Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Announcing The Release of SPECULATIVE FICTION 2013, Plus Giveaway

[Heather's note: Author Diane Dooley is a contributor in SPECULATIVE FICTION 2013: The Year's Best Online Reviews, Essays and Commentary. Her science fiction romance essay, Mars Needs Women? Too Bad!, originally appeared here at The Galaxy Express and editors Ana Grilo and Thea James (The Book Smugglers) chose it for inclusion in the anthology! She's aboard to share the news of the book's release. Take it away, Diane!]

Now here’s some cool news!

Speculative Fiction 2013: The Year’s Best Online Reviews, Essays and Commentary has released, containing pieces from a plethora of popular bloggers, a bunch of Hugo-nominated authors, and an essay originally published on this here blog. SFR in the speculative house, baby!

Never thought I’d see the day when  commentary on Science Fiction Romance would be considered worthy of inclusion in such an anthology, but I ain’t complaining. It feels good to be part of the larger speculative fiction community, and kudos to the editors for being open to all branches of speculative fiction-- even to the slutty cousin I so am.
Many thanks to fearless leader, Heather Massey, for allowing me space to opine on The Galaxy Express and especially for submitting my cheeky little essay to the editors for their consideration. It’s such a thrill to see my name alongside such wonderful writers and bloggers. (Shout-out to Carrie Sessarego! Homage to Aliette de Bodard! Thrust of a bloody sword to Joe Abercrombie!)
Here’s the blurb:
What’s wrong with “strong” female characters?
What can we do to fix the Hugo awards?
What determines a dystopian society’s dress code?
Can a video game affirm our humanity?
The Internet has the answers. Speculative Fiction 2013 collects over fifty pieces from all corners of speculative fiction fandom – from book criticism to incisive commentary on important issues like sexual harassment at conventions; from feminist themes in summer blockbusters to life-changing video games; from the merits of grittiness to the downfalls of grimdark.
Edited by Ana Grilo and Thea James
Foreword by Seanan McGuire
Cover by Sarah Anne Langton
All profits from sales of Speculative Fiction 2013 will be donated to Room to Read.