Sci-Fi On The Modern Stage...A LTUE Panel

I'm excited about this one. Of course, I'm excited about all the panels I'm fortunate enough to be a part of. Next Saturday, at the Life, the Universe, and Everything (LTUE) Writing Symposium I'll be part of the festivities. I'm on three panels. This is the first.

Earlier this week I sent an e-mail to a successful writer who is a screenwriter and a playwright. He's got experience writing science fiction and has written several plays. He offered some great suggestions as talking points for the panel.

I'm excited for the subject. It's untapped. The question is, "Why isn't there more science fiction-centered stories for the stage?" Fair question. Is it a technical question, and if so, will advancements in theatrical technology bring more sci-fi to the stage? Or is there just not enough interest? Of course, time will tell. Hopefully, we'll be able to flush out some theories and perhaps, some solutions.

Another reason I'm excited is because of the panelists. I've been on a panel with Aaron Johnston before. He's a bestselling author and screenwriter. I don't know Jonna Hayden or Katie Jarvis, but I've met Mary Kowal before. She's a successful fantasy writer and narrator with a previous career working in the theater.

These events are fun. It's a great way to meet new people, to get to know people better, and to discuss the creative process. If you're interested in this subject or any of the many other topics at this year's LTUE event, stop on by. You can see the entire schedule: HERE. Sci-Fi on the Modern Stage. Should be a fun one!

Orson Scott Card And Aaron Johnston's "Earth Awakens"...A Book Review

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It's a bittersweet day when you've come to the end of a series. At least, I think the Formic War series ends with Orson Scott Card and Aaron Johnston's Earth Awakens. What I especially liked about the series is Card and Johnston take us from a world in which some things are familiar (countries, U.N., etc...) and after the series ends we're at the precipice of Ender's World.

The Formic Wars series focuses on Earth before Ender Wiggins, before the Formics attacked and were killing millions of humans. All of us who have read Card's books beginning with Ender's Game and moved forward in time, know there's a history of what happened to Earth before the Formics arrived. Now, thanks to this series we understand (similar to the Star Wars prequels...) the back story. We know how Mazer Rackham achieved mythical status. We understand how life was before the first invasion that thanks to a few brave individuals, we know how everything changed.

The series prepares us for Ender. We're ready for the boy king.

When I come to an end of a series, I always want more. This time is no different. However, I'm glad there was more to add to the pre-Enderverse, if you will. It did not disappoint. I liked each book in the series, Earth Unaware, Earth Afire, and Earth Awakens. Plus, I've found that I enjoy any book that include's Aaron Johnston's input. I don't know how much Mr. Johnston adds to the process, but when his names included, good results follow. I feel the series is a must-read, or at least, a ought-to-read if you like Card's future world and want more.

Like I stated earlier, I believe this is the last book of the series. Of course, I could be wrong and I'll be glad to be wrong, until I read that one, too--then I'll be sad again. Such a roller coaster ride, a ride I've enjoyed.

* Photo used without permission from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18490707-earth-awakens?ac=1

Invasive Procedures...A Book Review

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Last week I finished a book written by Orson Scott Card and Aaron Johnston called Invasive Procedures. Until last week I didn't know this book existed--I blame myself, really. There's a lot of books of which I am unaware.

Over the past few years I've read several books authored by Card, books that have not been made into movies. And I have a long way to go--the guy writes a lot of books. I must say that I enjoyed this read.

When I see a book written by two authors it confuses me. I'm not sure who wrote what, or how much one contributed to the project. Who's idea was the counter-virus? Which one decided how many people would be involved in the transplant pool? Who decided how many would die? I find myself wondering these things. Maybe I'm the only one...

About the book, it contains many of the elements you think of when you think of genetics and evil people trying to make everyone better. Of course, there's philosophical dimensions included that I didn't expect. What costs is society willing to accept to fix some medical problems? The book was fast-paced, interesting and I could see it play in my mind. The world in which they created was believable and I even bought the main theme--a mix between cloning and reincarnation.

I'm not sure who wrote what, but they made a good team. I've read many of Card's book. Maybe I should read more of Johnston's.

* Photo used without permission from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/234731.Invasive_Procedures