"Heaven's Touch" in the August 2012 Asimov's Science Fiction

Asimovs0812My novelette "Heaven's Touch" has been published in the August 2012 issue of Asimov's Science Fiction. Subscribers are now receiving their copies and the issue should be in stores in the next week or so.

"Heaven's Touch" is a hard science fiction story set on a comet in the near future; the main character, Dusty Waylons, is an astronaut fighting both for her own survival and to save Earth. Dusty also starred in my first Analog story "Where Away You Fall," which is available here as a free PDF download. While "Where Away You Fall" works as a prequel to "Heaven's Touch," you don't have to read one to enjoy the other.

Thanks again to Sheila Williams at Asimov's for accepting the story and giving me some great feedback during the editing process. Being published in Asimov's means a great deal to me, as I rambled on about a while back.

And additional thanks to nuclear engineer Anthony Zuppero, who originally developed the idea of ice spaceships. When I was plotting out my story Anthony was kind enough to email back and forth with me on the iceship's technical aspects. Anthony is a fascinating man with some groundbreaking ideas on how humanity can expand into outer space.

Signed and numbered copies of Million Writers Award anthologies, along with free chapbook and new Plague Birds story!

MWAAnthologiesWhen Spotlight Publishing released my short story collection Never Never Stories last year, I offered readers the chance to purchase signed and numbered copies. Because that was so popular a few people asked if I'd do the same with the upcoming Million Writers Award anthologies.

Short answer: Yes!

Anyone who orders Million Writers Award: The Best Online Science Fiction and Fantasy or Million Writers Award: The Best New Online Voices through Spotlight Publishing before the publication date of June 14 will have their books signed and numbered by me. (See note at bottom for more details, including how international orders will be handled and what to do if you've already ordered an anthology.)

But wait – cue television pitchman voice – there's more!

  • Everyone who pre-orders one print copy of either MWA anthology will receive a signed, limited edition chapbook of a new story by me, "The Bayou Witch's Guide to True Forgotten Love."
     
  • Anyone who orders both MWA anthologies will also receive a sneak preview of the new novel I'm working on, Plague Birds. The novel continues the story first told in my Interzone Readers' Poll winning "Plague Birds" and continued in "The Ever-Dreaming Verdict of Plagues" (both originally published in Interzone). The sneak preview contains the first third of the Plague Birds novel, meaning you'll receive the equivalent of a third brand-new story along with the two already mentioned above. I'd send you the preview as your choice of either a PDF or e-book readable file.

And all that's on top of the special pricing and free ebook offers Spotlight is already giving for pre-orders.

The reason we're doing the special offers is I really want people to read these anthologies. These stories are, in my opinion, reshaping the world of short fiction. The authors in these anthologies are the people you'll be reading in the decades to come.

To place your order, go to 

Please note: If you order a signed copy, please allow an extra week after the June 14 publication date to receive the anthology(ies). The simple truth is the laws of time and space are difficult to bend and Spotlight needs that week to ship me the books required for signing.

Also, I want to thank Spotlight for covering the extra domestic postage required for this special offer. I'm also personally covering the additional cost for internation orders, but what the heck, me thinks. I doubt the cost will break me. But I'm also often wrong about things like this.

And finally, if you already ordered a print copy of the anthologies and you'd like it to be signed and numbered, simply email me and I'll pass the word to Spotlight.

Appearance tomorrow at OSU Intergalactic Science Fiction Club

I'll be appearing at the Ohio State University Intergalactic Science Fiction Club tomorrow, April 10th, at 8 pm. The club meets in Campbell Hall, Room 309, and the meeting is open to students, faculty, and non-students.

The meeting is somewhat informal, so I'll be discussing any topics people bring up. I've also been asked to discuss

  • My "journey" on how I came to the point where I am today; 
  • My inspirations and/or favourite works;
  • Setbacks in my writing career (ooh, I could talk for hours on that :-);
  • Suggestions / hints / tips for aspiring writers. 
I'll also be selling and signing copies of my short story collection Never Never Stories and the two Million Writers Award anthologies. I only have a few copies of the MWA anthologies – which won't be released until June 14 – so if you want to grab one before everyone else this is your chance.

