As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Genres

Mirror, Mirror

by

Our topic today comes from QSFer Rebecca Cohen: “I do like parallel dimensions and alternative universes.” Oooh, me too. I still remember that Star Trek episode, Mirror Mirror, where everyone had an evil version of themselves in an alternate universe. Or the Phantom Zone from the Superman comics. Or the paths of the Silfen in Peter Hamilton’s Commonwealth series. So how about you? What are some of your favorite “alternate Earth / parallel dimension” stories? And how could we use them to explore LGBT life?

Announcement: Untouchable, by LV Lloyd

by

QSFer LV Lloyd has a new sci fi book out: Untouchable is a story about two men, Alan Stewart, First Lieutenant on the space ship Qatar and Captain Robin Lang of the Huan Police Force. Stewart and Lang have been best friends since their days in the Space Academy, despite the fact that Stewart is gay and Lang has a wife and son, Max. However Max is growing up and their friendship is threatened when Lang believes Stewart has designs on his son. When Max, now an adult and a recent recruit to the Qatar, is assaulted in a gay … Read more

Announcement: No Light in August, by R.L. Robinson & Pedro Elefante

by

QSFer RL Robinson has a book of short stories out: From depression era America, to fantasy worlds similar and yet different from our own. Journey into the realm of the Yellow King. As There are many roads to Carcosa, which one will you take? Featuring eight short stories and two novelettes inspired by the King in Yellow by Robert W. Chambers, as well as Lovecraftian elements, ‘No Light in August’ also includes illustrations by Brazilian comic artist Pedro Elefante. Excerpt Whent looked up, startled from his cleaning work as three men banged the door open and strode into the tap … Read more

Announcement: Down Under, by Tam Ames

by

QSFer Tam Ames has a new sci fi novel out: The year 2089 finds Australia split between east and west, with a wall to ensure the east stays safe. College student Aiden Taylor is traveling from Perth to Sydney to see Men at Work, who have been revived after cryogenic freezing. Regrettably, only days into his trip, his moped is stolen—and then he meets a naked man from the east. The man turns out to be Matthew King, who offers Aiden a ride—no strings attached—all the way to Sydney. When another attack occurs the following night, Aiden discovers Matthew’s impossible … Read more

Where Do I Submit My Non-Romance Story?

by

Today’s topic comes from QSFer Hank T. Cannon: “who are the best publishers to submit gay sci-fi to? My work is not particularly romantic, but the protagonists are gay.” Hmmmm, I think we’re at the beginning of a potential expansion of LGBT stories in speculative fiction (hence this blog) that do not rely on romance as the principle plot driver. I’ve said for a while that I want to see more LGBT stories in sci fi and fantasy, especially, that are driven by the genre and not the romance. Not that there can’t be some romance or relationship included. I’d … Read more

Review: Through the Valley of the Nest of Spiders

by

Through the Valley of the Nest of Spiders by Samuel R. Delany reviewed by J. Comer As a fan of Samuel R. Delany’s works and as a teacher who has assigned one of his memoirs to classes, I was pleased to see this novel. Readers may know of his Dhalgren, Delany’s 1973 novel, or of Stars in My Pockets Like Grains of Sand, a story which affected me deeply. As his earlier work did, this novel challenges its readers. Readers of Delany may well be familiar with pornography, and perhaps with the strange “anti-pornography” which Delany invented in works such … Read more

Announcement: A Call to Arms, by Shiriluna Nott and SaJa H.

by

QSFer Shiraluna Nott has a new Fantasy out with Saja H.: War is brewing on the eastern border of Arden. The shaky truce between Arden and the neighboring realm of Shiraz has all but dissolved, and both sides are building their forces for battle. But in the quiet farming community of Willowdale, the rumors of war are the least of young Gibben Nemesio’s concerns. With both parents dead and two younger brothers to care for, Gib doesn’t have time to focus on anything besides keeping food on the table. Everything changes the day he receives a conscription notice and must … Read more

Ripped From the Headlines

by

Today’s topic is from QSFer Angel Martinez, just home from GRL: “Favorite new scientific/ medical advances you want to use in a story.” There are so many to choose from – 3-D printers, Lab-grown penises, the oPhone app to send smells across the internet.. how do you choose just one? So what recent scientific or medical stories caught your eye? And how would you build a story around one of them?

Announcement: Prince of Faith, by Belinda McBride

by

QSFer Belinda McBride has a new book out today, the third in her Uncommon Whore Fantasy series: Held captive in a whorehouse, Markus Dayspring wakes every morning with a thirst for revenge, and collapses every night with a prayer for strength. He lives on in spite of deadly addictions and a crippling, shameful secret. When he’s rescued by a man from his past, his reawakened love threatens to crush his damaged soul. Caius also has a secret, one that could ultimately kill him. But his vow to rescue Markus is stronger than guilt, fear and even his loyalty to King … Read more

Guest Post: Romance Among the Stars, by Jamie Lynn Miller

by

Many thanks to Scott for having me here today to talk about my new novella, An Endless Sea of Stars. Keep reading to see how you can win an Amazon gift card! I’ve been a sci-fi fan since 1977, the year that a little film called Star Wars hit the movie screens. I was only six years old back then. While my friends wanted to go see Bambi I was begging my dad to take me to Star Wars. My mother thought I was nuts and refused to go, saying my dad was just wasting his money because I wouldn’t … Read more