NUMBER 24 80 (t
Volume 3 Number 4 MAY/JUNE 1981
DITMAR AWARD WINNERS
DAMIEN BRODERICK was awarded the DITMAR for the Best Australian Science Fiction of Fantasy novel at ADVENTION, the 20th National Australian SF Convention, held in Adelaide from June 6th to 8th, for his novel THE DREAMING DRAGONS. The book was published by Norstrilia Press last year in Australia, by Pocket Books in the U.S.A, and it is being published by Penguin Books (Australia) in July. The cover illustration shown on this page is by this year's DITMAR winning artist MARILYN PRIDE. The other award winners were LEANNNE FRAHM for her story DEUS EX CORPORUS published in CHRYSALIS from Zebra Books in the U.S.A, GREGORY BENFORD for Best International Fiction with his Nebula Award winning novel TIMESCAPE, Adelaide fan MARC ORTLEIB won two DITMARS for Best Fanzine and Best Fan Writer, MARILYN PRIDE won the Best F&SF Artist Award and the 'William Atheling Award' for critical writing went to GEORGE TURNER again. A full report of ADVENTION appears inside with details on the new Australasian Lee Harding presents Damien Broderick with Science Fiction Society incorporating New his DITMAR at a party held at Bruce Zealand and a fixed DITMAR design at last. Gillespie's home shortly after ADVENTION.
SCIENCE FICTION/FACT DIGEST, tt will be CENSORSHIP REARS IT'S UGLY HEAD AT THE People and Publishing edited by SHAWNA MCCARTHY who has been work NORWESCON. The art show committee at this ing as managing editor on the other magazines. Seattle convention held in March withdrew The magazine will publish 25% non-fiction JACK VANCE will be the Guest of Honour at from display the original painting by and 75% fiction. TSCHAICON, The 1st Australasian SF ROWENA MORRILL from Andrew Offutt's Ace Convention, to be held in Melbourne over title KING DRAGON, because it portrayed Easter 1982. The convention is being organ GEORGE TURNER'S second SF novel VANE - "violent sexism". After a lot of protests ised by JUSTIN ACKROYD. GLORY is due to be published by Faber it was re-hung. Also, because they are in the U.K. around September, but due A,BERTRAM CHANDLER'S novel THE RIM OF SPACE becoming too commercial, Unicorns were to the vagaries of publishing in this banned from the World Fantasy Con. On the has been published by Sphere in the U.K. country, we may not see it till early same basis, many other things could be and will be available in Australia in July. 1982. After the veritable glut of original banned also. (SF Chronicle) We believe this is the first British mass Australian sf last year it seems there market paperback edition of any of Bert is little on the horizon for 1981, so LEANNE FRAHM and TERRY CARR have co11 ab- Chandler's novels. Other titles in the if VANEGLORY does not get distributed orated on a novelette, "Horn 0'P1enty", 'Grimes ' series will follow. in Australia till 1982, nobody will have which will be published in STELLAR 7, FRANK HERBERT was the Guest of Honour at read it, even if it is technically edited by Judy Lynn-Del Rey (Ballantine- ADVENTION in Adelaide in June. Copies of eligible for nomination for the DITMARS Del Rey), in August. this year. his new novel THE GOD-EMPEROR OF DUNE were JOE HALDEMAN'S new novel WORLDS will be flown in from U.K. in the Gollancz edition published in paperback by Futura and especially for the occasion. Pocket Books. A collaboration with his A SECOND STAR TREK MOVIE has been given brother Jack originally titled ISAAC ASIMOV has sold a new novel in the the go ahead by Paramount . The budget STARSCHOOL will be published by Ace "Foundation" series to Doubleday. The is a mere $6 million and will be produced under the title of EUNOTO. working title is LIGHTNING ROD. (Locus) by TV producer Harve Bennet. Depending on JIM FRENKEL, former editor of DELL the final product it may be shown only on THE BEST OF OMNI SF has sold so well that publisher's sf series has formed his TV, theatres or both. Gene Roddenberry may a second volume was published, which had own publishing company, BLUE JAY BOOKS. or may not be involved. It is rumored that one original story, "Waiting for the (Locus) Spock dies in the preliminary script as Earthquake", by Robert Sil verberg and a Leonard Nimoy wants out. The idea seems to regular new magazine, OMNI SF may result. DAVIS PUBLICATIONS, the publishers of be for a more complex movie than the TV BEN BOVA'S new novel, VOYAGERS,to be pub analog and Isaac asimov's sf magazine are series, but on a much smaller scale than lished in August, will nave excerpts in to publish a new sf magazine called the first movie. (Locus) OMNI and PENTHOUSE. (Locus) 1 ©Lee Harding©
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BRIAN AU >S wWER*. !AN WAlS°^ IaKYO Ssu. GEORGE TURNER * OTHERS Edited by Lee Hardmg . v Roqi Zelazny
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A collection of ‘-'XdAustr^ian from'h'nf’-XX0? is.s,ippin« galaxy of international ana away The grey confusion e^ S ,pped out of it? authors. visionary quality o The extraordinary and varied the stories reveals a new pproach to ‘Paradise . Penguin a"an awards ai $4.50* Australian Penguin $3.50*
Coming soon: The Dreaming Dragons Damien Broderick The dragons are awake and your world will never be the same
Penguin Books Australia Limited *rrp
2 the nebula awards A BRIEF PICTORIAL REPORT FROM OUR CANDID CAMERAMAN AT THE NEBULA AWARD
PRESENTATION BANQUET AT THE WALDORF
Astoria Hotel , new york, april 25th.
The photos here arrived to late to be included with the full list of Nebula Award Winners in the last issue. We thank JAY K.KLEIN for sending them to us. Captions as follows:
1. GREGORY BENFORD with his award for "Timescape". Best Novel. 2. CLIFFORD SIMAK with his award for "Grotto of the Dancing Deer", the Best Short Story. 3. SUZY McKEE CHARNAS accepts her award from Isaac Asimov for the Best Novella, "Unicorn Tapestry". 4. FRITZ LEBIER holds his Grand Master Award. 5. HARLAN ELLISON listens to BEN BOVA at the Awards party, while FRED POHL squeezes the last drop out of the vodka bottle in the background.
ANALOG CELEBRATES 50TH. ANNIVERSARY The night before the NEBULA AWARDS a party was held celebrating the 50th. anniversary of analog/astounding magazine. Strictly speaking it should have been held last year,as the I960
magazine was first published in 1930, but the magazine's previous publisher (Conde Nast) chose to ignore the fact. AUSTRALIAN SF NEWS ISSN 0155-8870 is edited and published by MERVYN R.BINNS The new publisher however, JOEL DAVIS, under the sponsorship of The AUSTRALIAN SCIENCE FICTION who also publishes ISAAC asimovs FOUNDATION magazine, decided to hold a party this ASFN is registered for posting under Australia Post regulations category 'B'. year at the Union League Club in New The address for all correspondence is 305/307 Swanston .Melbourne,3000,Victoria, York. Current editor STANLEY SCHMIDT AUSTRALIA was present but the last editor, BEN SUBSCRIPTION . „„ . ~ , , , BOVA, now editor of omni, was tied up : $5.00 Australian for 6 issues .Please make payments to the editor with omni business and was unable to Mervyn R.Binns. Air mail and overseas rates quoted on request.Our attend. HARRY BATES, the first editor American Agent is LOCUS BOX 3938,San Francisco,CA 94119 ($6.00 of the magazine was unable to make it American is near enough and $12.00 for Air Mail .Please remit to due to illness. JOHN W.CAMPBELL, LOCUS or Charles Brown as above.) Our British agent is Gerold Bishop was of course editor from 1937 to the AARDVARK HOUSE, P.O.Box 10, Winchester.Hants., SO22 4QA, U.K. time of his death in 1971. ADVERTISING: Professional Rate - Full Back Page $60.00 Interior $50.00 Jay Klein's above photo shows from left Quarter page or multiples thereof. $12.50. Full page copy ready to right: Betsy Mitchell, Ed.Asst.; size is 275mm Horiz. x 360mm Vert Half page is 275mm H x 180 mm V. Stanley Schmidt, Ed.; Joel Davis, Pub.; Quarter page is 135 mm H x 180 mm V . 10% discount is applicable on Shawna McArthy, Man.Ed.; George adverts placed on a regular basis. A 50% discount applies to all Scithers, Ed. asimov'S', Isaac Asimov; fan adverts for conventions , publications and activities. and Terri O'Connor, Davis Publications Classified rates on request. staff. Part of the audience and a panel with Frank Herbert, Michael Tolly, Perry Middlemiss and John Foyster.
