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The Midweek Mingle: Crossing Cultures

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One of the biggest things in SF/F literature is cross-genre works. Almost every time I go to a convention, or run through a site on speculative fiction writing and whatnot, there’s at least something about mixing other genres into your speculative fiction. It’s a time-honored tradition, dating back to the pulp magazines with things like weird westerns (Billy the Kid vs Dracula, anyone?). Normally when I write this column, I’m talking to the SF/F community about how to bring in more QUILTBAG+ members. This applies there, but what I’m talking about in this article applies in reverse, as well. Now, … Read more

The Subversive Queer: Romance, Bromance, Incest and More in 1960’s TV Sci Fi

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Lost in Space

Is it just me, or is there a pervasive queer subtext to much of the sci fi fare produced for television during the 1960’s? I submit for your consideration four series which I believe exhibit strong evidence to support this idea. 1. Lost in Space 2. Flipper 3. Land of the Giants 4. Jonny Quest Let us start with perhaps the most outré example: Lost in Space. Can anyone argue that the character of Dr. Smith was not a typical over-the-top queen? And there seems to be a subtle sub-text in the portrayal of his relationship to young Will Robinson: … Read more

Announcement: The Boys on the Mountain, by John Inman

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The Boys on the Mountain

DSPP author John Inman has a new horror/paranormal book out: Jim Brandon has a new house, and boy is it a pip. Built high on the side of the San Diego mountains by a legendary B movie actor of the 1930s, Nigel Letters, the house is not only gorgeous, but supposedly haunted. As a writer of horror novels, Jim couldn’t be happier. But after a string of ghostly events sets Jim’s teeth on edge and scares the bejesus out of his dog, Jim begins to dig into the house’s history. What he finds is enough to creep out anybody. Even … Read more

Advanced Medical Magic

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Today’s topic comes from QSFer Hank T. Cannon: “How do you handle the social effects of “advanced medical magic” in a fantasy or science-fantasy setting? Are there economic gates preventing access to everyone? Has the legal system evolved to deal with verifiable reincarnations and resurrections? Do intrabloodline intrigues expressly involve ways to make sure old rich granddad stays dead do they can finally inherit (Or is inheritance outdated)? Are afterlives actually counted as part of the population and their inhabitants just another demographic of the planet/nation entity?” Lots to unpack here – but let’s start with the intersection of medicine … Read more

News: Are We the Only Living Things in the Universe?

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Alone in the Universe?

With billions and billions of stars in our universe and up to 400 billion in our Milky Way Galaxy alone, you’d think we’d have already seen signs of other life on at least one of the other habitable planets that are sure to be spread throughout the cosmos. So where are all the aliens? This colorfully animated video has a few theories. See the full story at Towleroad.com

Announcement: Oren’s Right, by Blaine D. Arden

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Oren's Right

QSFer Blaine D. Arden has a new fantasy book out: Following his principles will break two hearts. Forester Veld loses a piece of himself to mute baker Oren when they first meet, but Oren is vowed to Haram. When Haram is killed, Veld denies his heart to respect the mourning period. It’s the right thing to do. During Haram’s funeral, Oren proudly bares the brands that show the nature of their love; Haram owned him, heart and body. The elves pity Oren and think he’s broken. Veld has no intention of dishonouring Haram’s memory, but his death may not have … Read more

Me Me Monday!

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Welcome to ME ME MONDAY at our FB discussion group – your chance to pop in and tell us about your latest success. Have a new book or short story coming out? Let us know. Just sell something? Let us know so we can cheer you on. HOW IT WORKS: I’ll pin this topic to the top of our FB discussion page for the day. –Please post your announcement as a separate post, so I can also share it over to our FB page (as opposed to this discussion group). –If you want, send me your book announcement info at … Read more

Announcement: Matters of Scale, by BR Sanders

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Matters of Scale

Inkstained Succubus author and QSFer BR Sanders has a new steampunk book out: Moshel has hidden himself away for years, trying to keep the emotions of others from driving him mad. It’s in mechanics alone that he can find relief, the reliable tick of clockwork his escape. It’s only when he meets his counterpart, Tovah, that he realizes all may not be as it seems in his world, and there may be a way to change it. It’s all a matter of scale. Buy Links Inky Suky Store: Click Here Author Bio B R Sanders is a white, genderqueer writer … Read more

Writing vs. Marketing

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writing and marketing

This one’s for our writers. So you’ve slaved away at your computer through sunny days and dark nights. You’ve completed your opus magnum – or at least another short story, and you’ve sent it out into the world. A publisher picked it up, and it’s gonna be on the shelves next month. Now what? As the many writers in this group know, it’s not enough just to write a good story – you also have to sell yourself, something that many of us introverted writers are inherently uncomfortable with. So here are my questions today. How much time do you … Read more

Announcement: Gypsy’s Wolf

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Gypsy's Wolf

Siren Publishing has a new MM paranormal book out, including our own Aeryn Jaden, among others: ONE STORY, 25 AUTHORS, INFINITE POSSIBILITIES… 25 of Siren Publishing’s hottest ManLove authors have come together to bring you a paranormal story with intrigue, wolf shifters, elves, magic, and a mating so sizzling hot, it took 25 authors just to write it. Such a fantastic undertaking needs a spectacular ending. As such, everyone involved in this endeavor has agreed to donate 100% of the proceeds from this book. The charities we are focusing on tackle homelessness in young LGBTQ people. It is estimated that … Read more