Another Column at MyShelf.Com

Beyond The Words
A Science Fiction / Fantasy Column
By Kim Richards

 


Kim Richards introduces herself

I'd like to start out by introducing myself. I'm Kim Richards, a new columnist here at MyShelf. I wear many hats in my life, including that of writing science fiction. If you're interested in checking me out, please head over to my website at Kim-Richards.com. I've been with MyShelf for a handful of years now, doing review edits, and am thrilled to have this opportunity now. You can find me associated with Writer's Chatroom, Eternal Press, Pretty-Scary.net, Broad Universe and more. I write science fiction, horror, fantasy, non-fiction, children's books; and erotica under a pseudonym. I am also co-editing a pair of books on writing paranormal stories.

I was born on Walker AFB in Roswell, New Mexico back in 1961—a time when the whole alien crash landing story was considered a skeleton in the area closet. Though I now live in California, I've lived in Roswell for most of my life. The town has definitely opened up to more acceptance, though I suspect it has more to do with money than the actual events—save for a handful of very interesting individuals. Whatever the reason for it, I'm glad it's happened. The annual July Alien festival is fun and you get to meet authors you might not find anywhere else.

I've read science fiction my entire life, beginning in elementary school. There's just something about what life could be like in the future, on other worlds, or in different realities and dimensions which intrigues me through and through. I'm amazed at some of the things writers and movie makers have imagined because every one of those stories started out as an idea in a person's mind. Science fiction showcases the breadth and depth of mankind's ability to imagine and make sense of wondrous things. It's definitely something which makes us special among God's creatures.

Many of us are reflecting upon the events of the past year. Myself included. I would like to mention a few wonderful science fiction / fantasy authors who passed away in 2008. Please, if you have never read them, make a point to do so. I firmly believe the greatest way to honor a writer upon their death is to read their work.

March 2008 Arthur C. Clarke
March 2008 Gary Gygax
July 2008 Thomas M. Disch
October 2008: Barrington J. Bayley
November 2008 Michael Crichton
December 2008 Forest J. Ackerman

Next month, I want to talk about some of the new folks on the science fiction scene with an interview with Ann Wilkes. We'll talk about her book, Awesome Lavratt.

If you have any specific topics you'd like to cover or just want to comment, email me.

 


2008 Past Columns

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