rather than a draft or incomplete A Report on The National Science Apparently alternate programming was not even considered. Something that manuscript. Keeping the reader's Fiction Convention held in Adelaide has worked very well at conventions interest is important, but this does not mean introducing new characters AT THE QbEROI HOTEL FROM JUNE 6th over the last few years. A lot of people just like to sit around and talk every one hundred words. to Sth 1981, by Merv Binns and there was ample opportunity to do this at ADVENTION, if you did not Lee Harding said manuscript presentation The OBEROI would have to be the most want to listen to the panels and is very important and there are a number luxurious hotel that an Australian SF speeches. Many of the younger fans of publications available to help new Convention has been held in. From spent their time playing cards. They writers on this. He went on to say the front of the hotel a grand vista of started to show 8mm films at one basically that every writer needs the the city of Adelaide is spread before stage but this interfered with other objective eye of an editor. George you. A large number of interstate fans activities in the room which also Turner summed that up by pointing out arrived on the Friday evening and all housed the hucksters. Obviously the that a story is not like a painting that the gossip was being passed around. lack of other rooms for alternative you can stand back and look at. Every There were some good restaurants in programming with video or films or story he has had published owes something O'Connell Street next to the hotel so even wargames, would have been a to his editors. Listen to your editor's nobody went hungry. Cheap food was problem for the committee, but I got advice and respect it. also available not far away. However, the impression that they could not food in the cheaper restaurant in the care less at any rate. The panels Frank Herbert said that the editor hotel was not very appetising. No soft were the be all and end all of the is not omniscient. Editors change, drinks or coffee were available in the conventions. It would have been a much so do aim to be your own editor. Words hotel, except for room service of more enjoyable programme for all if on paper are there to be refined . course, which was a pity. there had been fewer panels, more free Lee rather succinctly pointed out that time in between, and other things for if writers want to learn to write and Last year, the National Convention in people to do, like films or video to be told honestly if their stories Perth, SWANCON, was said to have too watch. A pity, because I thought are good or bad, it is no good light a programme. The panels had Adelaide fans were fun people, sending them to fanzines, send them little meat in them I agree, and there particularly after their presentation to professional magazines. There are was probably a little too much frivolity at SYNCON. There is nothing wrong with various options even in Australia. over all. Not that I did not enjoy it, getting serious about SF, far from it. Tony Jolly pointed out that magazines 1 did. It was great. ADVENTION, perhaps What I am objecting to, is too much like PENTHOUSE and PLAYBOY are contin as a reaction to SWANCON went exactly of the one thing. Too much of anything, uously looking for stories. There are the other way. It was much too sercon. good food, good wine, and even artistic many short story competitions held in This convention probably had one of the presentations can be a bit of a drag. Australia. Information on these and best ranges of serious panel discussions Variety is the spice of life! other markets can be obtained by ever, but that is all it had. Absolutely joining the FELLOWSHIP OF AUSTRALIAN no thought was given to the people Now after all that criticism some WRITERS said George Turner. (Their who did not want to listen to relatively details of what did go on at ADVENTION. address can be supplied on request). boring panels all day. The first panel I attended on Saturday, In the USA Frank Herbert said there afternoon had Tony Jolly from Times are many regional publishers who are SYNCON '79 had a nice balance of humour Mirror (New English Library, N.A.L. continuously looking for short stories, and serious discussion and I thought etcetera), Wynne Whiteford, Lee but remember to sell them only first that it would be the pattern for all Harding and Jeff Harris in the chair. serial rights and retain all other future conventions, but some people It followed a series of short films in rights. Further advice from Frank was never learn. ADVENTION was over the morning, followed by a panel on to keep writing, keep submitting. You programmed. This might have been ok themes in SF held in the morning. The learn by doing. Other speakers spoke if it had been a balanced programme but theme of the panel was advice to new about the importance of knowing your it was too much of the one thing. I authors and I am sure they got a lot market and writing specific types of particularly objected to the limited from what the panelists had to say. I stories and submitting them to magazines time for meals. FRANK HERBERT'S Guest came in when Lee Harding was talking that you know publish that type of of Honour speech at 7.15 was I thought about the relationship between editor story. "The Magazine of Fantasy and most inappropriately placed. Then and author. Many authors have been Science Fiction" publish a wide variety The Golden Caterpillar Awards, THE made or broken by this relationship. of stories but most other magazines DUNE SHOW - seen at SWANCON also last However mnany things must be done before have a particular slant. year and still my highlight of this that stage is reached. Even a gifted convention, and that says something; author must present his manuscripts All in all a good panel to start the plus the masquerade - at 10.00 in the well, said Tony Jolly. Learning what proceedings with, but basically of evening, all jammed into one night. editor's want can also help. American interest only to writers and the sort editors said Wynne Whiteford, prefer of panel that could have been alternately 4 the complete and finished story, programmed. John Foyster Duff Winner Joyce Scrivner from the U.S.A Leigh Edmunds and U.S. visitor Denney Lien When I look at the printed programme I were the desire for something higher, who was in charge of the art show, think I may have got things slightly that religion today is losing ground, gave a talk on "Science Fiction and mixed up or perhaps it was actually that religion attracts nuts and screw Fantasy Art". The art displayed was changed. I believe the title of the balls who want power for the sake of very limited and most of it had been second panel was " The Functions and power. The attitude to religion in SF shown previously at other conventions. Effects of Editing in SF". The next has changed from say the 1950s, with The room it was in might have been panel, followed the official opening less intellectual enquiry now, but more much better used for an alternative at 2pm, "The Uses And Abuses of Religion literary style. programme of films, other discussions on the media or other aspects of sf, In SF", chaired by Perry Middlemiss Lee Edmonds interviewed the DUFF and which were completely and utterly with Frank Herbert, Michael Tolly, GUFF winners, Joyce Scrivner and Joseph ignored by this convention apart from and John Foyster. This panel was typical Nicholas. They talked about the changes the films screened late. I got the of the excellent panels held. I made in tradition in fanzines and conventions impression of bones being thrown to the enough notes for a book but unfortunately over the years: how the cons are dogs. The film fans obviously got space is limited here. Basically the becoming too large in the USA and how their fill at CINECON, but that is no different aspects of religion in SF much more relaxing it is to attend an reason for ADVENTION to almost completely include science against theology, Australian con. Joe said that the ignore the large interest in media metaphysics and theology, Men, Aliens attendance at UK conventions seems to orientated sf. and Machines as Gods, and institutional have levelled out. He said it seemed religion with examples such as 'SIXTH that our main problem is the expense The Awards banquet was held from 7.30. COLUMN'. Michael Tolly refered to the of running conventions here. It is much I still think convention banquets went writing of P. J. Farmer, Michael cheaper in the UK. In Britain the out with the dinosaurs. They are Moorcock's bad taste "Behold The Man", attendees spend half their time in the unnecessarily discriminating between Philip K. Dick's rather polemical topics, bar. They also talked about the the people who can afford the dinner Sladek's "Muller Fokker Effect", development and future of fan funds. cost and those who cannot or chose not "Deus Irae" by Dick and Zelazny. This was followed by a debate with to partake in the inevitably overpriced Sheckley's "Immortality Inc ", Heinelein's Christine Ashby and David Grigg versus and quite often second-rate food. "Stranger in a Strange Land", the man Elizabeth Darling and George Turner, ADVENTION's smorgasbord was as good as as god theme in books such as "The chaired by Gary Mason, on the subject: I have have had at a convention anywhere, Dawning Light" by Silverberg and Garett, That in the future, decision-making will but I did object that people who could and Edmund Cooper's "Far Country", and continue to be based upon intellectual, not, or did not want to sit down for the James Blish books that so excellently logical methods. George and Elizabeth's banquet, including George Turner exploit the theme of religion: "Case argument against the statement was that who had to attend another dinner of Conscience", "Black Easter" and "Day all decisions are emotional and that with friends earlier, had to stand After Judgement". in the future decisions will continue around in the small area at the to be arrived at in an illogical manner. back of of the room. Banquets as John Foyster referred to the fundamental Christine and David put up a good I have said, went out with the question of what is man? A. E. Van Vogt's argument for the statement, but chairman ark. Let's scrap them, or at least "Sian" and "The Weapon Makers" featuring Gary Mason saw fit not to give a the awards presentation should super-men are good examples. He also decision. be organised in such a way that discussed the theme of the super-evolved all attendees can see what is human being becoming a god and the Later in the afternoon a report was going on comfortably. beginnings of religion. Kutner's given by representatives of the "Cross of Centuries" deals with a man Australia in '83 Committee on the who has become as a god but who exposes state of the bid for the world his feet of clay when he commits murder. 