'Her Scientifiction, Far Future, Medieval Fantasy' available as an ebook

Her_sf_coverMy novelette "Her Scientifiction, Far Future, Medieval Fantasy is now available as a 99 cent ebook for both the Kindle and the Nook. Here's the blurb:

Princess Krisja Jerome lives in a futuristic playground universe of stone castles and dragons, where gallant knights fight for honor and glory using lasers and unbreakable synthetic swords. But when invaders destroy Krisja's carefully managed life, she sets out on a quest with a King Arthur duplicate to discover the truth of their world. Along the way she learns it’s not enough to merely experience great deeds – to be a true hero you must risk everything you love and hold dear.

The story was originally published last year in issue 234 of the British SF magazine Interzone, where it received great reviews. Thanks to Paul Drummond for designing the ebook files. I also should have the story in the Apple iBook store shortly.

To purchase the ebook, go to the following links:

Free ebook edition of InterGalactic Medicine Show Awards Anthology, Volume I

IGMS Cover 1211 - FrontSpotlight Publishing, which released my collection Never Never Stories, also recently published InterGalactic Medicine Show Awards Anthology, Volume  I. Edited by Orson Scott Card and Edmund Schubert, the book collects stories from Card's online magazine and includes an introduction by Peter S. Beagle and stories by me, Beagle, Eugie Foster, Aliette deBodard, Marie Brennan, Alethea Kontis, Eric James Stone, Scott Roberts, James Maxey, and many more.

The big news is that this weekend, from today through Monday, March 26th, you can download the ebook version of the IGMS Awards anthology for free through Amazon. Go here to download the free ebook.

You can also order print copies of the book directly from Spotlight Publishing, who are offering a limited number of copies signed by both Card and Schubert.

Update: The anthology also appears to be available in the U.K. for free this weekend. Here's the UK Amazon link.

 

The science (and fiction) around Felix Baumgartner's leap from near space

Today  Felix Baumgartner rode a 100-foot helium balloon to 71,581 feet (13.6 miles) before jumping, using a special pressurized suit and parachute system to land safely. His jump was a test run for his eventual attempt to break Colonel Joseph Kittinger's world-record parachute jump of 19.5 miles.

I wish Felix the best of luck in this endevour, which is as exciting and risky as it sounds. Because I've previously published a short story about high-altitude ballooning and parachuting, I considered boring people with a long examination of the science behind Felix's attempt. Instead, how about I simply let people read that short story, which is titled "Where Away You Fall" and was published in the December 2008 issue of Analog: Science Fiction and Fact.

You can download a PDF of "Where Away You Fall" here.

If you enjoy "Where Away You Fall" keep an eye out for my story "Heaven's Touch" in the August 2012 issue of Asimov's Science Fiction. The new story is a sequel to "Where Away You Fall" and features the return of the main character Dusty, except this time instead of being stuck on a balloon she's marooned on a comet far from Earth.

Fun with podcasts, audio magazines, and story narration

Good news for people who like podcasts of my stories—I've been all over the audio place lately. Here are the details:

Dunesteef Audio Fiction Magazine

I'm continually blown away by the greatness which is the Dunesteef Audio Fiction Magazine. Just when you think they've taken podcasts as far as they can go, along comes another narrative juggernaut, in this case their adaptation of my story "The Ever-Dreaming Verdict of Plague." Originally published in Interzone, this story is a sequel to my "Plague Birds" (which Dunesteef also podcast last year). 

The podcast of "The Ever-Dreaming Verdict of Plague" is flat-out amazing, with stellar production values, tons of special effects, and dead-on voice talents. Many thanks to Big and Rish for running the podcast, to Bryan Lincoln for producing the podcast, and to all of the people who voiced characters. To listen to part one of the story, go here. Part two will be released next week.

