Point of View in Science Fiction Romance

In Science Fiction Romance: A Male Author’s View, Robert Appleton (THE MYTHMAKERS) predicts that “Sci-fi romance babes are the next generation badasses.” He also points out that they are “…Sexy, take charge, equal to any man of the future.”

Rowrr! Don’t you know it! And right now, the author is having a giveaway. To win a digital copy of his space opera romance THE MYTHMAKERS, all you have to do is leave a comment for the post (the deadline to enter is 3/5/2010).

Anyway, a good portion of Mr. Appleton’s article focused on point of view (POV) in science fiction romance, which made me remember I’d wanted to blog about this issue. POV preference varies by genre/subgenre, and SFR is no exception. However, are there certain POV rules SFR romance authors must follow? Mr. Appleton states that sales demographics dictate the answer:

Most publishers won’t even consider a sf romance, or any type of romance, unless it’s told from a woman’s POV. It just won’t sell…

I’m not sure the above is entirely accurate. In the past, yes, it was typical for an author to tell a romance from the heroine’s POV. Since the late eighties, however, it’s been increasingly common for authors to employ dual POV, spinning the tale from perspectives that alternate between the hero and heroine. Authors and publishers learned that female readers enjoyed delving into the hero’s perspective, especially in stories in which the hero drives the story.*

But what about science fiction romance entirely from the hero’s POV? Why wouldn’t publishers consider this type of story? Are readers truly that averse?

I have a difficult time understanding why all science fiction romance would have to be told from the heroine’s POV. It’s a diverse subgenre, and I expect diversity in the storytelling. Lucky for me, authors are availing themselves of the various possibilities. For example, Catherine Asaro’s ALPHA is told entirely from the viewpoint of the hero. Linnea Sinclair’s HOPE’S FOLLY employs dual perspective. I found both books refreshing in that respect, but for different reasons.

In ALPHA, the heroine is an android. Telling the story from the hero’s perspective lent Alpha a mystery she wouldn’t have otherwise had. Plus, I question trying to tell a story from the perspective of a character who is actively evolving into a sentient creature. My guess is that she wouldn’t have been a reliable narrator. She barely knew what emotions were, let alone how to manage and process them. That’s what the hero was for.

In HOPE’S FOLLY, we are frequently in hero Philip Guthrie’s POV. For me, that’s a thrill because even though the author is female, I get the fantasy of experiencing a man’s growing love for a woman from his perspective. It’s especially satisfying if the hero is as sympathetic as Philip. My only gripe with the book is that

[Mild Spoiler Alert]

the love scene is told from the heroine’s perspective. I had become so invested in Philip’s emotional journey that I was really looking forward to the payoff of his response while making love to Rya for the first time. If Ms. Sinclair had employed dual perspective during this scene If Ms. Sinclair had told this scene from Philip's POV, I would have had my cake and eaten it, too.

[End Spoiler Alert]

Mr. Appleton goes on to state that “It’s funny, though, that female sf readers aren’t averse to sf with a male POV.” Which is me in a nutshell, so I understand my comfort level with SFR from the hero’s perspective has roots in my SF reading experiences, and may not be typical of many romance readers. However, I don’t think all romance readers would shy away from stories told from the hero’s POV, regardless of their reading backgrounds.

In the end, the important factor to consider is that romances are about relationships involving two people on an emotional journey. Isn’t it possible that dual perspective enhances the emotional payoff for the reader?

What’s your preference regarding POV in science fiction romance? What about books told entirely from the hero’s perspective—do they stand a chance in today’s market? Would more books from the hero’s perspective attract male readers to science fiction romance?

Joyfully yours,

Heather

*While there are undoubtedly many articles and blog posts written on the subject, the topic was fresh in my mind since I’d recently read DANGEROUS MEN AND ADVENTUROUS WOMEN, a collection of essays on romance edited by Jayne Ann Krentz. See my earlier post here.