'convention. Over all an optimistic I approached the DITMAR AWARDS present Frank Herbert has of course used this view was presented although it was ations themselves with some anticipation. theme extensively in his writing. He admitted that certain things had been After all we had been nominated for the discussed such aspects as the control of mishandled by the committee. A lack best fanzine, but as usual only 25% human activity by religion, and science of funds is a major problem. The or less of the members bothered to as a religion and how society is shot film ANTI-FAN STRIKES BACK was screened vote and obviously mainly those directly through with religions we do not and it was reported that it is currently involved with the convention. No doubt recognise as such. In DUNE he wanted to being screened at conventions all over ASF NEWS is only grudgingly extended point out the folly of following the USA. Robin Johnson reported that he fanzine status by the fans here, but a Messiah. When the Messiah has passed is personally trying to raise funds to it is doing exactly the same job as on the priests take over with all the have a 16mm print done of Nick LOCUS and that has won the fanzine resulting problems this creates. Staphopolous's film, a parody on Hugo a number of times. I make no 'Destination Void' deals with god in 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY which publicizes apologies for saying that I would have the machine and the ultimate dichotomy, the bid. Finally everybody who has liked to have won the Ditmar. God or not God, to be or not to be. joined Denvention was urged not to forget Admitedly if more of my 600 readers had to vote for the site selection for voted we might have won, but they, In question time the stories of various A '83, because if they do vote we have would have had to have been members of authors were referred to including an excellent chance of winning the bid. ADVENTION. We did get nominated and I Arthur C. Clarke. Further points made am grateful for that and the nominations 5 Before the dinner break Paul Stokes, Marc Ortleib with one of his DITMARS Gary Hoff, Paul Stevens, Tony Jollye, Mrs Jollye, Leanne Frahm with her DITMAR Wynne Whiteford and Margaret Arnot at the banquet. over all did not miss any deserved in NZ, I did nothing, but I had begun To my disgust the motion was carried, people except maybe some fan artists. to feel slightly uneasy about the idea. but if the New Zealanders accept this However I will still work hard in My uneasiness was brought into focus 'invitation1 to bid for the National future to encourage more convention at this business session when Lee Edmonds Convention in the patronizing way it has members to vote, because I consider that and David Grigg both spoke against the been served up to them, I will be the more people that do vote, the more idea of extending the National Convention surprised. On the face of it representative the vote will be. (See to NZ. It was pointed out that there they now have the right to bid for the page one for the list of DITMAR winners). were precedents for such an amalgamation National Australasian SF Convention in The description of the awards by the of Australian § New Zealand interests 1984 if they wish. way is the black stone slab as presented with other organizations and Jack Herman by the last Adelaide national convention, cited the situation with the US and A motion to standardise the design of only slightly lighter in weight (about Canada. I presume that Canada can bid the Ditmars was carried and the design 2 kilos total) with a southern cross cut in rotation for west and east coasts for as done this year, a black stone into the stone. the World Convention in North America monolith with a silver southern cross, or a national convention if the world in the proportions 1x4x9 was accepted. After the Award presentations the film convention is on another continent. This means of course that TSCHAICON "THE FURY" was screened. I was pleased Peter Toluzzi pointed out that Perth could make them six foot high if they at least to see a film I had not seen had gained from holding the National wish, as long as they are four feet previously. A panel called "Horror Convention and that it was cheaper to wide and two feet deep. We did vote to Literature and Films" was held at go to New Zealand than Perth. Lee standardise this design and stop all midnight or later; featuring John Edmonds said that NZ fandom should the rot of different things each year, McPharlin, Keith Curtis, Perry Middlemiss develop its own image. David Grigg but it seems that we have still not and Paul Stokes with interruption from said the whole thing is premature agreed on a size. two ghouls, Paul Stevens and Justin and that as both countries have Ackroyd. different cultural backgrounds he The two years in advance bidding clause thought that it was a bad thing for in the consitution was amended to The Business Session of the Australian New Zealand and that it will only allow for a bid to be put one year in Science Fiction Society, chaired by succeeed in diluting the cultural advance if no bid is put the year before. Don Ray was held on Sunday morning. I interests of New Zealand, when it should The site selection voting made Melbourne would like to forget it, but I had better be developing them. The Ditmars, it was the site for the National Convention in tell you what happened. The minutes decided I believe,should remain the 1982. TSCHAICON '82 at Easter with were accepted, along with the financial prerogative of Australia, and NZ should Jack Vance as Guest of Honour. Sydney report from SWANCON. Before I go on present their own awards. This is like will hold the National Convention if and give full details I will go back the US telling us we cannot have the we do not win the World convention bid and give some idea of how the next Hugos if we hold the Worldcon. If this for 1983. If the A '83 bid is won item of business came about. Discussions ammendment was carried and I may be somebody else may bid for the National in New Zealand last year were held under a misapprehension that it was, Convention in 1983, at the business regarding the possibility of incorporating it presents to my mind an utterly session next year in Melbourne. Hence the New Zealand in as part of the National disgusting state of affairs. If you previously mentioned amendment allowing Convention bidding area. My first want to give New Zealand the National for this. impressions were that this was a good Convention they must have the Ditmars, idea and at SWANCON last year the business but I do not believe that New Zealand session gave a number of people,including should be included in the National myself, the job of investigating the Convention area at all. I will do all idea further and reporting this year. I can to encourage Australians to go to As I did not go to the New Zealand conventions in New Zealand and vice Ikoory Convention in Auckland this year and I versa, but this is not the way to do it. had no contact otherwise with anyone — 3«t I
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ck. \xJW6-h fvRE VUK'S. i Cartoons S comments by Anti-fan. , David Grigg, Derek Ashby & Leigh Edmonds. Robin Johnson, Gary Hoff S Jeff Harris Damien Brennan and Paul Stevens drink Convention co-chairman. to Golden Caterpillar Awards.
While the business session was on, Frank need the revenue, they should be given hero has the baddy cornered. His first story written under a pseudonym was a Herbert was signing books in the second more priority. Such a short time was stinker and he said he had no intention room. Following lunch, we heard a speech, allowed at ADVENTION it hardly seemed of telling the audience its title. He "The Secret Threat - Science Fiction or worth bothering about. 