Me, narrating a Gemma Files story and rambling on the Skiffy and Fanty Show

If you prefer your podcasts to feature my voice, check out episode 6 of Tales to Terrify, where I narrate Gemma Files' story "Sown from Salt." This is the first story by another author I've ever narrated and, while I had a blast doing it, I'm unlikely to repeat said feat. The reason? Narrating stories is hard work! But do check out the episode, which is hosted by Larry Santoro.

By the way, is it only me or does anyone else think Larry's a natural at hosting horror podcasts? I swear he's the 21st century Vincent Price of horror podcasts!

And if that doesn't satisfy your craving for my intonations, check out the newest edition of the Skiffy and Fanty Show, where I join in discussions on J. K. Rowling’s new adult novel, the abuse of Seanan McGuire by readers, and more. And apologies to hosts Shaun and Jennifer for being half-asleep during the show. I've been working like crazy lately and I was exhausted. I hope I didn't say anything too silly in my dream-like state.

StarShipSofa Jason Sanford episode

Finally, a reminder that the Hugo Award winning audio fiction magazine StarShipSofa recently released a special issue focused on my fiction. The issue features two of my stories, an essay narrated by me, and tons of other fun stuff.

StarShipSofa is one of the top SF podcasts in the world, so go check it out.

Two items of an extremely exciting nature (if you like my fiction, that is)

InterGalactic Medicine Show Awards Anthology, Volume  I

IGMS Cover 1211

Spotlight Publishing, which released my collection Never Never Stories, has now published InterGalactic Medicine Show Awards Anthology, Volume  I. Edited by Orson Scott Card and Edmund Schubert, the book collects stories from Card's online magazine and includes an introduction by Peter S. Beagle and stories by me, Beagle, Eugie Foster, Aliette deBodard, Marie Brennan, Alethea Kontis, Eric James Stone, Scott Roberts, James Maxey, and many more.

You can order the book directly from Spotlight Publishing, who are also offering a limited number of copies signed by both Card and Schubert. The book is also available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

StarShipSofa Jason Sanford episode

In equally exciting news, the Hugo Award winning audio fiction magazine StarShipSofa has released a special issue focused on my fiction. The issue features two of my stories, an essay narrated by me, and tons of other fun stuff. StarShipSofa is one of the top SF podcasts in the world, so go check it out.

“Heaven’s Touch” sells to Asimov’s and I go all touchy-feely daydreaming of childhood SF magazines

AsimovsDec1983
My grandfather's mid-December 1983 copy of Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine, featuring the Hugo-winning story "Speech Sounds" by Octavia Butler. Note the mailing label still attached.

Exciting news: my novelette “Heaven’s Touch” has sold to Asimov’s Science Fiction! The story involves a race for survival on a near-future comet and is one of the hardest science fiction tales I’ve written.

This will be my first appearance in Asimov’s and I want to thank Sheila Williams for both accepting the story and giving me a number of excellent suggestions regarding rewrites. I naturally took these suggestions to heart because only a fool argues with a Hugo-winning editor whose ideas vastly improve your story!

Obviously I like Asimov’s since I subscribe to the magazine. However, Asimov’s also played a critical role in my development as a science fiction writer. When I was growing up there were three SF magazines I daydreamed about writing for—Analog, Asimov’s, and Interzone.

Because I grew up in rural Alabama, finding an issue of the British magazine Interzone was out of the question. But I continually noticed that many of the stories I loved in the various “year’s best” collections were first published in Interzone. So while I may not have seen physical copies of Interzone as a young man, the magazine still influenced me greatly.

Analog and Asimov’s were more familiar since my grandfather collected SF magazines. But of the two, my grandfather clearly had a special place in his heart for Isaac Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine—as it was then called—because he was a subscriber. I remember once when my mom picked up my grandparent’s mail while they were away on vacation. The mail contained a new issue of Asimov’s and I stared at that magazine for a long time, wondering if my grandfather would notice if I read it first.

I still have copies of my grandfather’s Asimov’s with his mailing label attached. They’re among my most valued heirlooms.

