Starlight Interviews

How does science fiction work? What secret joys and torments power the writing of such strange explorations? How do we learn to wander among the galaxies and the vast stretches of time? For Damien Broderick, who's been dubbed Australia's Dean of SF, science fiction is always a lively exchange, a conversation. These dialogues range from the warm tones of brilliant radio interviewer Ramona Koval, to tete-a-tetes and banter, capturing creativity on the wing. And here is a genuine conversation conducted on the ASif! weblog by Alisa Krasnostein and a host of 21st century fans. There's a detailed look at Broderick's standing, as sf and science writer, by critic Russell Blackford in 1989, now updated. And his own revelations, humorous or prickly, from the UK journal Foundation. Most astonishing, here's the scarifying exchange of letters between Broderick and the great feminist novelist Joanna Russ, showing how even dedicated communicators can get themselves tangled in emotion and confusion. As a bonus, "Starlight Interviews" is completed by three quite different stories: a witty collaboration with Rory Barnes, a Many Worlds cautionary tale, and a devilish homage to Freud, Tesla, and the 19th century horror classic "The Sandman." This is a revised edition.


Genre: Science Fiction

"Wide-ranging...feverishly speculative...very entertaining." - David Pringle