Con-Verse: Two Reasons To Trust Your Own Poetic Sense
Consider this a breakdown of not just the avenues to read your way into speculative poetry but also as an encouragement as to why you should.
Fantastic Fiction: A Rough-Cut Jewel
The Weirdstone of Brisingamen is the first book by Alan Garner. While it is not his greatest work, it is still solidly written. Its publication history is also interesting, speaking to the post-Tolkien publishing world.
Local Flavor: We’ve Got Crab Legs!
If you lived in the Northwest in the 80s, you can probably still sing Sea Galley’s catchy “We’ve Got Crab Legs!” jingle.
Con-Verse: Pop Culture as Speculation in Verse
At this point, we’ve been building up our muscles in finding ways to approach poems that intrigue and challenge us. Today, let’s consider yet another one of those reading tools: considering pop culture as an element of the speculative.
Fantastic Fiction: Perry Rhodan – (West) Germany’s Space Hero
Science fiction has many long-running science fiction series. However, there is no series longer running than Perry Rhodan, which as of this writing has racked up a staggering 3,312 volumes since 1961. But who is Perry Rhodan and what makes his adventures so unique?
Around Seattle: Pike Place Market
There’s lots more to Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market than just the flying fish. Check out many reasons why it’s a must-see Seattle attraction.
Con-Verse: Chatting with Bryan Thao Worra
This week’s poetry chat is with the inimitable former president of the SFPA and an ambassador of speculative poetry, Bryan Thao Worra!
French SFT in F&SF, 1962
Three works of short science fiction/fantasy from France (in English translation) appeared in the pages of The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction in 1962: Henri Damonti’s “The Notary and the Conspiracy,” Charles and Nathalie Henneberg’s “Moon Fishers,” and Suzanne Malaval’s “The Devil’s God-Daughter.” All three were translated by Damon Knight, who was responsible for bringing several French-language speculative pieces into English during the 1960s and 70s.
Local Flavor: Dutch Baby
Invented in Seattle in the early 1900s at Manca’s Cafe, a Dutch baby is similar to a popover or Yorkshire pudding. While simple enough for a middle school student to prepare as an afternoon snack (ask how we know!), the Dutch baby is endlessly versatile.
Newsletter February 2025: Seattle Worldcon Has Fringe
We’re starting to plan our fringe events, attending membership rates will increase on March 1, announcing our virtual business meeting platform and times, our health policy was recently updated, community fund grants are being awarded and we’re accepting donations, and Hugo nominations are open through March 14.