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Readers

For Readers: Overused Paranormal Plot Lines

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There is nothing new to write about under the sun. We have so many writers now, and so many people in general, that if it CAN be written about, it probably HAS been written about. Good writers know how to take tired old topics and reinvigorate them – with a fresh writing style, a new combination of old things, or just plain good writing in general. But some topics get old because so many people jump on the bandwagon. So my question for our readers today – what paranormal topics have lost their shine for you, and why? Writers: This … Read more

For Readers: Space Pets!

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Okay, so yesterday at QSF got a bit hairy. We had our planned discussion topics, and then a friend and QSFer innocently posted his thoughts on the whole JK Rowling thing, and the plaxce went a bit nuts. I am proud of y’all that you managed to keep things pretty civil, even when tempers ran a bit hot. It’s one of my favorite things about this group. But now it’s time for a breather. I promised you puppies and kittens, and I hate to go back on my word. So here it goes! Pets have been a fixture in sci … Read more

For Readers: What’s Most Important to You?

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Sci fi, fantasy and paranormal stories have many hooks to draw you in. Maybe it’s the phasers or the mind-melding dragons or the sparkly vampires. Maybe it’s the heroine who gives her life to save her people from a deadly virus. Or the science that allows a man to predict the future. Or the strange ship that passes through the solar system without even seeming to notice us. So my questions to you today: What’s more important to you in an LGBTIQ speculative fiction story? The cool tech / magic / supernauralness? The flavor of the culture / society? The … Read more

For Writers: LGBTIQA Romance Tropes

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Mpreg

One of the things that came up during our recent visit to the Dreamspinner retreat was the use of tropes, especially in romance. There’s a great list of general romance tropes here: http://www.mindyklasky.com/index.php/for-writers/romance-tropes/ I especially like “secret baby”. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like, if you aren’t already familiar with it. As Angel pointed out to me, tropes aren’t bad, per se, although they can become clichés. They can be used to build a story, and many readers seek out their favorite tropes to find new stories to read. Even Amazon has books categorized by them. The other thing … Read more

For Readers: All Queer Star Trek

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Kirk Spock Gay

This should be a fun one. Taking any one of the Star Trek series or films, recast it with LGBTIQA actors, and let’s plan some hook-ups. It’s fan-fic day at QSF! Writers: This is a reader chat – you are welcome to join it, but please do not reference your own works directly. Thanks! Join the chat

For Readers: Favorite Sci Fi Writers

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Angel Martinez

Growing up, I loved Anne McCaffrey’s Pern, Isaac Asimov’s Foundation, Arthur C. Clarke’s Rama ships, and later Sheri S. Tepper’s many strange worlds. But lately, I am loving me some Angel Martinez, a little Jamie Fessenden, and many more I plan to read soon. There are so many great folks working in QUILTBAG sci fi these days. So my question today: Who is your favorite current LGBTIQA Sci Fi Writer, and why?

For Readers: Favorite Books

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gay unicorn

Today’s reader topic comes from QSFer Elizabeth Barrette: What are your favorite fantasy books with queer characters and how far back do they go? I’m fondly remembering the gay unicorn that Alan Dean Foster put in one of his novels. Writers: This is a reader chat – you are welcome to join it, but please do not reference your own works directly. Thanks! Join the chat

For Readers: Favorite Paranormal Writers

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Paranormal encompasses a whole host of things. From Alphas to Zombies, from Mummies to Vampires, from Ghosts to Shifters, there’s a plethora of choices. Who is your favorite current LGBTIQA Paranormal Writer, and why? Writers: This is a reader chat – you are welcome to join it, but please do not reference your own works directly. Thanks! Join the chat

For Readers: History of Modern Lesbian Romance

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Lesbian Romance

Today’s reader topic comes from QSFer Angel Martinez: A lot of queer fiction writers and readers think of lesbian romance as an “emerging” genre. But lesbian romance emerged as a genre in the early 20th century. What are some of the older FF titles you’ve read and most enjoyed? And how has the genre evolved over time? Writers: This is a reader chat – you are welcome to join it, but please do not reference your own works directly. Thanks! Join the chat

New Discoveries Day

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New Discoveries Day

Hey all, Recently we launched New Discoveries Day – a day once a month (usually on the last day of the month) when we discuss recent discoveries that fascinate us and that could spawn plot bunnies (or plot squirrels or plot mongeese – your plot animal of choice). So chime in and let us know about any new discoveries you ran across in the last month – links are always appreciated. Thanks to Freddy MacKay for the great idea! –Scott Come Join the Chat!