My Newsletters (Mainly Fantasy)

May. 2010: Why Romantic Sci/fi is King/Queen

As one of your Fantasy editors, my goal is to challenge you to think outside the KNOWN and to help you inject your tales with fascinating facts while jagging left and right through troublesome frolics and teethe-writhing dilemmas.

Perhaps we can help each other to safely jog through these twisty turns of radical thought, alternate viewpoint, and dynamic detail. Come! Let’s head down the Path of Dimensions, untextured by any earthly array.

In other words,

let’s drop out of reality for awhile.

Shall we?

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An Analysis on Why Romantic Sci/fi is King/Queen
(And Other Odd Thoughts)

I was thoroughly intrigued by Robert Waltz ’s research about the newest and most popular genre – the sci/fi romance.

Of course, the subject didn’t surprise me in the least. LOL

I agree that what the future needs now is love, sweet love . . .

(Even among creatures green, blue, yellow, or polka-dotted.)

But why all the interest in such a topic?

What is the draw?

Love in outerspace?

Why would women/men WANT to imagine romance on a spaceship – remember, most ships are NOT gravity-free. Most of them are confining.

(Have you ever seen the size of the private quarters of a noncaptain – or even the captain’s quarters? Ack!)

Let’s think about the realities of such a romance.

Space ships have extremely SMALL populations that would make it impossible to get away from a failed relationship partner. Read that: Space ship romance = Disaster!

However, it must be admitted that the idea of smallness doesn’t stop us from having romances in offices, elevators, cottages or others places that really aren’t a good idea. . . I really can’t imagine a place where someone couldn’t find such a romance . . . Even Superman used the telephone booth as his destination. Is it possible that Lois and he ever met there?

Of course, the space ship is only part of it.

I’ve been writing for years about romantic entwinement of nonhuman and Terran.

(Yes, I know that’s scientifically impossible – probably -- but Spock’s parents didn’t know that, and . . .

{That’s Star Trek for all those too young to recognize Spock’s name . . . those in the pre Star Trek Generation – not the mutations of it, but the original Star Trek series, of course.}

But back to my hypothesis, one that really opens up new vistas . . . romance with an alien --- Ah!

Just think, people could go to a faraway planet and see if sparks flew in the same manner as they do on Earth.

Humans could locate an alien cupid – maybe a bee-type critter that flew about while shooting arrows of love???

We could imagine staring into an alien’s eyes. (Where are those eyes located again?)

Or just wrap arm in arm in arm in arm until we ended up rather twisted and out of shape.

(Say, that sounds like the kind of thing that happens in divorce court. Oops!)

Oh, but it’s not just aliens we’d like to enter into monopolizing relationships with.

(Whoops, wrong word. That’s when the partner you partnered with takes over the conversation each time you open your mouth. . . )


The term I meant is monotonous relationships!

No, that doesn’t sound right either -- although I bet we’ve all had that kind of relationship as well.

What is it again?

I know – monogamous relationships -- where each lover is supposed to be true for always and always . . .

Or until the secretary winks

Or the golf instructor whistles

Or the neighborhood attorney offers a special rate for divorce – cheaper by the dozen, I think the ad reads. . .

My, I do get side-tracked easily.

As I was saying, people seem enamored with vampires, elves, and hobbits, thrilled with extra-sensory characters, enchanted with wizards, warlocks, and witches. Why?

Because those nonhumans MIGHT offer something different in the production of a real romantic relationship.

Those creatures (or aliens) just might really do the 100% forever part

Unless they cast a spell on you and turn you into a frog, a ring, or a building or something . . .

But, if truth be told, all of us are suckers for H O P E.

We all really love the part about [c:red}LOVE ---

and if we could turn nonhuman critters into humanoids and make them different enough, you know, formfit them into the perfect husband, wife, lover. . .. Ah, the joy of it!

Who couldn’t relate to that?

With a fantasy creature or alien, we wouldn’t have to talk about things that are supposed to be important --- weather, politics/governing bodies, philosophy/religion.

We could talk about the stuff that REALLY matters ---

LOVE!

We could call it, quite diplomatically,

interspecies collaboration

After all, remember all those people who say that

LOVE

makes the world go round?

Why not the universe?

Why not ELF WORLD, HOBBIT LAND, and WEARWOLF WARREN?

This love stuff really does make sense.

I mean alien love.

Isn’t the act of love a perfect device for communication? Think about that.

Oh, dear. Not those kinds of thoughts.

I mean. PURE communication. You know?

If I can’t talk the language of some alien species, surely we could kiss the same way (or not.)

And all that other stuff, which I won’t go into -- maybe that would work, too.

A goal? A shared activity? A method of bonding?

Relationships on Earth are impossible.

I know some people many people have long term relationships. But the odds are that no relationship is permanent. The probability factor tells us that most marriages won’t last for long. Ten years is tops, right?

(Okay, we all know the happily married exception. The president should award them. They should be given trophies as the historic

Super Marrieds!

(Note: Awarded only to these couples who remain in the same continent and continue talking throughout that period.)


After several long sessions of deep thought on this matter, I have discovered that the main problem is that people are just too unpredictable.

They get grouchy. They value their independence and their right to their own drawers and clothes closets.

(This 24 hour/7 days a week viewpoint of marriage – whose idea was that, anyway?)

But there is a solution:

With an alien one could meet the exotic specimen of a creature, fall in love, experience some attempt at romance, and then watch his/her ship blast off into space.

