Another Column at MyShelf.Com

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

 


Summer's here and it's back to the books...

I can’t speak for others but with all the science fiction television shows falling away recently, I’m turning more to books. Sure there are some great movies for the summer but after the two hour showing, then what? While I understand the economy and how much production costs on these shows are, I’m not drawn into reality or cartoonish shows as a replacement. I want entertainment that is fun and doesn’t speak to me like I’m an eighth grader. (You did know prime time television is aimed at an eighth grade intelligence, didn’t you?) Real life has enough irritating and immature people in it so why would I want to watch them; they’re not entertaining. Give me characters I care about. Please!

So it’s back to books for me. Okay in all honesty, I’ve never left them but just look at all the time I have free now to read! I’m actually very pleased about it!

Diamond Star by Catherine AsaroMy to-read list includes a new one by Catherine Asaro titled, Diamond Star. She has a wonderful voice and I love her stories. Definitely check this one out when it comes out this summer. I’m sure my mailman will be glad when it arrives so I’ll stop bugging him. Yep. I get to see an advanced copy and will be reviewing it. Watch for its release or check out Ms Asaro’s current titles at CatherineAsaro.net She’s also set to be a guest author at WritersChatroom.com on Sunday, July 5th.

The second book on my to-read list is Magic, Mensa and Mayhem by Karina Fabian. This woman has a wicked sense of humor in everything she writes. Much wittier than Douglas Adams, Magic, Mensa and Mayhem by Karina Fabianwhom she’s been compared to.

This book features a private investigator who is a dragon. You’ll love Vern. Here’s Karina’s website where you can watch the video book trailer.

Let me point to you a nice website put together by a handful of SF/F writers: BookviewCafe.com

They began the café project this past February as a way to collaborate their promotional efforts and it’s grown to be so much more. I had the opportunity recently to moderate a live chat with eight of these authors. They impressed me with their desire to reach readers and their dedication to writing.

Dax Rigby, War Correspondent by Robert AppletonI’m also opening up more to electronic books these days. A couple of eBook authors I recommend are Robert Appleton and John B. Rosenman. Both of these authors are published by more than one ePublisher so check out their websites first.

Robert Appleton is from the UK. His website is at RobertAppleton.co.uk and American John Rosenman can be found at JohnRosenman.com.

I know you’ll enjoy many of these books and hope you’ll take advantage of the lull in interesting television to be entertained. Heck you might never go back to wasting electricity again.


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