'Characterisation in SF' was a panel with Jean Weber, finds now that his techniques in general Science Fact?" by Andrew Mack, chaired by Helen Swift. I was otherwise Leanne Frahm, Michael Tolly and George are not original and have been used by Turner. Another panel aimed at writers occupied and heard little of this speech, famous writers for many years. and this convention certainly gave but I was told that although it was them plenty for their money. The basic When it comes to contacts with publishers interesting and informative, it was a advice they were given was that go to experienced writers for advice. little onesided. Mr Mack was an different types of stories have At the beginning give your stories the excellent speaker however. different emphasis on characterisation. best you can and take what you can get, Adventure stories need less, but this will give you time to write more This was followed by a speech by Terry psychological stories need more. and so improve your style. Money is Dowling, "Xenography - The Cultural time. It is ok writing for a small Aspects of World-Building". This speech The last panel although well worthwhile circle of frietids but you will never dealt with creating cultures, some was part of the excessive programming of get anywhere that way. Properly prime examples of which are "DUNE", Advention. The auction should have presented manuscripts are of paramount "MOON MOTH" and "The Alastor" series gone on longer. The Guest of Honour importance. He said that he did not by Jack Vance, "SOLARIS" by Lem, speech by Frank Herbert was scheduled know of any writing other than science "ROADSIDE PICNIC" by the Strugatskys for 7.15, barely an hour after the fiction writing that is really exploring and "MARTIAN ODYSSEY" by Stanley G. end of the last afternoon panel. This where our technological toys will take Weinbaum. C. J. Cherryh was noted as was quite unfair to the late panel us. It gives enormous elbow room and being very good at creating alien because people hardly had time to get you can look anywhere. He 'lives' where societies as is Larry Niven and Poul a meal before the evening programme he is writing he said and gets a Anderson. Clarke's "RENDEZVOUS WITH started. This evening was the most different view of the real world. RAMA" was also cited. Terry went on over-programmed of all. No allowance to ask the question "Can an author was made for delays and consequently Speaking out against Messiahs and write a completely xenological novel?" everything finished up very late. charismatic leaders he said they are and it was agreed that this was to be avoided. Following a leader virtually impossible, because any human FRANK HERBERT - Guest of Honour Speech blindly can only lead to disaster. author can only write from human Herbert's 'first law of government' is experience. An excellent speech To start off Frank Herbert spoke to that all governments lie and he never enjoyed by all with many questions and the writers in the audience, explaining a lot of audience participation. a little of his methods of character forgets this law. This lying is done to building starting with photographs stay in power, to keep a hierarchy in Peter Darling gave an interesting of look-a-likes and compiling files power for the sake of power. A hierarchy that is in many cases insane. illustrated talk on "Developments in on the characters. If he has trouble Telecommunications". This was a prime with dialogue he records it, and if Kennedy was dangerous, a product of the example of the programme organisers it sounds ok on playback he writes it the publicity machine, but Nixon because knowledge and use of people and their up. of his faults, taught us to distrust special interests. Peter tended to government. explode some of the myths of near future He said you do not have to talk about a technology - video-phones for example - story when you get an idea; write it up The writer must care about the reader and but he also told us of likely develop as soon as you can. Research is also he must be entertained. Don't write ments in such areas as computer usage. very important. He has never been in down to the reader like some of the Electronic technology has reached a a submarine, but was praised for his local newspapers (he was referring in stage where only refinement of current description of life in a sub in "UNDER particular to the Adelaide Sunday items and their more widespread use PRESSURE". Language is a tool; Newspaper.) The motor industry has can be expected. Basic, but interesting think of it as a tool box he said, been catering for years to an eight year old mentality, conditioning its information. and use each tool for its particular job. He learnt a lot from reading the audience to the cheap shot. He said he likes playing games in stories and The auction followed: it was very popular pulp magazines. One thing was always writing some as a mental exercise. but there was not enough time to get to establish early in the story the Writing is singing for your supper. through all the books on hand. Con time of day and the season. The trick Give the reader a good read and make ventions are not allowing enough time with plotting a story is always to make sure he does not feel cheated. for auctions. Almost every convention I the reader want to read the next line. have attended over the last year or two, In an aside about DUNE he said only including my own CINECON, had much more The place, the setting for the story, 2000 copies were distributed of the auction material on hand than they could can be an important hook in inducing first edition due to a foul up at get through. Double programming against the reader to wonder what is coming the binders. They are bringing $600 films or minor discussion may be the next. Another plot technique he uses to $1000 a copy. Only the blue binding answer. After all if people want is the "goal of obstruction" and published by Chiltern publishers is auctions, and conventions certainly using westerns as an example, this is when the female lead gets in the way when the the authentic first edition. Lee Smoire - visitor from George Turner, Lee Harding and Terry Dowling Katherine Circosta Baltimore U.S.A
In further comments on various things The presentation of the Golden draws plans and makes models of planet related to his writing Frank Herbert Caterpillar Awards by Paul "Anti ary systems and such. More auction said that water is the equivalent Fan" Stevens, now a tradition at followed but much material was left over. of money on 'DUNE', and the spice National Conventions, left some of The next item was called "The Alien is the 'energy'source that the planet the recipients slightly dazed as Consciousness In The Work Of The runs on. Real economics is not taught, usual. John Foyster as O.B.E. of Strugatskys", a speech by Anne Brewster. it is not what you read in newspapers. ANZAPA got one for being "The Best It was basically an introduction and The analogues of 'DUNE' are closer Axe-Murderer of the Year". Damien survey of the work of these Russian to the truth. It seems that the Brennan from Perth received his for his authors. general public are kept in the dark fanzine "The Bionic Rabbit" as "Most about these things. The military must Incomprehensible Fanzine of the Year". In the afternoon the convention engine keep their jobs and if they have no Helen Swift as Advention committee was still chugging up hill, and external target they will turn on their person, "Best Paranoia Of The Year". amazingly not very many people had people. People who are well informed Justin Ackroyd as organiser of next dropped off. "Old Utopias and New can be trusted and,talking about being year's National Convention, "Best Utopias or Political Theory in SF" was well informedjhe said that 'The Kept Secret G.O.H. of the Year". the title of a speech by Paul Nursey- Australian' newspaper is a good news And to the A'83 Committee, "The Best Bray. SF has carried on a tradition in paper but needs some competition. He Mass Debate Of The Year". ancient times, Mr Nursey-Bray said expressed sympathy with us regarding and proceeded to give examples such as the 'cultural cringe' attitude to sf, Following this came THE DUNE SHOW. A "Canticle For Leibowitz", the work after being interviewed by a journalist brilliant Goon Show based on DUNE, of John Brunner, Olaf Stapledon and or commentator who made the remark that Spike Milligan himself could not Ursula Le Guin in particular with "even some Australians were writing have scripted better. People taking "The Dispossessed". After a reference it". He said he was glad he needed part were mostly from Perth, including to "Santaroga Beach" Frank Herbert a phrase book to talk to us Erik Harding as Jessica (Throat) and added some comments and referred to his at times, because it is that difference Bluebottle, David Lucket as Neddie Paul experience with communes. The next item that makes us strong. Muad'dib Atredies Seagoon , MarcOrtleib as the audience was punished with for no Eccles, Joseph Nicholas as Baron Gryeptyppe crime of their own was a panel called Finally in answer to questions about Harkonnen, Andrew Taubman , Rob McGough "Crime and Punishment in SF and the the 'DUNE' film he noted that David and one player whom I did not Future". At least it started off a bit Lynch will be directing it, who he know. They all did a great job. This light-hearted with Gary Mason appearing thinks is an ideal choice. Hollywood performance was followed by the Fancy in his legal wig and robe. Others on can be absolutely nuts and give Dress Parade. I do not know why people the panel were Christine Ashby, Leigh millions of dollars to people to make insist on calling them masquerades. Maybe Edmonds and J.M.F. in the guise of money, who have no imagination, but if we did have a real masquerade we might K.U.F. Widdershins. Of the three types he is glad 'DUNE' has a good budget of have more people involved in them. The of crime against person, property or $30 million and up to $40 million if number of fans who did appear in costume state those against the individual needed. Work is currently being done was very disapointing, but I cannot seem to be becoming most important. in North Africa setting up places for complain too loudly as I was not one of Computer crime is also starting and is it to be filmed. The film will be them. Out of over 200 attendees only about hard to detect. Although a favourite processed in Czechoslovakia. Herbert twenty came in costume. Maybe it was ploy of many sf writers, transportation has written a script, but he expects it just as well because the proceedings to other planets the panel agreed was will be rewritten a lot. Release date did not start until after 10.30 pm most unlikely, because what has is hoped to be about early 1983 or and we might have still been there. happened in the past is not necessarily about eighteen months after filming The movie "SUPERMAN", was screened but what will happen in the future. starts. as it was so late "THE STEPFORD WIVES" Rehabilitation is also a common theme in SF and is more likely to be closer was cancelled. As organiser of CINECON to the fact. Mind erasure they hoped JOHN FOYSTER alias "John Ossian" gave I learnt the hard way about over his speech on "Robert Fludd and SF", programming. I hope the ADVENTION would never be used, or similar techniques as in "CLOCKWORK ORANGE". which had been scheduled for the organisers learnt it also. morning. Fludd was an alchemist and A huff and a puff and a huff puff puff! astrologer in case you did not know. By Monday morning I regret I was sick After talking about the Greek encyc of the sight of panels and I was "Language and (puff) Linguistics" was lopedic theatre, memory systems, and battling to keep my attention on the the final item (hooray!) chaired by other things which seemed completely speakers. Robin Johnson, Frank Herbert, Helen Swift who introduced the speaker irrelevant but probably were not, he David Grigg and Rick Yuan were on one Michael Clark. He said that language lost me. However one comment was well called "The Art of World-Building in influences us right from birth. worth repeating, and that was that if SF". Frank Herbert was the most Consequently different cultures may see SF is to be about people, we must first interesting and spoke about the control things differently because of the shape our imaginary worlds so that of technology, science and technology limited ability of their languages to people can work within them, like as art, futurism and the projection describe them. SF writers occasionally H. P. Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard of what we already know and he added invent their own languages like Anthony gdid. that when he is planning a story he Burgess in "CLOCKWORK ORANGE" and to a lesser degree Cordwainer Smith in empty glass. So anything you have heard the Norstrilia Stories. Children soon about Joe or any impression these photo learn to use a minimum of words to graphs may give (Greg just did not have NEW RELEASES convey things quite early. any where to put the bottle)is completely FROM AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTORS wrong. The last mentioned item on the programme SCIENCE FICTION § FANTASY BOOKS RELEASED was not quite the final one. The last BY AUSTRALIAN PUBLISHERS AND DISTRIBUTORS thing was questions to the Guests of OVER THE LAST FOUR MONTHS. Honour.Frank Herbert, and John Foyster. In answer to a question about the 'DUNE" ANGUS AND ROBERTSON are handling CORY series Frank .Herbert said that 'DUNE and COLLINS DISTANT WORLDS in the pb MESSIAH1 was hard to write, but the edition only. They are looking after 'GOD EMPEROR OF DUNE' was in his mind the bound edition themselves. well before he put it to paper. He AUSTRALASIAN PUBLISHING COMPANY have started making notes and he just had to the new New English Library sf art book go on and write it. In answer to THE SF § FANTASY WORLD OF TIM WHITE, further questions about the 'DUNE' film he and from Jonathan Cape the third in the said that David Lynch, the director Doris Lessing series THE SIRIAN said that the film will be one that EXPERIMENT. Both in hard cover. people will recognise as 'DUNE'. He added that he would like to see Orson Welles Bruce Gillespie's Ditmars and...... CARNATION DISTRIBUTORS released in the as the Baron Harkonnen, a good new Star and Target series DEAD AND BURIED actor as Paul and Sean Connery as Leto by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, ALIEN REALMS the 1st. One Statement from John Foyster a "Lord Tedric" story by Stephen Goldin made during the question time was a and "Doc" Smith, ENGLAND INVADED by very appropriate one to iinish this Michael Moorcock, DR WHO AND THE HORNS report with, "Criticism is ok if OF NIMON, 6 Flash Gordon reprints from justified". Jeff Harris thanked the the original by Alex Raymond - LION rest of the committee and their guests MEN OF MONGO, PLAGUE OF SOUND, WAR OF and ADVENTION '81 was all over. THE CYBERNAUTS, TIME TRAP OF MING, WITCH QUEEN OF MONGO and SPACE CIRCUS, DR WHO AND THE CREATURES FROM THE PIT, STARQUEST - ROBO WORLD and STARQUEST SPACEJACK both by Terrence Dick (NS), DR WHO § THE DALEK INVASION by Dicks, HEIGHT OF THE SCREAM by Ramsey Campbell, SHALLOWS OF NIGHT, SUNSET WARRIOR and DAI SAN in large format edition, by Eric van Lustbader. In the MAGNUM Greg Kells and Irene Pagram series they had STARCROSSED. by Ben Bova, CEMETERY WORLD by Clifford Simak, LADY OF THE HAVEN by Graham Diamond and that was all. They are now handling ZEBRA books from the U.S.A and have so far released: ORON by Smith, MASTER OF BORANGA by Mike Sirota, THE GOLDEN SLAVE by Poul Anderson, MOONDEATH by Hautala, WEIRD TALES Volumes 1 and 2 edited by Lin Carter and THE REINCARN ATION OF ROBERT MACREADY . CASSELL/COLLIER MAC MILLAN Pty Ltd., NEW SOVIET SCIENCE FICTION in TPB-20 years of sf stories from the USSSR. BEEETLE IN THE ANTHILL by Boris and Frank Herbert and his wife Beverly came Arkady Strugatsky HC.Also by the to Melbourne the next day. My father Russian brothers FAR RAINBOW/THE SECOND and I took them to lunch before a book INVASION in pb. NEW ZEALAND 2001 by signing at SPACE AGE in the late after George Bryant, is a look at the socio- noon, which went very well. In the Andrew Brown, Joseph Nicholas and logical and technological changes that evening they were the guests of Mr and Bruce Gillespie may occur in New Zealand over the next Mrs Jim Morrison and I believe the 7000 days. PB. Australian Society of Editors Association. They enjoyed the meal and the wine very WILLIAM COLLINS much, along with the conversation The March releases from Collins included with John Bangsund, Damien Broderick, THE FANTASTIC ART OF FRANK FRAZETTA Anne Godden, Lee Harding and others. Book 4 from PAN. THE CROW GODDESS, an They expressed their intentions of historical fantasy by Patricia Finney, returning to Australia as soon as they and THE FIRST MEN IN THE MOON by H.G. can arrange it. Wells in a new printing from FONTANA. A.E.Van Vogt's RENAISSANCE was reissued in NEL along with STARMAN JONES and THE UNPLEASENT PROFESSION OF JONATHAN A PARTY WAS HELD AT BRUCE GILLESPIE'S HOME HOAG both by Robert Heinlein. The April on Wednesday evening the 10th June for PAN releases were EXTRATERRESTRIAL visiting fans JOE NICHOLAS - the GUFF CIVILIZATIONS by Isaac Asimov, GOLEM winner and GREG MILLS from New Zealand. 100 by Alfred Bester and MIND'S EYE by Bruce has an interesting collection of Ainslie Skinner. BEST OF TREK #3 was DITMARS and the photograph here will give also on the list, from N.A.L. In February you an idea of why we want to standardise NEL released the book of the movie the design. Just looking at the other FLASH GORDON by Arthur Byron Cover and photographs here, taken at Bruce's party, MICRONAUTS by Gordon Williams in a new you may get the impression that our guests Joe, Lee Smoire and Cary Handfield edition. ARMADA Books also released are fond of a drop, but the truth of it three ghost story collections for young is that Bruce in his eagerness to show readers; ANIMAL GHOSTS edited by Carolyn his hospitality never left them with an Lloyd, 12th ARMADA GHOST BOOK edited by CONTINUED PAGE 22 9 A SPHERE > SCIENCE FICTION CORGI & FANTASY A CLASSIC STORY OF TERROR AT SEA BY THE AUTHOR OF „THE NIGHT LAND„ $3.95 arp Now a mind - THIS IS WHAT SCIENCE FICTION blowing movie IS ALL ABOUT - AN EXCELLENT directed by NOVEL BY THE AUTHOR OF Ken Russell „„ rA "PATTERNMASTER" Galaxy BOOKSHOP SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY SPECIALISTS WHOLE NEW WORLD OF BOOKS WRITE FOR OUR CATALOGUE NOW 106 A BATHURST STREET, SYDNEY 2000 Between Pitt and Castlereagh Sts. PHONE:(02) 267 7630 10 original novel by Iain Douglas. CENTRE MICHAEL JOSPEH (UK) HC OF THE WHEEL by Ronald Wilcox, THE GABRIEL INHERITANCE by Alfred Dyer, VENGEANCE 10 by Joe Poyer NFD SORCERER OF MARAKAAN by Ronald McQueen, JOVE (USA) PBS e THE MATRIX by Jo Bannister, THE WELL OF LLUL TIME by John Light, HORIZON ALPHA by We thought this publisher was out of PUBLISHED & ANNOUNCED Douglas R.Mason, FIRE IN THE SKY by business,but the imprint is still being Chris Wolf and Michael F.Maikowski, used by Berkley who bought out Jove. This list includes the titles of WITCH QUEEN OF LOCHLAAN by George H. THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING WOMAN by Jody science fiction and fantasy books Smith, THE DREAM KILLERS by R.M.H. Sibert is the novelization of the movie published or announced by the pub Carter, WARGODS OF LUDORBIS by Adrian which is a comedy starring Lily Tomlin. lishers mentioned,up to May this Cole, STARRY MESSENGER by Charles FLASH GORDON by Arthur Byron Cover is 1 year. It is the second half of the Ryan, THE TYPHOON INTERVENTION by another film tie in. INVADER by Albert list started in the last issue. The Douglas R.Mason and WEAVERS OF DEATH Fay Hill and David Campbell Hill, is next list we expect will include by Ras Ryman, are all original novels an alien invasion novel. titles published from June to August. we believe and mostly sf, but judging KESTRAL (UK) HC We had hoped to revise this listing by the titles some could be fantasy. to include June titles,but due to HUNTING OF SHADROTH by Victor Kelleher other things to be squeezed into this HAMISH HAMILTON (UK) HC is a juvenile fantasy novel. issue space was limited. THE GUARDIAN OF ISIS by Monica Hughes KNIGHT (UK) PBS is a sequel to her juvenile novel GREGG PRESS (USA) HCS "Keeper of the Isis Light". Published The junior series of paperbacks published This publisher is filling a demand for in UK in May. by Coronet included STAR KA’AT WORLD and STAR KA’AT AND THE PLANT PEOPLE by hard cover reprints of many unavailable HAMLYN (UK) PBS books. Their 1981 list so far is as Andre Norton and Dorathy Madlee in follows; MESSIAH by Gore Vidal, THE [This publisher seems to have dropped January. CONTINUOUS KATHERINE MORTENHOE. sf almost entirely. SKYSHIP by John Brosnan is a story about a giant new LEISURE BOOKS (USA) PBS CONTINUOUS KATHERINE MORTENHOE by D.G. airship about to be blown up over New RASHANYN DARK by William Tedford is Compton, SPACE WAR BLUES by Richard York. MANITOU DOLL by Guy N.Smith is the first in a space adventure series Lupoff, GALAXIES by Barry Malzberg, a new horror novel by this ’nasty’ called TIMEQUEST, published in February. THE MILE LONG SPACESHIP by Kate Wilhelm, book author. TIMES WITHOUT NUMBER by The second in the series HYDRABYSS RED THE HUMANOIDS by Jack