FOR WRITERS Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer Amelia Faulkner: I’d love to discuss how to attract readers to queer genre fiction. As in, what does it take for a spec-fi reader to pick up queer spec-fi rather than Het-normative spec-fi? Is there any hope for mass-market appeal? Your thoughts? Join the chat
How to dominate the universe in three easy steps … Step 1: Harvest all of your planet’s resources. Step 2: Harvest all of your nearest star’s energy. Step 3: Harvest all the energy from all the stars in your local galaxy; then move on to another galaxy. Congratulations! Your species now has all the elbow room it needs to grow into a universal superpower. That’s one Russian astronomer’s perspective, anyway. Astrophysicist Nikolai Kardashev first proposed these three phases (called Level I, II and III) of galactic expansion — which he referred to as the three “types” of technologically advanced civilizations … Read more
Sometimes I’ve found the best source of inspiration is to simply pick up a pencil and start writing. Or to force myself to start typing at a keyboard. There’s something about moving my hands, putting words down on a page (or screen) even if those words are garbage. I may be tired. I may to do something else. I sit down, groaning and grumbling. I stare at what I’ve written or an empty page. I try to think of few sentences, even if they’re jarring or not quite right. I’ve found that stopping at an exciting moment, at the height … Read more
QSFer Lolly Walter has a new MM post-apocalyptic book out: Dry Run. Survival requires sacrifice. In climate-ravaged Texas Territory, kids don’t live long enough to become adults. Joe has beaten the odds — at the price of his body and soul. For years, the smart, resourceful nineteen-year-old has been the star runner at sex tourism hotspot Flights of Fantasy. But he dreams of leaving Texas — and everyone in it — far behind. Then a blue-eyed, blond-haired teenager wanders into Joe’s world and challenges him at every turn. Sheltered, lonely Devin didn’t know his whiteness made him rare. He ventured … Read more
Bisexual representation, vampires, and a Greek island: With A Kiss I Die has it all. In the movie, premiering on 28 August, the Juliet we all know and love has fangs, sucks blood and is bisexual. Yes, this is definitely a lot to process for Shakespeare’s purists, but let’s look at the bright side. The tragedy of Romeo & Juliet has undergone several movie adaptations throughout the years – from Franco Zeffirelli’s classic film to Baz Luhrmann’s extravaganza – but this will be the first time Verona’s heroine is a bisexual woman. Or a vampire, for all that matters. Turned … Read more
Welcome to M3: 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 we can comment on yours specifically –Check out the other posts and congratulate and share them too! And congratulations!!!
QSFer J. Scott Coatsworth has a new MM magical realism short out: Dex is a gay Adonis. When he walks into Seattle’s Ransom bar, heads turn. He can have just about anyone he wants, and he does, every night. Until he meets a bear at the bar and everything changes. “The Bear at the Bar” is a short story originally published in 2014 in the “A Taste of Honey” anthology. Amazon Excerpt Dex wokeup the next morning feeling thickheaded and groggy. He rubbed his eyes and turned over to find the bed next to him empty. The go-go boy from … Read more
FOR READERS Today’s reader topic comes from QSFer A. Catherine Noon: What kinds of stories do you want to see more of? Reading trends and tastes change, especially in times of turmoil; I’m curious how your tastes have changed, if at all. Writers: This is a reader chat – you are welcome to join it, but please do not reference your own works directly. Thanks! This is a legacy chat. Join the chat
Disney added two new cast members to their highly anticipated Frozen sequel: Evan Rachel Wood and Sterling K. Brown. There are no character or plot details for the sequel yet, which is slated for a 2019 release. The last we saw of Arendelle, Queen Elsa (Idina Menzel) ended the kingdom’s eternal summer and with the help of her younger sister Anna (Kristen Bell), they defeated the despicable Prince Hans (Santino Fontana). Could Elsa really get a girlfriend? Almost immediately, Wood’s casting sparked discussion amongst fan. Namely, whether or not she’ll be playing a love interest for Elsa, something they’ve wanted … Read more
QSFer Walter H. Hopgood has a new queer mystery-thriller out: What would happen if an old story from your childhood suddenly became real? Migration: Beginnings tells the tale of an old familial legend, and how a newlywed couple can help the future of mankind by solving the puzzle. Amazon | Smashwords Giveaway GIVEAWAY Excerpt “Look,” Rhys said in a frazzled whisper. He handed the report to Jason, the pictures on top. Jason flicked on the hallway light. He looked at the photos, then the report. “So what am I looking at, besides something that clearly says, ‘US Government—Official Eyes Only’?” … Read more