he folks at Romantic Science Fiction & Fantasy know there's more to their subgenre than Princess Leia saying "I love you" and Han Solo replying "I know" before being encased in carbonite.
They endeavor to prove that fact to the rest of geekdom with a Web site that covers the genre from multiple angles. There are regular updates—sometimes weekly, sometimes biweekly—on what staff members are reading, lists of upcoming romantic fiction from a variety of publishers, and a wealth of links to related genre and author sites. Additionally, those looking to talk with like-minded individuals can do so two ways: via the site's online discussion boards and its e-mail-based Yahoo discussion group.
Those new to the genre should check out the site's "Features" section, which includes a six-book list entitled "Romantic Fiction 101" designed to introduce people to romantic SF (it would've been nice if these books were linked directly to reviews). The section also holds a
handful of interviews with genre authors.
By far the site's strongest offering is its reviews section. It lists dozens upon dozens of authors, and easily more than 100 books. Each book entry notes which of the site's contributors liked and disliked it, as well as short reviews by the self-same moderators. It would be nice if the section had a search feature, but it's still useful as is.
— Ken Newquist
Site of the Week—August 11, 2003
ince embarking on his Periodic Table of Science Fiction, Michael Swanwick claims that other writers "turn pale and cross themselves" when he enters a room. And for good reason—with four Hugo nominations in three categories in 2003 alone, he has made himself an acknowledged powerhouse of the SF field.
Created by a handful of dedicated fans with the author's full cooperation, Michael Swanwick Online assembles everything a Web surfer might want to know about this prolific and scarily talented writer. Like most author sites, this one has plenty of data on his fiction and other work: bibliographies, links to reviews, snapshots of book covers and biographical essays. There is an article on the chameleonic nature of Swanwick's writing by Gardner Dozois (other contributors include James Patrick Kelly, Roz Kaveney and Nick Gevers) and links to several interviews the author has given over the years.
It would be easy to think that, with such a large volume of factual information on offer, a reader could come to know this author rather well. But the site does not restrict itself to the formality of biographies and interviews: It also has a number of sections where Swanwick answers mail from fans directly—sometimes seriously, sometimes with tongue firmly in cheek. The responses he gives to questions about writing and his work are not sugar-coated; they show Swanwick's sharper edges, as well as a great sense of fun. One reader asks: Is Swanwick a cyberpunk? Visit the site to get the answer from the person who knows best.
— A.M. Dellamonica
Site of the Week—August 4, 2003
he Horror Writers Association is an organization dedicated to promoting dark literature and the people who write it. The group's Web site, not surprisingly, gathers together a formidable array of resources for horror fans, veteran writers and those just breaking into the genre.
A thoughtful essay defining the parameters of horror fiction—an ambitious task in its own right—is one of the first things encountered by any visitor beginning to explore this site. With that definition in mind, the next logical step may be to sign up for free excerpts from new horror novels (recent choices include Michael Romkey's The Vampire's Violin and Edo van Belkom's Scream Queen). One need not sample the fictional fare without comment, either—it is possible to read and contribute notes about the work at the site's discussion forums.
The HWA has published a number of books about the art and business of writing dark literature, as well as fiction anthologies edited by luminaries like Peter Straub and Robert Bloch. Details about these books are on the Web page, of course, as is information about the HWA yearly conference, where the Bram Stoker Awards (which recognize the year's best achievements in horror fiction in a variety of forms) are bestowed. The site has links to articles for beginning writers, and a recommended reading list, too.
Literature in its prose form is the foundation of every genre—that is to say, written horror stories are the spawning ground from which horror comics, films, video games and television programming all arise. By offering a serious site for serious writers, the Horror Writers Association creates a much-needed entry point for anyone wishing to gain a better understanding of
this genre, starting deep in its haunted basement.
— A.M. Dellamonica
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