Once I left for college I subscribed to Asimov’s. This was during Gardner Dozois’ famous editorship, when he won the Hugo for best editor nearly every year while the stories he picked also dominated the major awards. On days when the magazine might arrive I’d race to my apartment, hoping to discover a new issue. The first thing I'd read each month were Issac Asimov’s editorials, followed by story after story from groundbreaking authors like Michael Swanwick, Connie Willis, Tanith Lee, Greg Egan, Mike Resnick, and many more. I even submitted a few horrible stories and poems to Gardner during those days—thankfully he rejected them quickly and without fuss.

And now I’ve landed my first Asimov’s acceptance. It’s amazing that I’ve placed stories with all the magazines I used to daydream about. But it’s also damn exciting to place a story in a magazine like Asimov’s, with which I’ve had such a long, loving relationship.

A reminder, some praise, and a great SF essay

A few items of note:

1) I'm attending Epic ConFusion this weekend in Detroit. I'm taking part in a number of panels, will be autographing Never Never Stories at the main autograph session at 5 pm on Saturday, and plan to have a ton of fun. My complete schedule is here.

2) Over at the SF Site, D. Douglas Fratz has some amazing words for my fiction. To quote:

Over the decades that I have been reading science fiction, there have been occasions when a new writer with a singular new style and vision appears whose fiction seems destined to have lasting impact on the field. Jason Sanford is one such a new writer. He writes with a confidence and skill that makes it difficult to believe that he burst onto the scene only in the past few years.

Wow! Many thanks to Fratz for the kind words and support.

3) Cory Doctorow's essay "A Vocabulary for Speaking about the Future" in the Jan. 2012 Locus is flat-out one of the best SF essays I've ever read. I plan to write more on the essay in the near future, but until then go and read it!

4) And no, I haven't forgotten about this year's Million Writers Award. Look for the initial announcement about the award next week.

My Epic ConFusion Schedule

After months of slow blogging due to the continual intrusion of that "life" thing, I’m now returning to more regular posting. And the first big news to post is that I’m attending the Epic ConFusion convention from Jan. 20-22 in Detroit. This looks to be an amazing con, with a stellar line-up of authors including

  • Pro GoH -- Patrick Rothfuss
  • Toastmaster -- Jim C. Hines
  • Saladin Ahmed
  • Elizabeth Bear
  • Tobias Buckell
  • Kameron Hurley
  • Jay Lake
  • Cat Rambo
  • John Scalzi
  • Catherine Shaffer
  • Ferret Steinmetz
  • and many, many more.

This will be one of the few con appearances I’ll make this year, so please drop by if you’d like to grab a signed copy of Never Never Stories or simply want to shoehorn me into a in-depth discussion on arcane SF topics.

My schedule is as follows:

10am, Saturday: Grammar Police in Salon F
Anne S. Zanoni, Christian Klaver, Jason Sanford, Charles P. Zaglanis

1pm, Saturday: Science in Fantasy in Salon F
Jason Sanford, Catherine Schaffer, Dr. Phil Kaldon, Jim Hines, Cindy Spence Pape

3pm, Saturday: Reading by Jason Sanford and Bradley Beaulieu in Athens      

5pm, Saturday: Mass Autograph Session in Salon E

8pm, Saturday: Reviews and Criticism in Niles
Gretchen Ash, Howard Andrew Jones, Jason Sanford, Christine Purcell, Robin Hobb

11am, Sunday:  Small Stories in Epic Fantasy in Salon E
Bradley Beaulieu, Robin Hobb, Patrick Rothfuss, Jason Sanford, Brent Weeks

If you’re attending the con, I hope you'll look for me and say hello.

Blog Posts Have Been Slow of Late...

...but only because life has been so busy for me. I'm editing two Million Writers Award anthologies and these books have totally consumed my free time recently. I'll have complete details on the anthologies, including the official table of contents and release dates, later this month.

Until then, here are some random thoughts and a few things to check out:

  • Weirdfictionreview.com launched yesterday and it's already creating an impressive buzz in speculative fiction circles. The website is devoted to The Weird and is the brainchild of Ann and Jeff VanderMeer. Until recently Ann edited Weird Tales Magazine and she co-edited with her husband The Weird: A Compendium of Strange & Dark Stories, a 750,000-word, 100-year retrospective of weird fiction. As for Jeff, he is known for writing very weird and wonderful fiction. I'm extremely excited that they've created this site, especially since Weird Tales no longer appears to be interested in publishing truly weird fiction. Among the highlights are an exclusive interview with Neil Gaiman about weird fiction and a translation of Thomas Owen’s short story “Kavar the Rat” by Edward Gauvin.
     
