The Superhero Issue
Sunday, January 1st, 2012
I sent notes to 27 authors I wanted as contributors to my projected anthology. I expected long silences, because of the holidays. Six days later, 17 of them want to participate.
It’s premature to mention names, because I know we will have the usual attrition. Let’s just say that everyone who reads SF will recognize them. But I will share my framing criteria:
— Space opera(ish) and/or mythic, but it must be science fiction, not fantasy;
— Female protagonist(s) who do not (nor are made to) feel guilty about career versus family;
— Content and style geared to adult readers, not young-adult “finding one’s self/place”;
— No “big ideas” Leaden Age SF, nor near-future earthbound cyber/steampunk.
It is my fond hope that having an offbeat editor will shake something unusual out of these frames.
I can hardly wait.
Update: The final starting roster stands at 22.
Photo: Foléghandhros (one of the Cyclades), by RALF.