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SFWA and Independent Writers, Part One: History of the Organization

As part of a Twitter conversation, one of my favorite gamewriters, Ken St. Andre, suggested I write up something about SFWA and independent writers that goes into enough detail that people can understand why — or why not — they might want to join. This is part one of a multi-part series that will talk about some of the history behind the decision, and in this first part I want to talk about the organization prior to admitting independent writers.

In Memoriam: Dr. Yoji Kondo (a.k.a Eric Kotani)

Dr. Yoji Kondo, known to science fiction readers as Eric Kotani, passed away yesterday at the age of 84. Yoji Kondo was an astrophysicist at NASA/GSFC, where he served as Director of the NASA International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellite observatory, among other prestigious appointments, and had formerly served as the head of the astrophysics laboratory […]

In Memoriam: ElizaBeth A. Gilligan (Lace)

ElizaBeth A. Gilligan (Lace), died in her sleep on the morning on October 9, 2017 after a battle with cancer.  Gilligan published her first short story, Evolution,” in 1990 and began writing as a columnist for Midnight Zoo in 1991. Subsequent short stories appeared in Witch Fantastic, Sword and Sorceress, Black Gate, and other anthologies.  Her story “Iron Joan” made the Nebula preliminary […]

In Memoriam: Kit Reed

Kit Reed (b.1932) died on September 24, several months after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.  Reed published the story “The Wait” in 1958 and was nominated for a Hugo Award for Best New Author of 1958, a forerunner of the John W. Campbell, Jr. Award. 

Difference of Mind

by Erica Satifka

According to the World Health Organization, one out of every four people will be affected by mental illness at some point in their lives. Considering this, it’s important to not only feature characters with mental illness prominently in one’s writing, but to treat the subject with sensitivity and accuracy.