A note on Speculative Fiction

Speculative fiction is an umbrella term meant to encompass the more fantastical fiction genres, including; science fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, and alternate history. The following is my own opinion on this matter.

The term has been used to express dissatisfaction with what some people consider the limitations of, or otherwise to designate fiction that is not easily categorised into, stereotypical genres. The view is that such work should not be pigeonholed within such categorical limits as "fantasy" etc.
Although the term may be used to signal a wish not to be pigeonholed as a fantasy writer, and a desire to break out of the genre’s conventions, I suspect it has more to do with a desire to escape the prejudice with which fantasy is often met by mainstream critics. Personally, I find this term generally offensive, as though fans of fantasy (and related genres) should be ashamed of their enjoyment of such a “frivolous” genre. Also, I understand the difficulty readers experience in finding books to their taste and I believe that placing all fantastical genres under a new umbrella term will make this process even more problematic.
The use of this term is bowing to the discrimination of the pseudo-intellectual. It is disguising the genres in a manner designed to lend some kind of literary merit in the eyes of such people. We should not demean ourselves in such a way. Fantasy is already an umbrella term that encompasses work with fantastical themes, and the sub-genres are there to help guide readers in finding their preferred type of fantastical work. Please do not bow to snobbery. Embrace your love of fantasy. Learn more about it and tell those who look down their nose at the genre to do the same. If they don’t that is their loss!

The Definitive Fantasy Reading List

Despite the title of this post, allow me to start with the usual disclaimer; this is not a list of all books in the genre (you try fitting that on a blog!) and therefore you may not agree with all of my choices.

Ok, with that out of the way, let me tell you what I’ve tried to do. What follows is an overview of the genre; providing a definitive reading list. I have put a lot of thought into what would constitute the best of fantasy for someone wanting to explore the genre. What follows is a detailed list of the books that (IMO) constitute a must read catalogue for all fantasy fans. It provides a guide for those starting out in their exploration of the genre as well as a check list for those who think they’ve read everything on offer.

RIP - McCaffrey

As reported in BBC News (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-15877338), Anne McCaffrey, creator of Pern and one of the genre's greats, has sadly passed away.
Best wishes to her family and friends.
 
 

On Writer's Legacy

Legacy; the most common definition of this word is of something handed down (as from an ancestor or predecessor). I have seen on the internet and heard in interviews this question being put to writers of varying success; "what do you want your legacy to be?" Because of this I thought I would think through my view on this. That way, if anyone should ask me this question in the future, I can direct them to this post (sort of pre-emptive laziness!)

As a writer one leaves a legacy of work behind. Every word put to paper (or in digital format) is likely to survive past the span of your years. Perhaps we can ignore this fact and simply proceed putting down anything that comes to mind. After all, that’s what blogging is about, and pretty much what I’m doing right now. Yet is that the best approach to take? Is there not a higher purpose that a writer should aspire to?

Life beyond Earth...?

According to BBC News (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15754786) Scientists have found the best evidence yet for water just beneath the surface of Jupiter's icy moon, Europa.

As you (hopefully) know, the existence of water means the potential for life. It may not be Little Green Men, but this offers the best evidence so far of life beyond our planet. And if life can exist on Europa…

Characterisation

Characterisation is the art of creating characters for a narrative. Obviously this is very important to any writer, but perhaps more so for anyone wanting to write in the fantasy genre; after all, we need to create characters that belong to another world. Our characters can be fierce tribal warriors, meek and persecuted servants, imbued with magic, noble knights, and of any one of a multitude of races. Despite this, it is doubly important to ensure that our characters feel real. So, how do we go about this?

Assassins Creed: Revelations

After playing the first three instalments, with each one getting better and better, this is the game I am most excited about getting my hands on.
Check out the review at SFX:

http://www.sfx.co.uk/2011/11/14/assassins-creed-revelations-videogame-review/

I will be posting my own review sometime early next year.

Coming Soon(ish) - Brave

Empire has some new stills and a teaser trailer for the forthcoming (opens next August 17 in the UK) animated film Brave

http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=32471

Check them out!

New Anthology Seeks Submissions

Screaming Dreams and Noose & Gibbet are proud to announce a joint project, simply called 'THE YEAR'. It will be published in 2013 and edited by Johnny Mains and Steve Upham. This will be an anthology which will showcase the very best writings of Crime, Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy. 52 stories, one for each week of the year...
This project will be open to submissions from today and while we are mainly focused on new, original fiction – there will be three classic reprints from each genre from different periods in that particular field's history.