Con-Verse: Symbolic Intensity in Speculative Poetry
Today, let’s chat about (my probably controversial thoughts on) symbolic intensity and how even the most challenging poem can clearly reveal a speculative core.
Fantastic Fiction: Kōbō Abe and Post-War Japanese SFT
Most of the magical realism and surrealism that has come into English literature from the Japanese is from Kōbō Abe (1924–1993). His slipstream novels and collections, which easily move among the various subgenres of science fiction, surrealism, and magical realism, are focused on the absurd and bewildering.
Around Seattle: Wallingford
Discover Wallingford’s innovative Woodland Park Zoo, enjoy peaceful strolls and picnics in Woodland Park, and explore unique antiques and quirky finds at the charming Vintage Mall.
Con-Verse: Chatting with Mary Soon Lee
When we started this Con-Verse-ation, we invited several standout poets to answer the pressing question of how to define and identify speculative poetry. Today, we’re chatting with multiple-award-winning poet and SFPA Grand Master Mary Soon Lee!
Fantastic Fiction: What’s in a Name? The Birth of the Term “Sword and Sorcery”
If you’re of a certain age, the phrase “sword and sorcery” conjures up visions of muscular barbarians and busty damsels fighting monsters or evil wizards on paperback covers illustrated by Frank Frazetta, Boris Vallejo, or Jeffrey Catherine Jones. But did you know that the subgenre had no name for the first 30 years of its existence? And do you know how the term for the genre of “sword and sorcery” came to be?
Local Flavor: Rainier Beer
The Rainier Brewing Company was established in 1884 in Seattle. Though the brand has been sold, it still has several important ties to the region.
Con-Verse: Speculative Poetry Primer
We’ve discovered some commonalities among the answers to last week’s questions, enough that there are some things we can definitely say about speculative poetry, but how much deeper can we dig?
The Flash #123 (July, 1961): The Flash of Two Worlds
Today superhero multiverses are everywhere, but back in 1961 we didn’t even have the concept. That is until one strange little tale changed everything: Flash #123, entitled The Flash of Two Worlds.
Around Seattle: Underground Tour
Explore the streets of old Seattle, buried underground after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889.
Newsletter January 2025: Seeking book donations!
The Freebies Lounge is looking for book donations, party suites may be requested, hotel room availability updates, announcing the Con-Verse blog column with Brandon O’Brien, membership rate increases, how to unsubscribe from the newsletter, writing contest submissions close soon, and Hugo, Lodestar, and Astounding award nominations open soon!