Williamson, DARE § John Brunner is a ’71 Ace novel and was out in April. Two titles are listed INSIDE OUTSIDE by P.J.Farmer, THE not likely to break any records. for May, ALIEN ENCOUNTER by Flanna WANDERER, GATHER DARKNESS, GREEN HARLIN QUIST (USA) Devin and TALES OF TOMORROW #1: MILLENIUM, THE SINFUL ONES and THE BOOK INVADERS AT GROUND ZERO by David Houston. OF FRITZ LEIBER, all by Fritz Leiber, A book of interest to fantasy film and RIVERWORLD AND OTHER STORIES by P.J. SFX fans, FILM TRICKS:Special Effects MACDONALD (UK) HC Farmer and THE SALIVA TREE by Brian in the Movies by Harold Schecter. A FREE FLIGHT by Douglas Terman NFD Aldiss. TPB. MACMILLAN (USA) While pasting this up we noticed a HARPER § ROW (USA) A new novel by the Russian sf authors report in LOCUS that Gregg Press have In February HSR released an omnibus of cut back on their schedule. G.K.Hall Boris and Arkady Strugatsky came out in three novels by Robert Silverberg. April, THE SPACE APPRENTICE, in he. In and Twayne are unaffected and the Fritz DOWNWARD TO THE EARTH, NIGHTWINGS and THE the same month SMALL WORLD by Tabitha Leiber selections we believe'have been MAN IN THE MAZE. HC of course. A Feb King was published. NFD. Listed as sf done by Gregg, but we are uncertain about pb was HARD WORDS AND OTHER POEMS by or f for May is AELITA by Alexei Tolstoy. other titles on this list. However LOCUS Ursula LeGuin, also done in he. In March MAGNUM § MAGNET (UK) PBs reports that THE DIPLOIDS by Katherine NEBULA AWARDS 15 edited by Frank Herbert McLean, THE GREEN BRAIN by Frank Herbert, was the only thing,but April saw two The Methuen pb series continue to issue and THE UNIVERSE AGAINST HER by James titles, GALAXY: THIRTY YEARS OF a small number of sf titles in their Schmitz would be published, but later INNOVATIVE SF edited by Frederick Pohl, adult and juvenile range. In February than scheduled. M.H.Greenberg and J.D.Olander and we saw CRISIS ON CONSHELF TEN by Monica G.K.HALL § CO (USA) HCS LANARK by Alasdair Gray, a fantasy. Hughes and what we believe is a sequel HODDER AND STOUGHTON (UK) HC to this novel, EARTHDARK, in March. Ben Gregg Press and G.K.Hall are basically Bova's AS ON A DARKLING PLAIN in its the same publisher. It appears the THE CLOWNS OF GOD by Morris West barely first British edition came out in former does the fiction and the latter the belongs here, but it is set in the February with a horror novel THE non-fiction as follows: ROGER ZELAZNY future, featuring a rather different STALKING MAN by W.J.Coughlan. In March . by J.L.Sanders, SAMUEL DELANY by Michael view of the Church of Rome to that in we see THE WELL OF SHIUAN by C.J..Cherryh. Peplow and Robert Bravard, JULES VERNE his "Shoes Of The Fisherman". The few other British editions of her by Edward J.Gallagher. Each of these HOUGHTON MIFLIN (USA) books have been done by Futura. THE volumes is described as a Primary and REVENANT by Brana Lobel is a horror Secondary Bibliography. J.R.R.TOLKIEN TOLKIEN AND THE SILMARILS:Imagination novel and GOODBYE PICCADILY by Tom by Deborah Webster Rogers and Ivor A. and Myth in the Silmarillion by Randel Barling is included,but we have NFD. Rogers also appears to be in this Helms was announced for March publica In April a third sf novel by Monica series. tion, but we beleive it has been delayed. Hughes for young readers, KEEPER OF April saw the publication of the first VICTOR GOLLANCZ (UK) HCs THE ISIS LIGHT, along with FIRESHIP/ of a series byJulianMay entitled THE MOTHER AND CHILD the two novelettes CERES SOLUTION is a new novel by Bob MANY COLOURED LAND:Volume one in the by Joan*Vinge. In May the highly orig Shaw. THE DREAMERS is an sf novel by Saga of Pliocene Exile. A SENSE OF inal novel by Thomas M.Disch, ON WINGS James Guin. FUNDAMENTAL DISCH is the SHADOW is a new title by Kate Wilhelm. OF SONG . first he of a collection of stories NFD. In May an anniversary boxed set MAGREAD (UK) HC by Thomas Disch. A DREAM OF KINSHIP is of THE LORD OF THE RINGS was expected a n£w novel by Richard Cowper. In May and THE ATLAS OF MIDDLE EARTH by Karen ROGAN by Paul James is a space opera Gollanzc will publish Frank Herbert’s Fontad. All titles so far have been which was published by Wyndham in pb, GOD EMPEROR OF DUNE, the fourth in the hes, but NOTES TO A SCIENCE FICTION now out in a library edition. ’Dune’ series. WRITER by Ben Bova is a TPB.This was METHUEN (UK) HCs previously published in HC in 1975 by ROBERT HALE (UK) HCS Scribner and has been a much sought RETURN TO EARTH is a juvenile sf novel FANTOCINE by Leigh Beresford is a after title. by H.M.Hoover out in April and in May first edition sf novel. ALIEN WAY by HUTCHINSON (UK) HC BIKINI RED NORTH by Tom Barling was . Gordon Dickson is the first British published, but NFD on that. HC edition. WORLD OF THE SOWER is an CAROLINE R by David Lancaster is listed as a fantasy, but we have NFD. 11 MISFIT PRESS (USA) PB war. A PLANET CALLED TREASON by Orson Donald Franson and Howard Devore have Scott Card was the SF release for Jan. reprinted their handy reference book, MINDS EYE by Ainslie Skinner is about A HISTORY OF THE HUGO, NEBULA and people with ESP . In March DAGGER OF INTERNATIONAL FANTASY AWARDS. Revised THE MIND by Bob Shaw was published up to 1980. plus a horror novel, THE TOTEM by David Morrell. We almost missed two MORROW (USA) HC February releases in EXTRATERRESTRIAL THE HUMAN ZERO is a collection of sf CIVILIZATIONS, a non-fiction title by stories by mystery writer Erie Stanley Isaac Asimov and GOLEM 100 by Alfred Gardner. Bester, which although it is still not the great sf novel we have been waiting SIGNET/NAL (USA) PBS for,is the best he has done since TIGER.'TIGER! In April a collection In February Signet reprinted DEEP RANGE from Robert Silverberg, THE SONGS OF by Arthur C.Clarke and issued a new sf SUMMER. novel by a new author, SUN DOGS by Mark McGarry. In March they did a reprint PANDORA'S BOOKS (USA) of Harlan Ellison's APPROACHING OBLIVION, This new publisher has announced two along with THE GIRL IN THE SWING by books. The first is a survey of the Richard Adams, a ghost story, plus DMITRI work of Michael Moorcock, THE TANELORN by Jamey Cohen and PANTHER by Alan Ryan, ARCHIVES by Richard Bilyeu. The second an occult fantasy and a horror mystery. is GOLDEN AGE and that is all we know In April another title in the popular about i t. "‘Horseclans' series , HORSECLAN'S ODYSSEY by Robert Adams plus four horror/fantasy PENGUIN (UK) novels, THE DARK ROOM by Carolyn Banks, In February was the first Penguin/ THE NIGHTWALKER by Thomas Tessier, THE Puffin edition of THE LOST WORLD by KILLING GIFT by Bari Wood and TWINS by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In April Bari Wood and Jack Geasland. The never THE BOOK OF THE DUN COW by Walter ending stream of Arthurian novels contin THOMAS NELSON (USA) HC Wangerin, the acclaimed fantasy about ues with HAWK OF MAY by Gillian Bradshaw, a time when the animals ran the Earth. published in May with a new novel by LIGHTNING IN THE BOTTLE by Charles the author of "Sovereign", R.M.Meluch, Beaver is the second in a juvenile PEQUOD PRESS (USA) WIND DANCERS. Also in May is a reprint fantasy series, following "Magicians Bane". Announced for publication this year of FLESH 6 LORD TYGER by Philip Jose from this small press is an sf novel Farmer in one volume. NEWCASTLE (USA) TPB by John F.Carr, CARNIFAX MARDI GRAS- NEW ENGLISH LIBRARY (UK) HCS Reports are that this publisher has THE FIRST BOOK OF PHILIP. NFD THE FUHRER SEED by Gus Weill was published been forced to cut back on their pub PEREGRINE BOOKS (USA) late 1980 and is in "The Boys From Brazil" lishing plans. The only new edition out this year so far is ALAN'S WIFE by THE ART OF MAHLON BLAINE is a fantasy category. In January the three E.R.B.type art book announced for '81 publication. Martian novels by Michael Moorcock, H.Rider Haggard. WARRIOR OF MARS, BLADES OF MARS and ODYSSEY PUBLICATIONS (USA) TPB PHANTASIA PRESS (USA) BARBARIANS OF MARS were published in one This publisher publishes exclusively volume under the title of WARRIOR OF Only one new book so far from this pulp reprint specialist and that is what is deluxe, usually first editions of new MARS. In February a collection of the sf sf books. DREAM PARK by Larry Niven probably the very first 'Doc Savage' and f art of Tim White in THE SCIENCE and Steven Barnes is due out from Ace FICTION AND FANTASY WORLD OF TIM WHITE. novel ever, DOC SAVAGE, SUPREME ADVEN TURER. in TPB, but this deluxe $35.00 edition NEW ENGLISH LIBRARY (UK) PBS was the first published. Following OHIO UNIVERSITY PRESS (USA) other new editions of Philip Jose THE MICRONAUTS by Gordon Williams about Two non-fiction literary criticism Farmer books is A PRIVATE COSMOS, in 'incredible shrinking men'.plus RECOVERY both trade and deluxe he printings. by Steven L.Thompson, NFD. February saw titles are OUP offerings for Depember the third part of the dismembered NEL 1980 and May 1981 respectively. H.P. PIATKUS BOOKS (UK ) edition of EARTHBOOK OF STORMGATE by Poul LOVECRAFT:FOUR DECADES OF CRITICISM edited by J.T.Joshi and C.S.LEWIS: THE What we presume is a library edition Anderson. We see no point in a publisher of a UFO novel, GENESIS, recently splitting up a book into three parts that ART OF ENCHANTMENT by Donald E.Glover. The first in HC and the second in both. published by Corgi. The author is was orginally published complete at any W.A.Harbison. rate, when the obvious intention of the OUTRE HOUSE . (USA) author was to have all the stories in the PLAYBOY PRESS (USA) PBS sequence in one book. The point that the WRITING FOR THE TWIGHLIGHT ZONE is a book of four screen plays for the TV HELLSTONE by Steven Spruill is an publisher makes more money out of it is occult fantasy published in January of course evident. THE SIBLING by series by George Clayton Johnson. In TPB and Deluxe HC editions. along with the latest in the 'Sime' sf Elleston Trevor is a horror fantasy also series, FIRST CHANNEL, by Jean Lorrah out February with two sf books, ASSIGNMENT OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS (USA) and Jacqueline Lichtenberg. Another sf IN ETERNITY by Robert Heinlein, reprinted The American part of the company is title by Jean Lorrah leaning more to again and TWO COMPLETE NOVELS by Robert the fantasy,is SAVAGE EMPIRE, out in Silverberg. Titles not known at this time. publishing a series of critical books on sf authors. November last year saw March. In April a reprint of HOUSE OF March saw only reprints again with THE ZEOR by Jacqueline Lichtenberg in the MAN WHO SOLD THE MOON and STRANGER IN A one on Robert Heinlein and in January they did THE SCIENCE FICTION OF H.G. 