Origami Unicorn

The Golden Globes

The Golden Globes nominees have been announced, and although there is nothing specifically genre in the list, the LA Times method of presenting the trailers and clips, all on one page is interesting.

Dark Horse at Twenty

Dark Horse, which started out out as an alternative comics publisher, will make its twentieth year by moving into more traditional publishing, including a Star Wars graphic novel plus a history of the adaption of the 300, now in theaters, from comic book format. Media tie-in has always been a important factor in the company's success, and they will be pushing that into even higher gear.

Writers of the Future

Despite misgivings about the religious connections of the contest, L. Ron Hubbard's Writers of the Future has had its share of notable names as judges. Joining them will be Rebecca Moesta. Her husband, Kevin J. Anderson, has also served as a judge.

Overclocked

Perhaps best known for his website, Boing Boing, a collection of the interesting and odd, writer and internet advocat, Cory Doctorow will have a story collection out in February from Thunder's Mouth, some of which are takes on SF classics and others which are original. Overclocked: Stories of the Future Present is likely to appeal most to people already immersed in the possibilities of the net.

History Told By Cartooning

The Cartoon History of the Modern World Part 1: From Columbus to the U. S. Constitution by Larry Gonick is yet another of his guides that zips through what we know and some of what we don't with style and panche. Out in January from Collins. Pre-order now or have a look at some of his other trips through the universe already in print and ready for Christmas giving.

"Tis the Season.." Part 2

High on the bestseller lists again, The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsberg, and somewhat lower down, but new, Dr. Ernest Drake's Dragonology edited by Dungald Steer. If they've already got the first, the second is likely to be a hit, especially with this season's big movie release being the tale of a boy and his dragon, Eragon.

"Tis the Season.." Part 1

On the paperback bestsellers lists for adults, there is Stephen King's Cell, Troy Denning's Tempest: Star Wars, Legacy of the Force, and Robert Jordan's Knife of Dreams. On the hardcover list, Dean Koontz' Brother Odd.

Leon Eugene Stover, 77

A Professor Emeritus of the Illinois Institute of Technology, Leon Stover was also an avid fan and collaborated with Harry Harrison on both an anthology and a novel. He died at home from complications of diabetes. An article by Glenn Lewis Gillette at SFWA News has more detail.

Pierce Askegren 1955-2006

Pierce Askegren died of natural causes during the last week of November, probably before Thanksgiving. What may be his last short story, "Try and Try Again," will be out in the DAW anthology Time Twisters in early January. His novels, many of which are media tie-ins, are well known to comics and tv fandom. SFWA's website offers more details and an appreciation and Keith R. A. DeCandido has posted a tribute to him as author, fan, and friend.

Rudy Rucker Strkes Again

Rudy Rucker has a forthcoming collection of his hitherto uncollected short stories, The Mad Professor, which will officially be out in February from Thunder Mouth, although Amazon lists the date as late December. Rucker is a frustrating writer in that he has interesting ideas—some silly, some serious—but is not as technically finished as, say, Bruce Sterling, his collaborator on "Junk DNA." One occasionally wonders if his name were John Doe if his fiction would receive so much attention. Mostly worth the trip for the insights it gives into how Rucker thinks, rather than as stand-alone stories. I find his nonfiction essays better reading, but tastes vary.