The Science Fiction Romance Cover Conundrum

Given the refinement of cover art that romance publishers have accomplished over the decades, why oh why can’t they get a handle on the packaging for science fiction romance covers? Covers are usually perceived as the main marketing tool for books. Case in point: listen to this Carina Press Marketing podcast in which Malle Vallik emphasizes their importance.

Paranormal romance, historical romance, contemporaries, and urban fantasies all seem to have been afforded that coveted cover sweet spot--right down to the last ruffle, tattoo, or shade of blue. So why does SFR lag so far behind? During an exchange with author Claire Delacroix (GUARDIAN) on the subject as well as some research, I gained insight into a few possibilities:

*Publishers are all about avoiding risk, not incurring it. This is especially true for niche subgenres.

*Lack of sales for said niche subgenre.

*In general, they are not the customer of science fiction romance (see Jacqueline Lichtenberg’s post on Marketing Via Social Networking). Therefore, they don’t know how to package it—either for fans or readers new to SFR.

*Budget issues (e.g., they don’t invest in skilled cover artists; reliance on stock cover images.).

*They haven’t yet encountered that particular SFR that makes them go, “Whoa! Let’s spend some money on this one!” despite the fact that they are not the customer.

*All of the above.

Until publishers decide they want to get serious about branding SFR covers, be prepared for images that are all over the map in terms of style and quality. For example, check out When Bad Covers Happen To Good Books, which features commentary on two SFR covers.

I don’t expect every single cover to nail it, but maybe two proverbial heads are better than one when it comes to packaging SFR. We may not all be cover artists (I draw a mean stick figure, but that's about it), but we are the customers. And even if the quintessential SFR cover arises from an as yet unknown source, it's still an important conversation to have given the importance publishers ascribe to that aspect of a book's packaging.

With that in mind, I’m going to give each of you a virtual hundred dollars for a very important task. Your mission: Share ideas on how to best design a science fiction romance cover, or compile a list of essentials for such a cover. Anyone who is a cover artist by trade is especially welcome to contribute.

As you develop your cover, consider these questions and issues:

What components do you think would help readers identify science fiction romance? What common motifs might unite the entire subgenre (with the exception of steampunk romance, which will probably develop its own visual cues)?

How might your cover appeal to both fans and readers new to the subgenre? How might it appeal to booksellers? Can you appeal to all three simultaneously? Would it make a difference whether the cover was for a digital book vs. a print book? And finally, regardless of medium, what would be your strategy if you could only use stock images?

Ready, set, go!

Joyfully yours,

Heather

Steampunk Romance Poised To Hit The UK Market

Earlier this week, journalist Kate Youde contacted me to discuss the growing steampunk romance trend in the United States as part of a steampunk feature she was developing for The Independent on Sunday. I'm excited to share that her article is now available at the paper's Web site. Incidentally, The Independent on Sunday has a circulation of over 200,000 daily subscribers.

In A New Age of Steam, Ms. Youde reports that

Romance writers are capitalising on the growing popularity of the fictional genre, which mixes steam power with science fiction in alternate realities. But it is not just in bookshops that 2010 is set to see a new age of steam: a burgeoning subculture is making its mark from the cinema to high street fashion.

You'll also notice while reading the article that it includes a few notable authors and titles. They are: Katie MacAlister (STEAMED), Meljean Brook and her Iron Seas series, and Nathalie Gray (FULL STEAM AHEAD).

The article also includes this tidbit about the future of steampunk romance in the UK:

Barbara Jones, romance buyer at Waterstone's, said it was "early days" for steampunk romance in the UK but she expected it to become very popular over the next few years. "Steampunk in general is fun and adventurous, as well as being rooted in all things Victorian, which is very popular here but also, crucially, in the US, where most of the strong romance fiction trends start."

Woot! This is great news. Of course, we saw the steampunk romance revolution coming as far back as 2008!

I'd provided Ms. Youde with perhaps enough information to fill three columns, so even if she couldn't use everything because of space limitations, rest assured I left no steampunk stone unturned when it came to answering her questions. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank her again for inviting me to participate.

And check this out: there's even more yummy steampunk romance coverage ahead!

