Tag: scifi
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I’ve been published in a new sci-fi anthology from Two-Hour Transport
Two-Hour Transport is a new anthology of science fiction, fantasy, and horror by Seattle-area authors.
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Five Questions: Cai Emmons, author of Weather Woman
Author’s note: Cai Emmons died January 2, 2023. My Five Questions series is back after a hiatus, and I’m excited to present the answers of Cai Emmons, author of a fascinating new novel, Weather Woman. Climate change plays a big role in this story of a young broadcast meteorologist who discovers a unique talent: she…
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A new anthology, After the Orange, about a post-Trump world
One of my stories is published in the new anthology, After the Orange: Ruin and Recovery.
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10 writing prompts to help you write stories about climate change
Here’s some writing prompts inspired by the changes to our planet caused by rising temperatures.
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Three reasons why you should put climate change in your next novel
Writers should incorporate climate change into their narratives to reflect readers’ real experiences, concerns, and discussions about its impacts, shaping character evolution and engaging with contemporary issues.
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Chinese science fiction: You’d better start reading it right now
China is a rising global power with a significant economy and population. Liu Cixin’s “The Three-Body Problem” explores historical themes and alien encounters, reflecting contemporary Chinese society and aspirations in science fiction.
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Five Questions: D.F. Lovett, author of The Moonborn
D.F. Lovett, a Minneapolis author, released his debut sci-fi novel, The Moonborn, inspired by Moby-Dick. He writes for What Would Bale Do and is exploring various fiction projects.
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Why The Martian’s success probably won’t spawn a sequel
The author discusses why The Martian should not have a sequel, emphasizing the film’s unique narrative, its successful avoidance of Hollywood clichés, and the need for more optimistic storytelling in science fiction.
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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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Review: The Water Knife is bleak, but uncomfortably possible
Paolo Bacigalupi’s The Water Knife invites us to imagine a drought like no other, in which the lack of water brought on by climate change disrupts life from beginning to end. The western drought has forced everyone to know their rights. From San Diego to Seattle, talk shows, newspapers, and blogs overflow with debates over…
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Review: Ex Machina and the amoral machine
The movie Ex Machina owes much to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein as it grapples with the notion of machines understanding right and wrong. Spoilers ahead… The key moment of Ex Machina arrives when eccentric tech CEO Nathan Bateman tells Caleb Smith, his employee, why the young programmer was selected to deliver a sophisticated Turing test on…
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Review: Clade shows love and hope are timeless in a changing climate
James Bradley’s “Clade” melds climate change with human relationships, illustrating personal struggles against a backdrop of environmental shifts, emphasizing the enduring nature of humanity amid slow, profound transformations.
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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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Review: How “Interstellar” resembles “How the West Was Won”
Interstellar, directed by Christopher Nolan, is an ambitious sci-fi film exploring themes of hope and survival amid ecological disaster. It struggles with Hollywood clichés but captivates with stunning visuals and emotional undertones.
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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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Review: Paolo Bacigalupi’s ‘The Windup Girl’ read as eco-fiction
Many science fiction writers overlook Earth’s environmental issues; Bacigalupi’s The Windup Girl exemplifies eco-fiction addressing climate change and genetic manipulation.
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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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Review: Is this book the first climate fiction novel ever?
J.G. Ballard’s The Drowned World is cited as early climate fiction, while George Turner’s 1987 novel The Sea and Summer is recognized for addressing human-caused climate change and societal issues like income inequality.
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Homer’s Odyssey As An LGBTQ+ Road Trip: Review
Francesa Lia Block’s novel reflects a teenage girl’s journey amidst global warming themes, echoing Homer’s Odyssey through modern adventures and challenges.
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Review: Kim Stanley Robinson gives the cold shoulder to Antarctica
The review discusses Kim Stanley Robinson’s novel Antarctica, focusing on its exploration of climate change, politics, and human dynamics. It critiques character development and emphasizes themes relevant to contemporary environmental issues.