Monday, May 19, 2008

All Aboard -- We're Ready to Launch!


Welcome to THE GALAXY EXPRESS.

I’m launching this blog as a celebration of the romance in science fiction and the science fiction in romance. Now a site covering science fiction romance isn’t entirely new (see sidebar). But the phenomenon itself is evolving rapidly—so rapidly in fact that it may be challenging to keep up. That’s why I’m here, to facilitate the development of a community where like-minded connoisseurs can converge to share this exciting sub-genre.

Who am I? An ardent fan—one who’s been devouring science fiction books, films, and television shows since childhood. Yet I always gravitate to the stories with romantic elements, pining for the hero and heroine as much as I do for the plot or futuristic setting.

With that in mind, this blog will showcase the blended genres of both science fiction and romance in the most scintillating way possible. Maybe it’s my fangirl calling, but I view it as a chance to (re)introduce this unique mix to interested people (and extraterrestrials, if any are reading).

In short, I went galaxy hopping for as many goodies as I could find so you don’t have to!

A Wormhole by any Other Name….

For ease of discussion, and inclusiveness, I’ve decided to call the blend of science fiction and romance in all of its glorious forms as “science fiction romance” (what a stretch!). If, dear passenger, you want to call it something else, by all means do so. (Over at Alien Romances, Rowena Cherry offers up the catchy “Speculative Romance”). It really doesn’t matter what appellation you choose, just as long as we’re talking about it!

In the interest of full disclosure, I am not being compensated, cajoled, coerced or cuckolded in any way, shape, or form for this endeavor. To quote No. 6, “I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed or numbered!

FREE Stuff in the Pipeline

With the requisite intro out of the way, are you ready to board? Great! Here’s what you can look forward to in the coming months:

• Festive commentary on SFR in books, films, and television
• Author spotlights and interviews
• Giveaways
• Links to related sites/articles
• Interactive discussions
• Oh, and did I mention the free loot?

It Takes A Village to Maintain A Lunar Outpost

Now, it (almost) goes without saying that this venture is a two-way street. So I welcome lots and lots and lots of comments and discussion. Together we can make this a totally happening resource party for all things science fiction romance. If, adventurous reader, you haven’t read any SFR stories but are willing to expand your horizons, then you are in for some wonderful tales. Fantastic tales. Tales about strange dimensions and far-flung galaxies. Stories exploring the nether regions of space, exotic beings, stunning heroes and complex heroines.

Stories about great, epic love.

So, without further ado, ready your tickets (they’re free) and join me on the maiden voyage to the sea of stars aboard the Galaxy Express!

Joyfully yours,

Heather