No shared closet.

No demand for equal rights on the shared seven goldfish.

No discussion about whether spaghetti should have garlic in the sauce or not.

Marriage between aliens just might work. In fact, it just might be the most inspiring romantic ballad since Frank Sinatra’s “I Did It My Way,”

So I understand perfectly the draw of this new genre.

It is no wonder Robert Waltz tells us that

The Romantic Science Fiction Genre

has become so popular.


It’s obviously that it’s the only solution to the future of true romance!

P.S.

This editorial is be taken with a grain of alien space dust. The comments and opinions stated are purely imaginative and do not reflect either humanoid or nonhumanoid beliefs.



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Fondly Featured

What could be cuter than a story about a fairy who has the fairy flu?

Fairy Flu  (E) What happens when a fairy comes down with the flu #1665297 by Melanie L.

Sarah stared in awe. She always wondered what it would be like to meet a fairy, even though she didn’t think they were real.

“Do you know what happened to our tree?” Sarah asked.

Tish sneezed a few more times. She took out a very tiny kerchief and wiped her nose. “I can’t stop sneezing,” said Tish. “Every time I sneeze, leaves turn pink.”

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The following piece started me to thinking about the wisdom of trees. Oh, how I wish I could tap into their thoughts. Imagine standing there for thousands of years in reflection. Wouldn’t you have to be mighty smart after all that time?

Wisdom tree  (E) The tree seeks respect... #1665304 by Ebube

This old tree waited patiently

for when the spring would come.

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When a knight, his overly talkative sword, and an old, old dragon prepare to wage an attack, things just don’t happen the way they were supposed to.

Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. #1667285 by Not Available.

Edgar took off his helmet and wheezed a bit, smacking his chest to make sure his heart was still working like it was supposed to. He spit up something nasty. "Yar. It's me alright."


When the sword finished laughing it said, "Been awhile, old man. What we doing way up yonder?"


"Retirements over. We're hunting dragons."

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This is a fabulous poem. Please, please take a look. I think it will one day be a classic!

Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. #1665184 by Not Available.

For years the search continued

But would always end in vain

No leprechaun, no pot of gold –

Much pain without the gain.

Then, the legend tells us,

He vanished in thin air,

And left behind his pot of coins

Still no one quite knew where.

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I’ve often wondered why dogs serve on the police force but no cats have ever done so. This story is a major breakthrough in the rethinking of that subject. LOL

Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. #1667130 by Not Available.

Hey, for all you folks who think those drooling, poop-eating mutts out there are the superior species, you need to think again! They ain’t got nothing on us felines. My name’s Gracie and I’m a pedigreed Siamese, as well as a card-carrying member of the LAPD. (That’s like being right up there with the Queen of England stature-wise.) And just to set the story straight, it was me, not any member of that hapless k-9 crew that saved the city of Pasadena last weekend.

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The following piece has that touch of eerie that draws a reader in and captivates. I wanted more. I wanted details, but it certainly does wet the appetite and leave the reader saying, “Wow!”

Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. #1667203 by Not Available.

His mechanical frame leaned forward and he spoke in nearly a whisper. “Life is a clockwork. An intricate conglomeration of dials, and springs and cogs that all must work in sync else doom awaits.

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A dialogue with readers:

LJPC - the tortoise
Comment:

What a feast for the eyes! Your newsletters always make me smile. Thanks for prodding us to see things in a new colorful way. -- Laura


Thank you so much for saying that. It is so nice to hear something positive. Thank you, thank you!




Joy

Comment:

Witch hues? Well now, that's something to really think about, Shaara. This made me think. Since you discovered the secret of the witch outfits, I might go back to wearing black hooded cape, grimy teeth, and black nails. No one will suspect. You think?
Great newsletter and I love the art.


Thank you for your comments. They made me giggle.

A black hooded cape sounds interesting, but black nails will make folks think you’ve been smoking – okay, if you have a pet dragon, but otherwise a no-no.

Black teeth are not fashionable right now. Neither are lime green ones. I suppose you could try mini diamonds on your front canines. That might start a new trend.

Thanks for your comments. I really, really appreciate the dialogue!





Phoenix

Comment:

Thank you so much for featuring my story "Rose Petals" [13+]. This was a fun one to write . I love your call to authors to write about how witches and warlocks look, act, and appear in the modern era, hmm....

It was my delight to include your story. Thanks so much for your comments. It is so nice to know that I’ve written something that was appreciated.

Although I’ve had an average of fifty readers a day on my portfolio, I’ve had zero reviews. Interesting -- yes? Is this a new trend? Anyone else finding the same thing?

Anyway, off-topic again. Thanks again for the comments. It’s nice to know there are LIVE people out there in cyber space.



anand

Comment:

I loved the play of words for the fantasy. Fantasy has been always fascinating.. just a shade difficult for me to express. I’m learning new ways... thanks a lot all of you.



Ah, I am so grateful to hear that. The teacher in me is thrilled to find that I’m helping a reader to write!


You’re the only one who commented on my play of words. Thank you for noticing!


I know you’re off on an adventure of creativity now. Don’t worry about whether it’s difficult to express or not. Just write, write, write! Best of luck to you, Shaara





That’s all, folks.

Wouldn’t you like to see your name in lights on the Fantasy Newsletter?

Wouldn’t you like to comment and make me dance with happiness?

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SAY SOMETHING!



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