RIP Dan Simmons

[fabrisse]

I didn't like the Hyperion series, but I am happy that I've read it. His civilization, and its pilgrims, were alien in the best sense. The Shrike will feature in my nightmares for years to come.

While it may not have been to my taste, I recognize that we have lost another original voice in science fiction and that's sad for the communities of fans and writers.

Comments

Yes ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

I didn't care for Hyperion either, but you're right about it being original.

*sigh* Nowadays the most original stuff I see is, ironically, in fanfic. Most publishers have gotten skittish and turn out repetitive content. Kickstarter has some good stuff too, though.

Re: Yes ...

[fabrisse]

There's always fanfic. But yes, I'd like more originality in my profic.

Re: Yes ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

It's worth looking on Kickstarter. That's where I found the Neanderthal comic book, the autistic yeti, and the translated anthology of anti-caste speculative fiction.

Re: Yes ...

[fabrisse]

Not something I'd thought to do. Thank you for suggesting it.

Re: Yes ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

I'm happy I could help.

The Publishing category has most of the novels and anthologies. Gaming manuals and related fiction typically appear in the Gaming category. Graphic novels and books about artists show up in Art.

[siderea]

That's a good way to put it.

I do want to call out the fact that one of the Hyperion sequels has the one and only case I know of in SFF of depicting, realistically, having a kidney stone. Dude wrote about the Shrike and eternally electrocuting crucifixions and a religion-parasite hybrid, but when he really wanted to lay a protagonist low: kidney stone.

[fabrisse]

My friend Elle visited Savannah Thanksgiving of 2019 (the first year) and had a kidney stone while here. It's rare to see green skin. I just remember driving her to the hospital, and the anguished sound she made when we went over a speed bump. Definitely worse than the Shrike.