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ANNOUNCEMENT: Taoree, by Michele Notaro

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Taoree

QSFer Michele Notaro has a new queer sci fi book out: If you’re reading this, I hope that means that we’ve survived, but after everything I’ve seen, I’m sure that’s only wishful thinking… This is my story… a story of what happens when you trust an alien race. A race that lived peacefully with humans for over two years, but something suddenly changed. When all hell breaks loose, can we count on the Taoree to step up and help or could they be the real cause of all the terror? Three of my friends and I try to make our … Read more

Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Kurios’ – A Steampunk Masterpiece

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Kurios

At this point, maybe you’re feeling a bit jaded about Cirque du Soleil. True, the French-Canadian circus company has back-flipped its way into the Rose City so many times that you start to wonder if they have a block of time-share condos here. By now, you’ve surely seen it all, right? Hold on a minute! There’s nothing quite like “Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities,” the latest big-top show that opened an extended run Thursday at the Portland Expo Center. With its steampunk theme and Victorian-era costumes, the 2-1/2-hour spectacle is a time-machine trip back to the Industrial Revolution, as seen … Read more

ANNOUNCEMENT: This is Heaven, by Michael Ampersant

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This is Heaven

QSFer Michael Ampersant has a new MM tale with a little paranormal out: Alpha males, delicate souls, and the Undead hit it off in a new scramble for the last happy ending. A billionaire dies a suspicious darkroom death in Georgia Beach’s only gay haunt. The Vampire Festival is about to start. A professor of quantitative metaphysics predicts Armageddon for Thursday. Her sister, Juliette, falls in love with street-smart Romeo. Elsa, author of heat-level romance, meets ravishing Ben, progenitor of erotic techniques. Shakespeare, Albert Camus, Enid Blyton, Mark Twain, and many other writers appear in cameo. Corpses pile up. Alpha-hunk … Read more

RETRO NEWS: RIP Joanna Russ

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Joanna Russ

This article from 2011 popped up in my feed today. I thought it was worth a re-run: The coolest woman in sci-fi since Alien’s Ellen Ripley, sci-fi writer and feminist critic Joanna Russ, died on her home planet this Friday. She would have wanted you to read her books (namely because they’re awesome), so here’s where to start: The famous 74-year-old author wrote The Female Man, a book about women fighting against misogyny in alternate universes and How to Suppress Women’s Writing, an examination of sexism in the art world. She also published The Adventures of Alyx a short-story collection … Read more

ANNOUNCEMENT: The Wolf and the King, by Tami Veldura

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The Wolf And The King

QSFer Tami Veldura has a new MM fairy tale book out: Kaleb is under pressure from his closest adviser. Either choose a husband and take the throne of his people, the shifters of the world, or one will be chosen for him. But Kaleb doesn’t want just any husband. He wants to find his mate, the one man that the gods put in this world specifically for him. Richard thinks Kaleb is a fool to trust in myths, but Kaleb insists he’s looking for a forever love and he’s determined to find it. Parker is a lowborn wolf shifter and … Read more

FOR READERS: She Had Blue Eyes And Chest Hair

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blue eye - pixabay

FOR READERS Today’s reader topic comes from QSFer Denise Dechene: I’ve read some books where MCs are only described vaguely (ht, wt, hair color) leaving the rest to our imagination. I’ve also read books that the MCs are described down to how many chest hairs. When you read how detailed do you want your characters? Writers: This is a reader chat – you are welcome to join it, but please do not reference your own works directly. Thanks! Join the chat

TECH: Robots Really Are After All of Our Jobs

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Robot Priest

A Japanese company has introduced a new role for SoftBank’s humanoid robot “Pepper” – a Buddhist priest for hire at funerals. Chanting sutras in a computerized voice while tapping a drum, the robot was on display on Wednesday at a funeral industry fair – the Life Ending Industry Expo – in Tokyo. Nissei Eco Co., an unlisted plastic molding maker, wrote the chanting software for “Pepper”, which was introduced by SoftBank Group Corp. in 2014. With Japan’s population ageing and shrinking, many Buddhist priests receive less financial support from their communities, prompting some to find part-time work outside their temple … Read more

ANNOUNCEMENT: The Highlander, by Kasia Bacon

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The Highlander

QSFer Kasia Bacon has a new MM fantasy book out: I, Lochan of the famed Féyes clan, know all about fighting. As a half-breed Elf, I have struggled against prejudice and feelings of inadequacy. A recluse by nature, I have battled my aversion to touch and interaction with others. To become an assassin of The Order, I have learnt to overcome the limitations of my mind and body. But denying the power Ervyn Morryés holds over me might be the one fight I lose. The truth is—damn it all—the relentless Highlander brings me to my knees. Note: This novelette is … Read more