This April, LoveLetter magazine will feature a splashy steampunk romance feature. I penned the main column, and readers will also be treated to interviews and articles by steampunk romance authors as well as an editor. All of which means that steampunk romance has gone global, baby!

And here at The Galaxy Express, stay tuned for additional steampunk romance coverage in the near future.

Needless to say (but I'm going to say it anyway!), it's been a thrill to help orchestrate LoveLetter's steampunk romance feature. It's exciting enough to have the privilege of blogging about this hot new subgenre online, let alone have the honor of sharing it with readers beyond the blogosphere.

Talk about news that's fit to print!

Joyfully yours,

Heather

The Top 5 SF Movie Roles That Should Have Gone To Spock

It’s hard to find a leading character that’s had more of a profound and long-lasting effect on the science fiction romance community than "It Hero" Mr. Spock. Before the original STAR TREK’s premiere, most people had never seen anything like him—both physically (Those ears!) and mentally (That logic! That torture!).

As we discussed previously, it was this compelling, multifaceted characterization that drove early fan fiction. He was the reason why many wanted the show to continue—both in season three and ST:TMP. He’s the reason why we cried during KHAN, and we laughed during THE VOYAGE HOME.

This set my Mentat mind in motion.

Seeing as how Hollywood appears bent on remaking every film from the time of the Lumière Brothers to date—and how mashups of literary classics are currently all the rage—why not stir the silver screen pot with some SF classics by recasting them with our beloved Vulcan?

And so came the following logical countdown:

# 5 Spock as the alien in STARMAN

This film’s due for a remake anyway. The sting of Columbia greenlighting it and passing on that other little known film called E.T. (you might have heard of it) should have healed by now.

Put Spock in the Jeff Bridges role. He could land on Earth during his time of Pon Farr. There, he meets Lady Gaga in the Karen Allen role. (Gotta bring in the kids and think of the cross-promotion! They can sing duets!) Sparks erupt and the box office explodes. Have him sample some Reeses Pieces too, just to win back some of Columbia’s lost product placement cash. “My mind cannot fathom how such a small delicacy commands such rich taste!”

# 4 Spock as Klaatu

Forget the recent Keanu Reeves misfire of THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL (please!), remake it with Spock as the lead. The 1951 Michael Rennie seems like a bit of a precursor for our favorite Vulcan anyway.

Spock: “I'm impatient with stupidity. My people have learned to live without it.” (Actually, that’s a real line from the classic film. Add a “Dr. McCoy” in there and you can see how it could be very Spockesque.)

Following along this line, we could also swap Klaatu out for Tony Montana. After the soldiers fire on him, the alien commander utters the line, “Okay. You wanna play rough? Okay. Say hello to my little friend!” Out comes Gort the robot, lasers blastin’.

Hmmm, now that I'm going there, wonder how Spock would work as the lead in a SCARFACE remake?



# 3 Spock in DUNE

Spock as Muad‘Dib? Let’s see.

Conquering his fear from the Bene Gesserit pain box would be a breeze. Planning strategic Fremen raids on the Harkonnens wouldn’t be a problem, either. But riding giant worms while high on spice…? That might bring out a new side to his half-human/half-vulcan self!

“The worm is the spice! The spice is…fascinating!”

# 2 Spock as the captain in WAR IN SPACE

Trust me, no matter who or what you recast in this movie, it could only help—be it Spock or a slightly used toaster.

Sigh. This project would probably never get off the ground, though. Once Spock sees the toy robot as the villain, logic would dictate he fire his resident Ari Gold and hurl him into the Doomsday Machine immediately.

“I suggest you take your percentage from this, sir.”

Agent: Agggggghhhhh!

# 1: Spock as Han Solo

I can see it now: Obi Wan and Luke meet up with “Spock Solo” in the bar as he devours some “light” philosophical reading on Technological Determinism in between sips from his galactic sarsaparilla. “I understand that you need transport, which I can readily provide. However, your demands for haste and discretion dictate that my remuneration remain quite high.”