'Sime' series. In May a new title in STRANGE LAND, both by Robert Heinlein, the 'Empire Princess' series by Graham plus Frank Herbert's EYES OF HEISENBERG. WELLS by Frank McConnell, in both TPB and HC. Diamond, THE BEASTS OF HADES. An sf April sees THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST by novel by Karl Hansen, WAR GAMES, was Robert Heinlein in the first small pb OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS (UK) also out in May . edition of this his latest, but not great est sf novel, plus two reprints I WILL In a series of abridged fantasy and sf POCKET BOOKS (USA) PBs FEAR NO EVIL and TIME ENOUGH FOR LOVE. classics DUNE by Frank Herbert was Just to confuse us people who do lists The book of the terrible movie INSEMINOID published in January. and other bibliographical work. Pocket by Larry Miller is also an April release, PAN (UK) PBS Books have decided to publish all their along with A DAY IN THE LIFE by Hank DOWN TO A SUNLESS SEA by David Graham sf and fantasy, well most of it at any Stine, a 'Prisoner' novel and a rate, under the heading of TIMESCAPE reprint of DUNE MESSIAH by Frank Herbert. was published under the Picador impr_int in January. The story is of a plane in BOOKS. This will include the he titles also published by Simon and Schuster 12 flight during the outbreak of nuclear new fantasy. FANTASY ANNUAL III by ited. However there certainly were a Terry Carr is the first Timescape/Pocket (jew thingt, at with PIERROT PRESS, that edition of this yearly publication, we were looking (onward to. Un(ontunately which last year was published by they were a tittle too ambitiout and Berkley as "The Years Finest Fantasy". early tuceett in both catet went to their THE I CHILDREN OF SHINY MOUNTAIN by headt. Let ut hope that other publithert David Dvorkin is an sf reprint and one able to pick up tome o( the enurnbt. THE TRICK TOP HAT by Robert Anton Particularly in Pierrot't eate, the Wilson is the second in the "Schrodinger's Michael Moorcock titlet. Cat" series. Other Pocket Book titles included; HELIX by Desmond Ryan, a SCHANES § SCHANES (USA) scientific thriller, BLOOD ISLAND by This publisher specialises in art port James Farber, an- occult mystery novel and folios. Their announcements for 1981 NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD by John Russo, are: SEVEN DREAMS OF SINBAD by Frank a reprint of the novel of the second Cirocco, with 6 black and white and one rate film of the same name. colour print. THE FORGOTTEN BEASTS OF TIMESCAPE /SIMON & SCHUSTER (USA) HCs ELD by Alitia Austin, illustrating the book by Patricial McKillop. UNICORNS by The second of the 'Book of the New Sun' Leia Dowling, 6 prints. RIME OF THE series, THE CLAW OF THE CONCILIATOR, ANCIENT MARINER by Greg Irons and by Gene Wolfe, was published in February STARSLAYER by Mike GRELL, both with 6 along with DOWN TO A SUNLESS SEA by prints. David Graham. The later was S Conducted by PAUL J.STEVENS PS: WE GET THAT A LOT AT SPACE AGE BOOKS. THIS BRINGS ME TO THE DRAGON MeZboutne-August J930 SERIES, WHICH ARE POSSIBLY THE BOOKS FoUowtng heft Guest o( Honour THAT YOU'RE MOST FAMOUS FOR AND I THINK appearance at the NationaZ MOST LOVED FOR. HAVE ANY DRAGON AusttaZian SF Convention tn FANCLUBS GROWN UP AROUND YOUR BOOKS? Perth - SWANCON 5. PS: THIS IS SEPTEMBER 1980 AND I AM AM: Yes. There is one in the UK, there INTERVIEWING ANNE McCAFFREY. NOW ANNE, are several operating in the United ONE OF THE MOST ASKED QUESTIONS I GET States. I've had people write to ask me AT SPACE AGE BOOKS IS "WHEN ARE YOU GOING if they could use one of the dragon terms TO WRITE THE SEQUEL TO DINOSAUR PLANET?" for their CB handles. Somebody asked could they name their home Dragonweyr. AM: Well, actually, it's in production It's all very flattering.. When I was but I was sick last year and I found that here in Adelaide, two gals asked me if I couldn't get on with the book, so I they could form the Southern Weyr, so I gave them the address to write to, put it aside to go back to it with PS : WHAT'S THE PERIODIC TABLE? fresh eyes when I come back from this to join up with the rest of the Weyr holders - they call them the Weyr- trip. Which, curiously enough, is going AM: Right so I gave up, literally. I to help me a great deal,, because the people - they're not Weyr-people, finished the book as fast as I could dragon enthusiasts. land I had in my mind for Dinosaur Planet and left it as a cliffhanger, meaning exists near Kojonup, Western Australia. to go back to it when I'd gotten rid PS: THIS BRINGS ON THE THOUGHT THAT of all that frustration. That year, WITH MARION ZIMMER BRADLEY AND HER PS: SO YOU COULD SAY YOU'VE BEEN DOING 1979, was rather lost because I was DARKOVER SERIES THERE HAS BEEN A LOT A BIT OF RESEARCH ON THIS TRIP? on promotion tours for The White Dragon OF FAN FICTION, WHICH FOLLOWS ON OF COURSE in the US and in Europe, and by the end FROM THE STAR TREK FAN FICTION. ARE YOU AM: No, just visual research. I've of Seacon in August I was exhausted - IN FAVOUR OF ANYONE FOLLOWING ON YOUR done all the research on the planet long I didn't realize it - so I literally since, but it always helps to see a IDEAS IN THE DRAGON SERIES AND WRITING had to take the' rest of the year off STORIES? terrain that you yourself have only and I'm just now beginning to feel imagined. There it was - incredible! myself again. AM: I am against it at the moment. PS: NO PRIOR PLANNING AT ALL? Marion Zimmer Bradley was lucky in that PS: YES, WE'VE HEARD STORIES ABOUT THE she was covering well over 2000 years of AM: No, that's right. AMERICAN TOUR FOR WHITE DRAGON. I structure, most of which she had very BELIEVE IT WAS RATHER INTERESTING AT carefully annotated. She also attracted THE ABA CONFERENCE WHERE THEY GOT YOU PS: DINOSAUR PLANET SEEMED TO BE A BIT a very - shall we say - superior TO SIGN YOUR BOOK? OF A DIVERGENCE FROM YOUR NORMAL STYLE. standard of writer. I have had sent me WAS THIS WRITTEN AS ONE OF THE SERIES several ideas for Dragon stories, AM: If you were there, Dear...I don't BOOKS THAT FUTURA AND OTHER ENGLISH suggestions with what I might do with remember. By then, I was out. PUBLISHERS WERE DOING AT THE TIME? the Dragons. When I realize this is in the letter I turn it to my secretary PS: I SAW THIS IN THE AMERICAN BOOK AM: Well, at the time I signed the and have her answer it, because in my SELLER WHERE THEY HAD A LARGE ARTICLE. contract, not only was I very broke, but contract it says that all the ideas WHEN I SAID IT WAS INTERESTING...! they wanted a juvenile - 144 pages, 160 in my books must be original to me, and BELIEVE THERE WERE A LARGE NUMBER OF pages - about dinosaurs, involving small at the moment I cannot open up any PEOPLE THERE. people, a young boy and a young girl, publication such as Marion has done, and they gave me an outline of what it on Pern. People aren't following the AM: Yds. A lot of them were librarians, was to be, so trite it was ridiculous. story line. I set down precedents as well as booksellers there. I do So I said, look leave it with me and and you can'f rupture them, I'm sorry. remember that I seemed to be signing I'll do my own thing with it. So I I will not have twin Dragon queens, forever. An author was allowed an researched Adrian Desmond's hot-blooded one of whom is blind - it won't work, hour at the book table and then they dinosaurs. I also spoke to Dr Jack I'm sorry. switched authors. They had to send Sohen of Birmingham University who people away and I understand there teaches embryonic zoology, and loves to PS: YOU STARTED OFF WITH DRAGONFLIGHT. create probable aliens. So we had a were quite a few injured feelings. IT'S FUNNY IN A WAY HOW THESE BOOKS HAVE They had waited in line all this time bash at that and I came up with a BEEN SPLIT UP, PARTICULARLY IN PUBLISHERS, to see Anne McCaffrey, and I had to factual basis, a scientific basis and WHERE YOU HAVE HAD THE DRAGONSINGER, OR be hustled out a back door. went back and started to write the book. THE HARPER OF PERN SERIES PUBLISHED BY And, lo and behold, I understand that ONE, PUBLISHER IN AMERICA AND THE DRAGON PS: IT SHOWS, THOUGH, THAT SCIENCE they do not want a juvenile, they want SERIES, DRAGONRIDERS, PUBLISHED BY FICTION READERS ARE IN PERHAPS a full adult series -three books please- BALLANTINE. GREATER NUMBERS THAN IS SUSPECTED. so I did a tumaraound and started all over again, and found I had the kids AM: Well, that was because at the time AM: Oh yes. One had the sf fan irt the plot and found I had to keep I was writing for the juvenile market conventions, you have the fan readers. them there, changed the emphasis. Then which was a request from Atheneum. They are, I think, just the tip of the I had an editor who didn't know doodly- Ballantine/Del Rey did not have a iceberg at this point. Not only did squat. She wanted me to explain juvenile section. men landing on the moon lend respect everything, like compound-ship and ability to sf, but you had such good generation-ship and FTL and trans-uranic PS: IT BECOMES A BIT CONFUSING WHEN movies as 2001, you had the Star Trek elements are very simple - it's just PEOPLE ASK WHERE DOES THE HARPER SERIES series, which broadened our reader everything past uranium in the periodic FIT.... ship mainly into the family, Star Wars table. Guess what her next question was? which was pure fun, Close Encounters AM: Oh that's very simple. You have ....I'm not keen on Alien too much 15 Dragonflight. Dragonquest is at the PS: