Author Archives: JE

Steve Wilson has a typically hilarious take on the question of comic books and Homer, an issue that arose on John C. Wright’s LiveJournal. I don’t think readers will go too far wrong by following John Wright’s prescriptions (Take Homer … Continue reading →

M. John Harrison asserts that “Every moment of a science fiction story must represent the triumph of writing over worldbuilding.” Which is a bit like saying that every use of the hand represents the triumph of the body over the … Continue reading →

From the AP Science section: “An astronaut drove 900 miles and donned a disguise to confront a woman she believed was her rival for the affections of a space shuttle pilot, police said.” Add a trip through a wormhole, perhaps … Continue reading →

I was rereading Euripides’ Crazy Hercules today to prepare for a class when I was poleaxed by a stray line. ἄλλως δ’ ἀδυνάτων ἔοικ’ ἐρᾶν. –Euripides, Heracles 318 “But I seem to be pointlessly in love with impossible things.” It … Continue reading →

Because you get to write phrases like “Shadow of a Martian Robot”, which sounds like a lost collaboration of Leigh Brackett and Ray Bradbury.

Another glimpse into the breakup of Pitch-Black. It strikes me that there might be a good mainstream novel (or at least a Law and Order episode) in the ups and downs of running a small press.

Robert J. Sawyer, the sf writer, has a rather tiresome post insisting that science fiction is rational, whereas fantasy is not. He actually argues that the only reason for any market overlap is due to Ace Books pirating publishing Lord … Continue reading →

The unspeakably great Molly Ivins has died of breast cancer.

Daniel Blackston has announced that Pitch-Black LLC is closing its doors. Flashing Swords will stay up, but will be dormant; no new issues, it seems.

I love fantasy (including its subgenre, science fiction), I take it very seriously, especially when I’m trying to write some or read some or when I should be doing something else or when I’m breathing. I want other people to … Continue reading →