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9.20.2006

Literariness

Yes, it's a made-up word. Of the several books I have read since my last regular postings, I have found one new-to-me author who has really stirred my imagination. He writes science fiction in the vien of William Gibson or Bruce Sterling.
I must warn that I enjoy reading science fiction and it functions as one of my favorite pastimes. The opening of the near and far-future intrigue me, challenge me, and entertain me. Often I cannot get enough of a book, and then the challenge is putting it down so I can really get on with my life (including writing my own science fiction). So, after reading one of his books, I could not help myself from continuing in seeking out the others.
Charles Stross is a writer who seeks out the human stories in the near and far futures, as one can tell by his treatment of characters both human and no-longer human. Where will evolution take the homo sapien, when he can create tools to meet nature's challenges? Mr. Stross provides a new angle of vision on that question, as well as creates characters who lure your mind and heart into caring. Accelerando was the first book of his I read, and since then I have sought out and read each of his other novels. I await anxiously for more.

In another note, I am currently reading through the 2006 issue of The Year's Best Science Fiction, 23rd Annual Collection, edited by Gardner Dozois. It is full of short stories from some of the biggest names in the genre, including Stephen Baxter, Alastair Reynolds, Bruce Sterling, and many others. For me, it represents an excellent chance to study not just the genre, but the current subjects and styles in a wide range of settings. Seeing how a breadth of authors deal with characterization, plot and detailing, for instance, allows me to make my own work that much better. Nearly all the authors are award winners, and for good reason, they are at the top of their game. For anyone interested in the science fiction genre, I highly reccomend this anthology.

Until next time,
Best Wishes.

edit - ps- a thought for the day:
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
-Ben Franklin

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