Social Commentary

[close] This January 19, 6-8 p.m. (MST), I am hosting a discussion on why we read and write science fiction. Like many voracious readers, I loved this field as a teenager, and I am sure the genre helped shape my thinking about the world. But then I stopped reading science fiction for many decades. This seems a common pattern. Now my own debut eco sci-fi about panpsychism and a Paleoterrific future, Knocking on Heaven’s Door (Yucca/Skyhorse Publishing), is just out, and I have five of the best science fictions from 2015 on my kindle, waiting and whispering to me in the night. My favorite recent sci-fi are Station 11 and The Water Knife. I think the genre is about to have a renaissance! Feel free to post your thoughts before or after the discussion date, although I will likely wait for that Tuesday.

[close] A place to discuss all the unique aspects of Deaf culture as highlighted in the thriller Silent Fear (A novel inspired by true crimes) by Lance & James Morcan. This group can also be an intersection of sorts where Deaf and hearing people can engage and learn from each other.

[close] Anti-genre is a new group formed with the purpose of connecting indie and self-published authors who don’t fall into typical “genre” fiction categories. What’s anti-genre? Anti-genre writers don’t fall into other popular genre categories. These writers strive to make some form of social commentary in their fiction. That is, they not only entertain, they also challenge us by making a statement about the world we live in. This is an inclusive group. These stories could easily range from war and politics, to the dulls of the working world, suburbia, consumerism, and social institutions, to just about anything else that the daily world revolves around. These works may use any number of devices including but by no means limited to: memoir, historical fiction, satire, parody, dark humor. You see, it is an intentionally broad but focused genre. Why organize a new genre? In the growing world of indie and self-publishing many authors are struggling to fit into a genre. We don’t write romance, sci fi, paranormal, etc., and sometimes feel lost and unable to connect with authors and readers who share our interests. Creating this genre will hopefully help with that problem. We’re here to organize and support one another’s work. If you feel your work doesn’t fall into one of the other popular genre fiction categories, AND feel it could fit here, come give us a try. Send a group invite and we'll see if you feel like you can contribute to our little community here. We’re easy on the eyes, friendly, and who knows, you just might find your niche. Can you give me some famous examples that might fit your genre? Orwell, Huxley, Palahniuk, Heller, Selby, Jr., and oh so many others out there. Who we are not: Scifi, paranormal, romance, YA, or other popular genre writers. Not that there is anything wrong with that. We just need a place for us ‘nons’ to connect amid the pool of other genres.

[close] Even though we have a 12-second attention span, let's prove to those Baby-Boomers we can still read! Each month read a chosen book related to "Millennial Life." Book topics include (but are not limited to) first 'career-type' jobs, dating in the digital age, financial stresses, the mindfulness craze, international affairs, and avocado toast *of course.*