Columns

5 Queer Relationships in Science Fiction and Fantasy

February 13th, 2014

Valentine’s Day is almost upon us and it’s a time (they tell us) to celebrate relationships and love. Last year I looked at unconventional relationships. This time I wanted to look at some queer (LGBT) relationships in science fiction and fantasy. 

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Shelving a Fear of Romance

February 12th, 2014

About four years ago, a bookstore owner advised me to read romance novels. Romance readers are some of the most dedicated of any genre, he told me. They’ll stick with a series or favorite author through any number of pitfalls, continuing to buy new titles. Bring on a romance expert, and you’re basically guaranteed regular customers.

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Writer's Conventions: A Hot-Bed of Legal Issues

February 11th, 2014

TRIGGER WARNING: This column refers to sexual harassment and assault, and may be triggering to some people. Conventions are fantastic events, particularly for the writing and publishing industry. They give writers a chance to network with agents and publishers, and other writers. Aside from the positive business advantages of attending conferences, they can be wonderful social events.

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Storyville: Three Essential Books On Writing

February 10th, 2014

Today I’m talking about books on writing. I know that there are a million of them out there, but these three are the ones that I’ve read and re-read the most, the books I pick up when I get stuck or am looking for inspiration, the books that speak to me most as a writer. Yes, I own all three.

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11 Science Fiction Novels for the Lovelorn Rocket Jockey

February 7th, 2014

It’s the season of love, or at least the season of professing love through crass commercialism, so it seems only appropriate that we talk about romance novels. But I can’t be the only one who’s tired of ripped bodices and Fabio on book covers. Instead, lets talk about some great romances in the science fiction genre.

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Product Review: The Snugg

February 6th, 2014

More and more, we writers are turning to tablet computers for access to digital and online reading options on the go, as well as access to full-feature word processors in a smaller package for our writing endeavors away from home. Regardless of how you’re using your tablet, protection is a must, and selecting the right case for your precious can seem daunting, given the seemingly endless options available to you.

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Three Books About... Animals

February 6th, 2014

Image by Adam D'Costa Are you a vegetarian? A vegan? Do you only buy products not tested on animals? Want to hear a confession? Me neither. I’ve adopted rhinos and gorillas. I wear leather.  I own dogs and cats and lavish them with toys, treats and attention. I eat meat.

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Overcoming Object Love: How to Write Female Leads Who Are People

February 5th, 2014

My goal in this article isn't to explore the complexity and pitfalls of gender representation. Instead, I want to simplify the issue and teach you how to overcome an insidious (and painfully common) writing disease: Object love.

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Lurid: Nipped In The Bud - Hebephilia in Fiction

February 5th, 2014

LURID: vivid in shocking detail; sensational, horrible in savagery or violence, or, a guide to the merits of the kind of Bad Books you never want your co-workers to know you're reading.

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Authors and Publishers — Why Can’t We All Just Get Along?

February 4th, 2014

Image copyright Toho Company Ltd Well, 2014 started off with a bang in terms of publishing — on both sides of the fence. The shocker about an author who turned down a six figure advance to self-publish her work was only the beginning, and seems to have kick-started the heated debate about self-publishing all over again. Add to that changes (or not) in the traditional publishing sector and the picture doesn’t seem to be getting any less fuzzy.

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