Reading

6 Novelists Who Started In the Pulps…Or Are Still There

Leave a Comment / Reading, SF Industry /

Why am I talking about pulp fiction? (No, not the movie — which got its name from Tarantino’s inspiration for the story.)

Two reasons: Classic SF got its start in the pulp magazines. And my Ptolemy Lane Tales series was my nod to classic hardcore pulp fiction.

Classic pulp stories are often decried for their simplicity and dependence upon erotic elements to move copies.  The criticism overlooks one of the primary functions of pulp stories:  They were written to entertain.

And my god, they did that in spades.

At their peak of popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, the most successful pulps could sell up to one million copies per issue. In 1934, Frank Gruber (writer) said there were some 150 pulp titles.*

6 Novelists Who Started In the Pulps…Or Are Still There Read More »

What Makes a Book a “Classic” in Science Fiction?

Leave a Comment / Reading, SF Industry, The Future /

There are some books in science fiction that never seem to fade. Dune. Foundation. The Left Hand of Darkness. Decades later, we’re still reading them, studying them, arguing about them. They’ve carved out a permanent space on the shelf—and not just for their fans, but for the genre itself.

So what is it that makes a book a “classic”?

What Makes a Book a “Classic” in Science Fiction? Read More »

How to Hack BookFunnel Promos for Maximum Reading Gain

2 Comments / Deals & Discounts, Giveaways, Reading /

Last week, I talked about author email lists, free books, and how to handle them in a way that benefits both readers and authors. This week, as promised, I’m diving into BookFunnel promotions—one of the biggest and best ways to load up your e-reader with fantastic books, discover new authors, and grab deals you won’t

How to Hack BookFunnel Promos for Maximum Reading Gain Read More »

Amazing Stories: Join the Mission to Bring It Back—One Fan at a Time

Leave a Comment / Out There, Reading, SF Industry /

As I’ve mentioned before, Amazing Stories is in the middle of an effort to revive the iconic science fiction magazine. After sharing the news about their commitment-based pre-order model, the team has made progress—but they’re asking for a little extra push to reach their next milestone. Currently, 50 fans have signed on to the program—an

Amazing Stories: Join the Mission to Bring It Back—One Fan at a Time Read More »

Space Opera: The Genre Dreamers Need Right Now

2 Comments / Reading, SF Industry, The Future /

The Weight of the World These days, it feels like the world’s challenges are mounting. From economic uncertainty and environmental crises to the polarization of beliefs and values, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We’re bombarded daily by grim news, leaving many of us searching for a reprieve—a way to escape the harsh realities of life

Space Opera: The Genre Dreamers Need Right Now Read More »

Amazing Stories: Help Revive a Science Fiction Legacy

3 Comments / Reading, SF Industry /

Science fiction as we know it owes much to Amazing Stories, the genre’s pioneering magazine. Founded in 1926, it was the first magazine solely dedicated to speculative fiction, helping launch countless authors and igniting imaginations across generations. Now, after decades without active publication, Amazing Stories is gearing up for a triumphant return. The team behind

Amazing Stories: Help Revive a Science Fiction Legacy Read More »

Scroll to Top