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After the 2018 Nebulas

Well, here I am, writing about the 2018 Nebula Conference past the grace period for such things. I suppose I can only hope no one will view my lateness uncharitably. This was my second time visiting the Nebulas Conference, and the first time speaking on a panel about "The Risks and Rewards of Writing #OwnVoices" before many of my peers. This year, SFWA was able to book Martin P. Robinson as the emcee for the awards ceremony, and I was transported to childhood as he performed Mr. Snuffleupagus (sans the costume, of course), an unnamed not-a-frog muppet and Telly Monster. I had hoped he would be able to perform the the Yip Yip Martians, but alas it was not to be. In light of recent news, Connie Willis' speech to present Gardner Dozois with the Kate Wilhelm Solstice Award was even more moving. His son Christopher accepted the award on his...

May 29, 2018
Science Fiction

My New Story is Live at Galaxy’s Edge

My story, "Emergency Evaluation for Penny Ante, as Recorded by Cal-Q-Tron of the Benevolent Order of Heroes" is now live at Galaxy's Edge. Inspired by the dull format of a work performance evaluation, I paired this with something I always wondered about: how come so many superhero sidekicks never seem to get promoted to becoming superheroes? I've waited quite a long time to share this with all of you, and I hope you enjoy it!...

May 1, 2018
Science Fiction, Writing

Back From Futurescapes 2018

[caption id="attachment_399" align="aligncenter" width="300"] This view of the Great Salt Lake doesn't do it justice.[/caption] I spent last week attending the Futurescapes 2018 workshop, which was held in Sundance, Utah. I flew in a day early in order to visit the Great Salt Lake, which was impressive. I drove out to the Antelope Island Park to take in the otherworldly landscape. To reach the park, I had to drive across the seven-mile causeway to the island, marveling at the floats of grebes and other waterbirds that had gathered to feed (only brine shrimp and brine flies can survive the salinity of the waters), and nest. I would have liked to have seen one of the bison that live in the park, but not this time. On the following day, I drove up to Sundance. [caption id="attachment_408" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The panorama waiting to welcome me to Sundance.[/caption]     The resort was lovely. Very conducive to...

April 25, 2018
Uncategorized

“Writing for the End of the World” is Up at Nature

My story, "Writing for the End of the World" is up at Nature today. This was a lot of fun to write. From the inspiration for the story, to being able to integrate one of my favorite jokes as a type of parallel to the main story, everything came together in delightful fashion. The initial inspiration came from reading Beth Cato's wonderful little story, "The Library Is Open" over at Daily Science Fiction. It's not the first story of Beth's that deals with a post-apocalyptic world (she has at least two others I know of in the pages of Nature, as well), and what with all the types of apocalypses out there in books, movies and TV, I wondered where the modern end-of-the-world story came from. It's not a very well-kept secret certain more secretive government agencies invite science fiction authors to speak as "futurists" (to which I say: great gig if...

March 8, 2018
Science Fiction, Writing

My Next Story’s Publication Date

I'm pleased to announce my next story, "Writing for the End of the World" will appear in the pages of Nature on March 8th. I can't wait for all of you to see the art selected for the piece, which made me smile, as well as the story itself. I'll be writing a bit more about what inspired me to write the story on its release date, so watch this space....

March 1, 2018
Science Fiction, Writing