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Why We Still Do This

Science-Fiction, Fantasy and Horror have been called “escapist literature.” Much of it may rightly be described as pure entertainment, although sometimes it may have a loftier purpose. In my case, I write entertaining fluff. Starstuff and shadow blended for the pleasure of the reader (and the writer). Hopefully an entertaining diversion from the mundane reality of the world. But reality has a tendency to intrude. The massacre at Orlando’s Pulse club on June 12 has shoved the idea of plotting out something entertaining to the background. Creatures of the night find their power to terrify fade into insignificance in the … Read more

U=(N/T)M*G: Big Bangs and Black Holes

A lot of writers are under the impression that science is great for research, but not so much for plot ideas. That’s what inspired me to write this blog about science. That, and an astrophysicist friend of mine. I’m also honor bound to inform that I’m not a college educated scientist. So, to start, let’s talk about black holes and the Big Bang. A black hole eats everything. Light, energy, matter. Everything. And it tears it all down into energy which it holds on to until the black hole dies, which takes trillions of years. They’re cannibals too. So, I … Read more

Announcement: Masquerade, by Bran Lindy Ayres

QSFer Bran Lindy Ayres has a new fantasy book out: Plots and intrigue are Marchioness Genevieve Merlot’s specialty, and opulent balls teeming with bored aristocrats are the perfect opportunity to uncover the secrets behind idle gossip and courtly scheming. However, things take a sinister turn when they overhear a plot to assassinate the Orandon Queen. It will take all their skill and ingenuity not only to survive but to foil the assassins and return home. Excerpt Genevieve held her breath as footsteps walked past the sofa. “Take a seat,” Desroches said. “Does this mean you are willing to help our … Read more

Announcement: Merely This and Nothing More

Merely This and Nothing More

QSFer Voss Foster is part of a cool new project: A clockwork raven. Two sets of irresistible teeth. A house brought to life by nanobots. A heart that won’t stop beating. All this and much more in the Writerpunk Press version of the beloved suspense stories by Edgar Allan Poe. We’ve pulled out all the stops this time around to bring you the very best punked versions of classic Poe tales, complete with shiny gears and tiny bots! In addition to the more familiar Cyberpunk and Steampunk, we’ve added Bio, Deco, and Dieselpunk genres to the mix. The resulting volume … Read more

For Writers: Taboo?

Taboo

Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer Brian Cherry: Forty years ago, it was taboo to even write about gay love, let alone anything LGBTIQA… Twenty years ago, it was taboo to write about being transgender. Ten years ago, it was taboo to write about being non binary or intersex. So according to you, what is taboo or controversial to write about in queer fiction now? And should it be? Join the chat

Announcement: Stumptown Spirits, by EJ Russell

QSFer EJ Russell has a new paranormal MM book out: What price would you pay to rescue a friend from hell? For Logan Conner, the answer is almost anything. Guilt-ridden over trapping his college roommate in a ghost war rooted in Portland’s pioneer past, Logan has spent years searching for a solution. Then his new boyfriend, folklorist Riley Morrel, inadvertently gives him the key. Determined to pay his debt—and keep Riley safe—Logan abandons Riley and returns to Portland, prepared to give up his freedom and his future to make things right. Crushed by Logan’s betrayal, Riley drops out of school … Read more

Doctor Who Spin-Off To Have Gay Lead

Doctor Who Spinoff

Doctor Who spin-off TV series Class will feature an gay lead character, it has been confirmed. Celebrated author Patrick Ness is helming upcoming the BBC spin-off series, which features teenagers at a school set in the Whoniverse. The show has been described as a British take on Buffy the Vampire Slayer; and Ness revealed this week that like Buffy, one of the main characters will be gay. After recent events in Orlando, he tweeted: “Been asked if Class will have LGBT representation in it. Will a lead character with a boyfriend who he kisses & sleeps with & loves do? … Read more

Angel’s Bits – Web Comics

Questionable Content

I debated a long time this week over what to post. In the end, it felt better to share something from the community rather than try to express things that others in the community have said in more powerful ways. Signal boosting those folks instead. So, in the spirit of sharing something good. We talk about fiction, online, ebook and print, and about graphic novels here at Queer Sci Fi, but we don’t often talk about an interesting phenomenon from queer artists – the web comic. Web comics are an intimate contract between artist and audience. The creators are beholden … Read more