Nancy Hightower
NANCY HIGHTOWER has published short fiction and poetry in journals such as storySouth, Sundog Lit, Gargoyle, A capella Zoo, and Word Riot, and her novel, Elementarí Rising (2013) received a starred review in Library Journal. In October 2015, Port Yonder Press published The Acolyte, her first collection of poetry that rediscovers myth and ritual through a surreal, feminist interpretation of biblical narratives. She reviews science fiction and fantasy for The Washington Post, and is collaborating with Paul D. Miller (aka DJ Spooky) on a book about digital fictions.
Amber Sparks’s new short story collection, And I Do Not Forgive You, complements other recently published novels that reframe myth and folklore to challenge our 21st century pre-apocalyptic mindset.
Lost Transmissions: The Secret History of Science Fiction and Fantasy, edited by Desirina Boskovich, fills in gaps that I didn’t realize existed before. This multi-genre anthology explores the interstitial nature of science fiction and fantasy as it slips in and out of music, fashion, pop culture, design, film, and architecture.
By drawing from 20th-century works from local and international authors, the VanderMeer’s extraordinary compilation questions the clichéd boundaries around what is considered “literary” or “science fiction.”
Epic fantasy generally doesn’t conjure up images of rival poets battling for literary power and a chance to save the world from evil plagues. However, Ilana Myer’s debut novel, Last Song Before Night, might change your mind: it brings a refreshing twist to a genre most normally associated with swords and sorcery.
