Forgive yourself for giving away your writing
A prominent editor criticized Entertainment Weekly for exploiting aspiring writers by offering prestige instead of payment, arguing it undermines fair compensation and the quality of journalism, despite some potential benefits for writers.
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Wawona: Remembering the last man of a ship’s final crew
Dave Wright, the last fisherman of the schooner Wawona, passed away, marking a significant loss in Pacific Northwest history.
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Three things Raymond Chandler taught me about writing
The author reflects on insights gained from Raymond Chandler’s writing while revising their sci-fi novel. They admire Chandler’s dialogue, character descriptions, and simile use, finding inspiration for their own work.
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Thoughts on the climate fiction genre from a writer and publisher
Mark Nykanen, author of Primitive, Carry the Flame, and other environmentally themed novels, and Mary Sands Woodbury, editor at Moon Willow Press, offered their thoughts on climate fiction and its future in publishing.
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Is the story of Noah a divine warning on climate change?
The upcoming film “Noah,” starring Russell Crowe, offers a modern reinterpretation of the Biblical flood story, highlighting themes of climate change and humanity’s responsibility, igniting discussions on its relevance today.
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Tradewinds Kingfisher: Historic fishing boat broken up
The Lincoln County Historical Society demolished the historic Tradewinds Kingfisher boat due to deterioration and environmental concerns, despite restoration efforts.