Category Archives: Uncategorized

Writer’s History #4 – Daniel Bensen Interview

Posted on July 19, 2021 by Alex R. Howe

Daniel Bensen is an author of science fiction, alternate history, and stories of speculative evolution. In this interview, we discuss his new book, Interchange, sequel to his debut novel, Junction, and other writings. Dan’s website. Dan’s book recommendations: The Vorkosigan … Continue reading →

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#30 – Arthur Clarke’s Comeback

Posted on July 5, 2021 by Alex R. Howe

After the New Wave era drew to a close, the older authors of the Golden Age continued to produce new works, but Arthur C. Clarke made the strongest comeback, with some of his most famous books coming from his later … Continue reading →

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#29 – Larry Niven and the Return of Hard Sci-Fi

Posted on June 21, 2021 by Alex R. Howe

By 1970, the New Wave in science fiction had made peace with a surge of new hard sci-fi works and writers. At the forefront of this trend was Larry Niven, who took a unique path in hard sci-fi by proposing … Continue reading →

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Writer’s History #3 – Dr. Benjamin Stevens Interview

Posted on June 7, 2021 by Alex R. Howe

Dr. Benjamin Stevens is a professor of classical studies who researches the relationship between the ancient/classical tradition and science fiction and fantasy. In this wide-ranging interview, we discuss what makes sci-fi distinctive, classicism and modernity, ancient aliens, and more. Dr. … Continue reading →

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#28 – Children’s Sci-Fi in the New Wave

Posted on May 24, 2021 by Alex R. Howe

Children’s science fiction was still an unusual and peripheral category during the New Wave, but it did produce some important new classics. In this episode, we explore the highlights of what kids were reading during this time. Book recommendations:For upper … Continue reading →

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#27 – Feminist Science Fiction

Posted on May 10, 2021 by Alex R. Howe

Among the various social changes that accompanied the New Wave, this time period saw the rise of second-wave feminism. In this episode, we explore how that movement influenced the genre of science fiction. Book recommendation: The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le … Continue reading →

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Writer’s History #2 – Kira Leigh Interview

Posted on April 26, 2021 by Alex R. Howe

In this episode, I interview Kira Leigh, author of the new, anime-inspired space epic, Constelis Voss, Volume 1. Kira’s website. Kira’s TV recommendations: Farscape Earth 2 Check out this episode!

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#26 – Vonnegut, Adams, and Modern Satire

Posted on April 12, 2021 by Alex R. Howe

While many early works of proto-sci-fi were satires like Gulliver’s Travels, satirical works also appear in modern sci-fi. In this episode, we take a look at the two most famous authors of this subgenre, Kurt Vonnegut and Douglas Adams. Book recommendation: Slaughterhouse-Five … Continue reading →

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#25 – Strange New Worlds

Posted on April 5, 2021 by Alex R. Howe

While much of the New Wave was about exploring inner space, some authors were still writing about exploring other words. In this episode, we see how this subgenre of “strange new worlds sci-fi” developed, both through Star Trek and through the … Continue reading →

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Episode 25 Delayed

Posted on March 29, 2021 by Alex R. Howe

Hi all. Sorry there’s no new episode this week. I have the script finished and everything, but my computer’s gone on the fritz. I barely got it working again after the mess it got into yesterday, and until I have … Continue reading →

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