  • I keep watching Terra Nova even though the show can't decide if it wants to be a time-travelling Lost clone or a show for kids. Unfortunately, they keep mixing both extremes together, a blending on horrible display in Monday's "Bylaw" episode. The episode should have been called "Murder by Dinosaur" because that was the main plot point, aside from the kid-candy secondary story of a dinosaur hatching from an egg. The main reason I keep watching is because my kids like the show. But if Terra Nova keeps going like this my kids will soon experience one of my worst reoccuring childhood memories, i.e., having your favorite TV show cancelling in its first season.
     
  • My story "Her Scientifiction, Far Future, Medieval Fantasy" from Interzone 234 received a great review in Stephen Hunt's SFCrowsnest. Evidently I wrote "a whirlwind of a story that bashes together every trope of speculative fiction into a big chaotic adventure and it is tremendous fun to go along for the ride." Many thanks for the kind words.
     
  • My kids dragged me to see Real Steel and, for a robot boxing movie, it wasn't too bad. Since I expected to be banging my head on the seat in pain at this big-screen version of Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots, "not too bad" in this instance counts as a win.

Interzone 236 Reaches These Shores

IZ236I've heard from a few readers that Interzone 236 is now available in U.S. bookstores. The issue features my story "The Ever-Dreaming Verdict of Plagues" (which is the sequel to my award-winning tale "Plague Birds"), along with great fiction by Mercurio D. Rivera, Fiona Moore, Jon Ingold, and Stephen Kotowych.

Traditionally Barnes & Noble carries Interzone in their magazine section, but you might want to call first before driving out of your way. In my experience only about half of the B&N stores carry the British magazine. Interzone is also available in the U.S. at specialty bookstores.

So is the issue worth buying? Absolutely. Check out this great review by Sam Tomaino of SF Revu, who not only calls my story "Hugo worthy" but praises all of the fiction, adding "Interzone is the best science fiction magazine in the world." It's hard to argue with that.

And if that doesn't fill your Jason Sanford and/or Interzone fix, issue 231 – Interzone's special issue focused on my fiction – is now available as an ebook edition through both Fictionwise and via Smashwords.

The Political Battlefield of Military Science Fiction

SF Signal has published my essay "The Political Battlefield of Military Science Fiction," which examines the political issues surrounding this subgenre in the U.S. The essay was originally published in the Czech SF magazine XB-1. I should also note there's a wonderful anecdote in the comments section about the first time Robert Heinlein met Joe Haldeman.

Aliette de Bodard also has a follow-up post to my essay in which she discusses how Americans use the word “political” to refer to something which, to her, is not political (i.e., whether or not war is justified, which to Aliette is an ethical issue, not a political one). A great point and one I'll have to think about.

Praise for Never Never Stories

My short story collection Never Never Stories is receiving some very good reviews.

  • Stefanie Hollmichel of the blog So Many Books said the stories are "well-written" and "imaginative beyond the usual science fiction offerings. It is a good collection and good reading if you are inclined toward science fiction or something out of the ordinary."
     
  • In another recent review, Catherine Russel of Functional Nerds said Never Never Stories "contains the most original speculative fiction that I’ve ever read" and that the book is "perfect for any fans of science fiction – especially genre tales that explore deeper themes."

The current issues of Interzone also has a review of Never Never Stories, but I haven't yet received my copy.

Many thanks to Catherine and Stefanie for the kind words. And if you want to see what all the buzz is about go buy your copy now.

