Tag: authors
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Review: A Le Carré tale of disappointment and two endings
Not every book can have a satisfying end, and some books have disappointing endings, even one by the master storyteller, John Le Carré. Spoilers ahead, including details of book endings You’ve invested days, maybe weeks of time in a relationship, but at the end, you’re disappointed. It happens in real-life relationships, and it happens to…
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Is Microsoft co-opting sci-fi’s techno-optimism vs skepticism debate?
High-profile science fiction writers criticize the dark themes of modern sci-fi, while corporate interests, exemplified by Microsoft’s project, dilute artistic integrity and credibility, favoring a commercialized vision of the future.
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Review: Gold Fame Citrus is tangy, acidic, and tasty
The post discusses Claire Vaye Watkins’ debut novel, “Gold Fame Citrus,” set in a desolate, dystopian Southwest. It explores themes of environmental degradation and human resilience amidst extreme conditions.
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More skirmishes in the genre wars
The genre wars in science fiction, particularly between traditionalists and inclusives, highlight the absurdity of classifications, emphasizing that genres often lack meaningful definitions and distract from storytelling.
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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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Restoring the environment is a good thing. Or maybe not?
Speculative fiction challenges societal values, particularly environmentalism. The removal of the Elwha River dams illustrates this shift toward restoration, raising complex questions about who benefits and who suffers.
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Review: Nature’s Confession an impressive sci-fi epic for young adults
Nature’s Confession blends young adult romance and speculative fiction, exploring themes like love, family strife, and environmental degradation, with humor and satire reminiscent of classic literary works.
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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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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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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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Review: Zachary Bonelli’s Voyage: Embarkation
Zachary Bonelli’s Voyage: Embarkation chronicles a boy’s adventures on an alternate Earth, showcasing the author’s evolving writing style and themes.
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Review: Water’s Edge is a plausible YA climate yarn
Rachel Meehan’s novel Water’s Edge transforms abstract climate change concepts into relatable narratives, depicting its profound effects on human relationships and communities.
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Review: Shackleton’s Man Goes South has a queer combination
Shackleton’s Man Goes South, while ambitious, combines fiction and non-fiction on climate change but ultimately falls short in execution and coherence.
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Climate fiction: Warming up to old ‘Cli-Fi’
The author revisits their unfinished novel “Carbon Run,” a cli-fi story exploring climate change’s effects, plans to revise it, and seeks reader input on favorite cli-fi tales.
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Tall ship sailor and comic artist Lucy Bellwood
Lucy Bellwood is a dual citizen tall ship sailor and comic artist from Portland. She combines her passions through her comic series “Baggywrinkles,” illustrating her experiences aboard the Lady Washington.