Space Opera Lives ... And Lives... And Lives ...

KEN KORCZAK:

It's incredible to think that space opera has been around for at least 100 years now.

The term "space opera" was coined in 1941 by a science fiction fan by the name of Wilson Tucker. Tucker would later become something of an author in his own right. Labeling a certain kind of SF "space opera" was not a compliment, but a denigration of what Tucker considered an inferior form of the genre.

Tucker defined space opera as "hacky, grinding, stinking, outworn, spaceship yarn."

But today space opera is still going strong. It is a standard sub-genre of science fiction, and there are plenty of new authors who are undaunted about "grinding out" what certain snooty literary types might dismiss as "hacky" stuff.

As for me, I don't like hacky, formulaic space opera much either, but I wax philosophical about it. If there's a market for it, if a demographic enjoys reading it, and if a writer can make a few bucks -- what's wrong with that?

Anyway, here is my book review of a new space opera offering by Canadian writer Chris Reher. SPACE HUNTER

FIND THE BEST SEO WRITER HERE: BEST SEO WRITER

Send Ken and email: ken.korczak@gmail.com

Follow @KenKorczak

Frederik Pohl: Good-Bye to Another Science Fiction Legend

KEN KORCZAK:

The great Frederik Pohl has died. He was 93. Pohl probably deserved his title of "Science Fiction Grand Master" more than any other of the genre. That's because he was far more than just a writer of stellar science fiction; he was an extremely influential editor, but even before that, Pohl was a "super fan."

Pohl was intimately involved in the early development of the "science fiction scene" among the pulp publishing industry centered in New York City. He formed clubs, developed conventions, published obscure newsletters and fanzines -- he did it all. He was immersed within and passionate about science fiction. Science fiction was his life.

As a result, Pohl probably knew everyone there was to know in the business, and not just the great writers and editors. It would be difficult to name any other man who had a greater effect on the way science fiction came to be what it was, and what it is today. I believe Pohl's influence was even greater than editor John W. Campbell.

I still remember years ago reading the book considered Pohl's masterpiece -- Gateway -- and being swept away by this marvelous and innovative piece of fiction. The same goes for another of his books, JEM. It's a masterful work.

I also had a chance to meet Pohl once at the World Science Fiction Convention in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Imagine my delight! The year was 1994. I was strolling down a hall of the convention center. Coming toward me from the other direction I espy two very old men -- one with a full head of ashy gray hair. The other guy was shiny bald with a fringe of snow white. They looked like a couple of escapees from a nursing home -- yet there was a bounce in their step, a gleam in their eyes -- they looked spry and happy! An aura of enthusiasm surrounded them.

I immediately recognized the bald man with a pronounced limp as Frederik Pohl. I was starstruck! I didn't recognize the geezer who was walking beside him, but as they come closer, I saw they were wearing name tags. The tag of Pohl's companion identified him as none other than Hal Clement! Wow! Clement was the 17th man to earn the honor of being named Science Fiction Grand Master. His real name was Harry Stubbs.

Pohl's death comes just a few months after that of another science fiction mega-great, Jack Vance, who died at age 96. See my review of Vance's last book, his autobiography here: JACK VANCE.

Also, if you want to listen in on a fascinating radio interview featuring both Pohl and Vance, check this out: POHL-VANCE RADIO CHAT.

FIND THE BEST SEO WRITER HERE: BEST SEO WRITER

Follow @KenKorczak

Amazon reviewer calls my ebook "Outstanding"

KEN KORCZAK:

It's always nice to get a positive review, even if it's short and sweet. In fact, maybe short and sweet is better than an in-depth review ... I don't know ... but I digress.

I was thrilled to see a 5-Star review of my ebook, THE MAN IN THE NOTHING CHAMBER earlier this week. Hey! I'll take what I can get. This little ebook, which is actually a long short story, has been selling well ... and it has to at a price of .99 cents. That's because my cut is 35 cents! You have to sell a lot of ebooks at that price before it adds up to even some gas and grocery money!

Anyway, here is what the reviewer said:

"I generally despise short stories (due to their total lack of actual STORY) but Man in the Nothing Chamber is outstanding."

Ahhh ... thank you!

FIND THE BEST SEO WRITER HERE: BEST SEO WRITER

Follow @KenKorczak