Luke: < blank stare >.

Obi-wan: “Don’t ask. Just sell your speeder.”

Luke: < another blank stare >.

Spock then steeples fingers and shoots first. Ahhhh, yes!

He’d also be an ace at playing the Harryhausen-inspired chess game with Chewbacca—but only so far. “Logic dictates that I occasionally let the Wookie win.”

I sense a tremor in the box office returns…!

So that’s my list. I want these projects rolling as tent poles by next summer. What would you toss into the mix, oh dear readers?

Cinematically yours,

Heather

Aliens ‘R’ Us

Here aboard the Galaxy Express, we’ve discussed the issue of science fiction romances involving humanoid aliens, others involving non-humanoid aliens, and the pros and cons of zoomorphism in science fiction romance. All well and good, but many of these stories feature romances between Earthlings and heroes/heroines from other worlds—human heroes and heroines, that is.

When I referred to the existence of fictional “aliens who share human DNA—sometimes as much as 100%” in my post on zoomorphism, author Jennifer Andersen (DEMONKEEPERS) encouraged me to develop a post on the subject. I thought, heck yeah, because I have a unique, academically stringent, and scientifically ironclad theory about the existence of aliens who resemble us down to the last atom.

Here it is in a nutshell: because we humans evolved here on planet Earth, it goes without saying, really, that they will also evolve elsewhere in the universe. Their location or whether we ever meet them is inconsequential. See, I just happen to know for a fact that the possibility of their evolution is 100%.

Okay, so my theory is about a hundred hypotheses short of a statistic. The truth is, I have a deep-seated fear that we are the only humans in the universe, past, present, or future. I don’t rightly recall when I first developed this fear (possibly sometime during my angst-filled, SF-obsessed adolescence), but I know I frequently resort to my special comfort theory whenever I encounter fictional aliens who are, for all intents and purposes, human like us. As a result, I feel less alone.

I feel immortal, even.

In truth, we would most likely experience extreme difficulty relating (linguistically, emotionally, psychologically, and physically) to genuinely alien aliens. So the widespread technique of creating human aliens nips that little bugger of realism right in the bud, especially where interspecies romances are concerned. In My You Look Lovely Tonight, Crystalline Entity, Syaffolee asks, “And if you’re trying to put some humanity into them, well, wouldn’t it just be easier to make them human?”

Stylistically, it is a whole lot easier. The choice to make the hero or heroine’s alien love interest simply a hot bod from another planet slashes worldbuilding efforts by over half. Language barrier? No problem: They could learn English, for example, by watching broadcasted signals from television series—like ALF! Plus, there’d be no need to worry about sexual compatibility. Easy peasy. The story then remains focused on the romance rather than on the heroine’s adjustments to the hero’s alien physiology. In other words, there’s no question about who’s doing what to whom.

On the other hand, I have difficulty engaging with alien heroes who are nothing more than exotic “I’m too sexy for my ray gun” studs whose sole purpose seems to be the awakening of a virginal heroine’s sexuality. I also question if a hero hails from a patriarchal culture. Not saying it couldn’t happen, but my hope is that when it applies, authors and readers are constantly re-evaluating the idea of patriarchy in a futuristic setting. Does it make creative sense to perpetuate such a trope?

My concern with human aliens is not so much the nigh-impossibility of their existence as how an author portrays them. When reading stories with heroes and heroines, I start evaluating how much trope (both romance and SF) is involved in their character development. I also assess the tone of the story as well as the level/sophistication of the worldbuilding. Some tales are more successful than others in creating believable, just-different-enough human-type aliens.

I’m happy to make the acquaintance of human aliens in science fiction romance. All I ask is that they prompt me to reflect on what it really means to be human, and to assure me that we're not alone.

What aspect do you enjoy about aliens who are basically human? Is there anything about such characters that you’d like to see explored, changed, or abandoned altogether?

Joyfully yours,

Heather

Postus Scriptus: TOUCHED BY AN ALIEN by Gini Koch coming April, 2010 from Daw Books.