As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Sci Fi

Announcement: Obsidian Sun, by Jon Keys

by
Obsidian Sun

QSFer Jon Keys has a new sci fi book out: Differences must be put aside when vengeance becomes all-consuming. Anan, a spellweaver of the Talac people, returns from a hunting trip to find his village decimated, his mate dead, and everyone else captured by Varas slavers. The sole survivor is Terja, a young man without the velvet that covers most Talac, marking him as a spellspinner. Since Talac magic requires both a weaver and a spinner, Anan and Terja must move beyond their ingrained mistrust. All that remains is revenge and a desperate plan to rescue their tribesmen before they … Read more

Angel’s Bits: Flash Fiction – Story Microcosms

by

The first time someone mentioned Flash Fiction to me, I did the puzzled cocker spaniel head tilt. You want me to write what? How could anyone write a story in three hundred words or less? It’s truly a unique challenge, but I think it’s a good exercise for any writer. We forget, as novelists, how much can be conveyed with a spare, few words, and flash fiction forces us to do so. One of the mistakes authors make when writing flash, though, is trying to do too much. You end up with a scene instead of a story. Focus, focus, … Read more

Review: “Blue on Black” by Carole Cummings

by

Genre: Gay Steampunk Length: Novel   Bas is a tech tracker, undercover. In his search for a few missing techs, he finds himself in the middle of a thug empire in the desert. Baron Stanslo is hiding more than Bas or the Directorate reckon, and while Bas keeps an eye out for the techs, he discovers a brutal world ruled by a mad man and populated by the oppressed and the bullies who oppress them. Fortunately, he’s skilled enough to become easily accepted into the illusive group; unfortunately, he may not be able to get back out. Blue on Black … Read more

Discussion: The Future of Music

by
Future Music

Every now and then here at QSF, we like to dust off our time machines, pull out our crystal balls, and make a bit of loose leaf tea to see if we can divine future trends. After all, that’s what being a sci fi writer is all about, right? So to follow up on yesterday’s post about spec fic music for Rainbow Con, I’d like to ask you to forecast where music might go in the next 20, 50, or 100 years. Will past trends be recycled? Will something entirely new arise? Will we even recognize what our descendants will … Read more

Discussion: I Need a Clone

by
Clones

Today’s discussion topic comes from QSFer Shira Anthony. We all have too much work on our plates. Many of us work at least one other job besides writing. And yet, we manage to find time to get most of it done. But what if you could have a clone – someone who thinks, looks and acts just like you – to share the workload? Would it help? Would it be creepy? Exciting? if you are gay or lesbian, would it open up… other possibilities? Let’s go a little crazy and talk cloning. Come join the conversation.

Know Your History: LGBT Themes in Speculative Fiction

by

Knowing the history of your genre gives you insight into how it’s viewed in the larger world. Why do publishers eschew works that push the boundaries? Which archetypes touch something in readers? Do you know your history well enough to shape the future of Science Fiction? Click here for a primer on LGBT themes in speculative fiction

News: Sci-Fi Classic ‘Left Hand of Darkness’ to Be an E-Book

by

Penguin Random House announced Wednesday that the digital edition of the 1969 novel will be on sale July 15. Le Guin, 85, has written more than 20 books and last fall received an honorary National Book Award. “The Left Hand of Darkness,” a gender-defying tale set in the distant future on the planet Winter, has been widely praised for its insights about feminism and sociology. About The Left Hand of Darkness Winner of the Hugo and Nebula Awards A groundbreaking work of science fiction, The Left Hand of Darkness tells the story of a lone human emissary to Winter, an … Read more

Announcement: Red, by Pelaam

by
Red - Pelaam

QSFer Pelaam has a new sci fi fairy tale book out: Set on an alien world, Red is a re-telling of a classic fairy tale, and the first in the Once Upon a Future series. Ceron, known as “Red”, comes from the village neighbouring a Wolven pack. Storm, son of the Wolven Alpha, befriends Ceron who finds that friendship soon becomes something much deeper. For generations, Ceron’s people and the Wolven have lived in peace, but now, the Wolven are accused of attacking villagers. Ceron and Storm know they’ll face prejudice as their relationship deepens. But more dangerous and deadly … Read more

Announcement: Desert World Rebirth, by Lyn Gala

by
Desert World Rebirth

DSPP author Lyn Gala has a new Sci Fi book out: New ambassadors Temar Gazer and Shan Polli stopped one disaster on Livre, but the battle isn’t over. Temar is still struggling to work through the abuse he suffered. Livre, too, stands at a crossroads: it could ally with the breakaway planets—risking strange and dangerous beliefs—or the older alliance, which offers human rights protections but seeks to control the planet’s resources. With everyone keeping secrets, it’s impossible to know who to trust. Shan and Temar do their best to navigate cultures they don’t understand and avoid the dangers lurking around … Read more

Article: Brain’s ‘gender’ may be quite flexible: Mechanism that plays key role in sexual differentiation of brain described

by

I’m trying to decide if this article should be filed under “horror” or “speculative.” We’ve all heard the adage that the same hammer that builds houses can also be used to kill. Well… this to me seems like a Science Hammer. Brain’s ‘gender’ may be quite flexible: Mechanism that plays key role in sexual differentiation of brain described During prenatal development, the brains of most animals, including humans, develop specifically male or female characteristics. In most species, some portions of male and female brains are a different size, and often have a different number of neurons and synapses. However, scientists … Read more