I've known poet and critic Dan Schneider for a number of years, ever since we both lived in Minnesota. Back then Dan was heralded as the most feared poet in the Twin Cities – if you think I'm joking, check out the cover story City Pages did on him a decade ago. We met while I was working at a literary organization called SASE: The Write Place. Dan hosted a poetry debate at a local performance hall and invited me to join him on stage. We argued a good bit but I came away really impressed with the man.

Since then we've become good friends. Despite this friendship, when Dan told me he was writing an in-depth critique of my fiction I was nervous. I really respect Dan's criticism because he tells it like it is and isn't afraid of being blunt to both friends and foes. Dan has reamed my writing many times in the past and I wondered if I was up for a repeat performance.

Nope. Turns out he's really impressed with my SF stories. If you want to read 10,000 words of criticism on my fiction, check out "The Fantastical Ascent of Jason Sanford."

Many thanks to Dan for the kind words and analysis. And be sure to check out more of Dan's criticism, poetry, and essays at cosmoetica.com.