 

Suggest Stories for the Million Writers Award anthologies

Early next year Spotlight Publishing, which recently published my short story collection Never Never Stories, will release two anthologies of Million Writers Awards stories. I will edit both anthologies, which are titled:

  • Million Writers Award: The Best Online Science Fiction and Fantasy
  • Million Writers Award: The Best New Online Voices

These anthologies will feature stories from the last eight years of the storySouth Million Writers Award. I'm currently pulling together table of contents for both books, but I wanted to also offer readers and writers the opportunity to suggest stories for inclusion. After all, a key aspect of the Million Writers Award is that the public has a voice in the award process. I'd like it to be the same with these anthologies.

Here's the deal: only stories which made the award's notable story list, top ten list, or won the award are eligible for consideration. The Million Writers Award: The Best Online Science Fiction and Fantasy is, obviously, focused on those respected genres. Million Writers Award: The Best New Online Voices focuses on the most exciting new and upcoming authors who have had stories in the award over the last eight years. If you'd like to suggest stories, either use the comment box below or email your picks to me. Be sure to mention which anthology your suggestions are for.

Pasted below are links to the last eight years of Million Writers Award stories. If you have some suggestions, please send them to me by September 20th.

Last 8 Years of the Million Writers Award

Preview of "The Ever-Dreaming Verdict of Plagues"

EverDreamThe next issue of the British magazine Interzone contains my story "The Ever-Dreaming Verdict of Plagues," which is the sequel to "Plague Birds" (available at that link as a PDF download). At right is the opening spread, with amazing art by Hugo Award winning artist Jim Burns. The image shows the main character, Cristina de Ane, releasing the blood AI which lives within her body.

In the story, Crista is six months into her life as a plague bird, meaning she is both judge and executioner to the human-animal genetic hybrids who populate this future Earth. Crista has arrived in a small village to investigate a horrific murder. But she soon discovers that guilt and truth are not easy to discern in a world where humans and AI continually manipulate each other.

If you liked "Plague Birds," I think you'll also enjoy this story (and since "Plague Birds" tied for last year's Interzone Readers' Poll, I'm assuming a number of people liked it). Issue 236 of Interzone mails in a week or two, so if you want to read the story I'd recommend subscribing. I'm also working on additional stories set in this universe. Eventually I plan to release an entire book set around "Plague Birds."

Two Reviews

Here are two new reviews:

  • The first is by me, reviewing The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore (pseudonym of James Frey and Jobie Hughes). Overall I enjoyed the book, which is a fun read even if derivative and not extremely original. The best news is that as a book aimed at young readers, this novel might bring new readers to the science fiction genre. Check out my review at SFSignal.com.

    •  

  • The second review is by Catherine Russel, who says my short story collection Never Never Stories "contains the most original speculative fiction that I’ve ever read" and that the book is "perfect for any fans of science fiction – especially genre tales that explore deeper themes." Many thanks to Catherine for the kind words. Read the entire review at Functional Nerds.

The Fantastical Ascent of ... Me

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.

Context 24 Schedule and Premiere of Never Never Stories

I'm a participating author at this weekend's Context 24 convention in Columbus, Ohio. This is a great little con focused on literary SF, fantasy and horror.

My one panel will be on Saturday at 3 pm where Matt Cook and I will discuss "The Inside Scoop on Black Static and Interzone." Here's the panel copy:

The ground-breaking British magazines Black Static and Interzone, both published by TTA Press, rank among the most influential horror and SF/F publications in the world. Learn why readers, reviewers and the Year's Best anthologies pay special attention to stories published in these magazines and why TTA Press is receptive to new writers whose fiction doesn't fit in with traditional American genre magazines. The panel will discuss the types of fiction the TTA Press editors look for, showcase samples of these magazines, submission tips, and much more.

Book Premiere Party

On Friday night WriteShop, a writing group I've been a part of for several years, will host at 10th Anniversary Gala at the convention, with this party also conveniently doubling as the premiere for my collection Never Never Stories. The party will run from 7:30 p.m. to midnight on August 26, in the Pickaway and Fairfield rooms of the Doubletree Hotel.  There will be munchies, a cash bar, book giveaways, and many copies of Never Never Stories.

If you'd like a signed copy of my collection, please stop by the party. And if you're attending Context, please say hello if you see me wandering the halls.