THAT'S INTERESTING, THAT YOU MENTION same historical time as Dragonsong and DECISION, BECAUSE IT'S THE ONE BOOK Dragonsinger,. Then read the first THAT I ALWAYS RECOMMEND TO SCHOOLS WHEN two chapters of White Dragon, read THEY COME IN AND WANT A BOOK. DECISION Dragondrums and the rest of White AT POONA IS ONE BOOK THAT I ALWAYS Dragon and you have got them all in RECOMMEND, IN FACT OVER AND ABOVE THE chronological order. DRAGON SERIES • PS: OF COURSE PEOPLE ARE VERY FOND OF AM: Thank you. PUTTING NUMBERS ON BOOKS, PUTTING THEM IN COMPARTMENTS, SO THEY ALWAYS LIKE PS: THERE IS ANOTHER POINT I WANTED TO TO SAY WHICH IS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 AND 6. I BRING UP NOW. OF COURSE A LOT OF THE WAS QUITE INTERESTED, ACTUALLY IN THE WAY BOOKS ARE NOW OUT OF PRINT. RESTORES, THAT YOU APPROACHED THE HARPER SERIES AND DECISION AT POONA SEEM TO BE OUT OF PRINT FITTED IT IN BEAUTIFULLY WITH THE NOW. DRAGONRIDER SERIES. AM: They're waiting for new covers AM: That was planned. to be done by David Roe. All McCaffrey books are going to have David Roe covers. PS: IT WAS VERY WELL DONE, I WAS VERY IMPRESSED BY IT. They were waiting for David Roe to finish with the covers. I've seen the AM: Thank you. one for Restoree and it's beautiful. Then he'll be doing Decision at Poona, and now that Corgi has acquired the PS: HOW MANY DO YOU INTEND TO CONTINUE paperback rights to Quest it will also ON WITH IN THIS SERIES? conform. AM: I don't know. It depends on when PS: I'M GLAD TO HEAR THAT. HOW COME I have a story to tell. The pressure REMEMBER THE TITLE OF IT. IT WAS ABOUT THAT TRANSWORLD ENDED UP WITH ALL THE is tremendous, but so is the responsib SOME INTERGALACTIC SLAVERS, A YOUNG DRAGON SERIES, BUT SPHERE ENDED UP ility, and I would rather the fans waited WOMAN BEING KIDNAPPED AND SOME LION WITH DRAGONQUEST? in patience until I had a story to tell MAN - SHE ESCAPES WITH HIM. than force me to do an under-quality AM: Corgi didn't buy Dragonquest from story. I have my own reputation to AM: I haven't a clue what you're me, that's why. maintain. talking about - must be some other author, PS: YES, I SHOULD HAVE DONE MY RESEARCH PS: THE CONTRACTS HAVE BEEN HOLDING IT PS: THERE'S OBVIOUSLY A SEQUEL SITTING FOR THAT PERIOD? THERE WITH WHITE DRAGON. YOU'VE STILL BETTER ON THAT ONE. I REMEMBER IT AS GOT OBVIOUSLY A LOT MORE OF THE STORY ONE SHORT STORY. WHAT STUCK OUT IN MY AM: Yes, it lasts for about 5, 7 years TO TELL. DO YOU SEE ANY MORE IN THE MIND, OF COURSE, THERE WAS ONE SEX SCENE and Corgi has now bought it from Rapp HARPER OF PERN SERIES OR DO YOU INTEND IN IT. and Whiting. TO GO ON TO ANOTHER PART OF PERN? AM: That's not my story at all. PS: IT ALWAYS MAKES IT A BIT DIFFICULT, AM: Haven't a clue. Haven't got a OF COURSE.... story yet. PS: THIS WAS SOMETHING ELSE I WAS INTERESTED IN, ACTUALLY. HOW DO YOU AM: I didn't plan it that way. PS: OK. WHAT'S NEXT FROM ANNE McCAFFREY REGARD WRITING SEX IN STORIES? THEN? AM: Well, obviously it's there. PS: .... FOR THE BOOKSELLER WHO HAS THEM ALL ON THEIR SHELF EXCEPT ONE, AM: Crystal Singer, a non-Dragon story. EXPLAINING IT TO THE BUYER. WELL, I did four related short stories for PS: YES, WHAT'S YOUR APPROACH, THOUGH, GOING FROM THE DRAGON SERIES. YOU'VE Roger Elwood in Continuum 1,2,3 and 4. TOWARDS THE IDEA OF SEX IN A STORY? ALSO WRITTEN NON-SF OF COURSE: DARE I He published them in the wrong order -— THERE'S A LOT OF CRITICISM - I'M PERHAPS USE THE TERM GOTHIC ROMANCE? they should be Continuum 1, 3, 2 and 4. FRAMING THIS INCORRECTLY... I always thought I would like to expand AM: No, they're mysteries. "Killashandra". That's what I'm AM: I think perhaps you are. working on at the moment; in fact I PS: WE'VE HAD TROUBLE GETTING HOLD OF have the novel with me. PS: WHAT I'M SAYING IS THERE IS A LOT OF CRITICISM BEING LEVELLED RECENTLY - SOME OF THEM OUT HERE. I'VE SEEN ONE. PS: IS THIS THE SERIES WHERE THE PEOPLE AT LEAST I'VE SEEN IT IN FANZINES - AM: Troubadour has brought out ARE USING MIND POWER TO MOVE TRANSPORT WHEN THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT FEMINISM. Kilternan Legacy. They are bringing AROUND. . .. ? out Ring of Fear and Mark of Merlin. AM: Oh, you have got the wrong end of it. I don't know why they have been AM: No, no, no. It has nothing to do If there are element’s of sexuality or delayed so much. I must check.when I sexism in the story as the story deserves with ESP, the parapsychic talents, no. go back. to be told, I'll come out with it. But as PS: THAT WAS A VERY INTERESTING SERIES. I am a story-teller, I am bound by the PS: WE'VE HAD ONE OUT HERE WHICH I PUT ARE YOU PLANNING A NOVEL OUT OF THAT? story which wants to be told. I'm not ON THE SHELF, AND IT SOLD ALMOST a militant feminist, I have my own views IMMEDIATELY, AND KEPT REPLACING, AND I AM: Well, I planned a novel out of that. about it which would take another tape to CAN'T GET IT ANYMORE. SO THAT THE I had "Lady in a Tower", "Meeting of do. Self help is a great thing. I didn't anne c affrey readers are begging for get anywhere because I was a woman or in M C Minds" and then I was going to write ANY ANNE McCAFFREY BOOKS. something closer to the present and spite of the fact that I was a woman; Op Owen walked away with the book. I I got there because I had the quality AM: That's very complimentary. started out with "A Womanly Talent" and the professionality that gave me and he said, hey, it's my own story and my chance. Therefore, I think that if PS: ARE YOU PLANNING ON WRITING ANY To Ride Pegasus came out of it. So you're good at something, people are MORE IN THAT PARTICULAR. . . . perhaps I will go on further going to recognise , ou anyway. I'm nojt giving any messages - not in my stories, with the parapsychic talents - I don't AM: I'd like to, but obviously it know yet, I can't tell. no - except one, in Decision at Poona, would cut out for me at least four that our species will have grown up years of solid work and no more when it no longer feels necessary to PS: THERE WAS ONE STORY I READ IN travelling. Was that your idea? ANALOG THAT RATHER INTERESTED ME. IT force its values or moral judgements on anybody or anything else. And that SEEMED TO BE THE FIRST PART OF A SERIES, PS: I WOULDN'T WANT TO TAKE AWAY THE OR THE FIRST PART OF A STORY. I CAN'T goes for feminism. 16 ENJOYMENT OF HAVING A MEETING WITH YOU... AM: Oh, go away with you now! pulp, and annoyed because he was giving had enough money for that - not quite me time to write worthwhile literature enough - he figured a budget of PS: ...BESIDES THE PLEASURE OF US and I stuck with sf. So the award $2 million, and I would have been MEETING YOU OVER HERE TOO. was a sort of seal of approval from co-scriptwriter. Maybe it will come a lot of people my husband didn't to pass again. He still has the rights. AM: You've all been very kind to me. realise read sf. I actually didn't need We'll see what happens. I've had a marvellous time. the airplane to get from San Francisco back to New York - I was flying - I PS: YOU DEFINITELY WANT SOME APPROVAL ON PS: DO YOU NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCE never expected it. They say the look THE SCRIPTS? BETWEEN THE AUSTRALIAN FANS, THE on my face was incredible, I went AMERICAN FANS AND THE ENGLISH FANS, OR through a gamut of expressions. The AM: Yes, I would like it, if only to make DO YOU REGARD THEM AS ALL SORT OF ONE Nebula, too, was a seal of professional sure that it's a good sf film, and having BIG FAMILY? approval. I've been lucky in that I had a good deal of stage and opera have won awards since which I treasure. experience I think I could come up AM: I think one big family, with a It's a pat on the back. It's very with a good script. There's no mutual interest. Slightly varying encouraging. I'm glad there are problem there. In fact, as a final word, tastes, sizes, shapes, but all keenly such awards. They represent different Children's Adventure Theatre in Maryland interested in not just sf but in the tastes, different people. I have two USA, are doing a short version of world around them and in a variety of Balrogs, which are ugly looking Dragonsong as a children's drama. And other things that have nothing to d" creatures, but I picked those up in I have gone over the script - actually with sf - like Space Invaders and Kansas City this past year and I they've had to reduce a whole book to Dragons and Dungeons and such carry on. didn't even know I was on the ballot, workable portions - but they also sent so I was very pleased to get them out requests for help and the Smithsonian PS: DO YOU FIND CONVENTIONS VERY Institute, which is the largest museum ENJOYABLE? PS: AND WHAT ABOUT SOMETHING LIKE THE in the US has been rushing madly to AUSTRALIAN DITMAR? help them. So they're getting a lot AM: Well, it gives me a chance to meet of volunteers they hadn't expected, all the readers, and it gives me a chance AM: Oh, the Australian Ditmar was because of Dragons. also to meet other authors because marvellous. That was at Seacon last that's where they congregate. I've year, and John McDouall called me up to PS: THAT'S VERY GOOD. THANK YOU VERY had the pleasure of meeting Lee Harding say I had won it. I was looking forward MUCH, ANNE. and George Turner, Damien Broderick and to being presented with it at Seacon, Grant Scott and of encouraging new because I thought, well I'll get AM: You're quite welcome, Paul. young writers, which is always a joy. something at Seacon, and then White Dragon was awarded the Gandalf. So next PS: YES, I'VE BEEN VERY IMPRESSED BY to Chris Reeve who has the Hugo for THE NEW YOUNG WRITERS IN AUSTRALIA, WHO 'SUPERMAN', I am walking with a GANDALF and IN ANOTHER 5 OR 10 YEARS... OF COURSE, a DITMAR, and he is saying, what are BOOKS CONTINUED FROM WE'VE ALREADY GOT SOME EXTREMELY GOOD these, and I am telling him. Ego PAGE 11 WRITERS. boost time. OF FANG ROCK and THE THREE DOCTORS by AM: Of course, I know Bert Chandler, PS: IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED, I THINK PERHAPS Terrance Dicks. Other than these 'Dr and I had hoped to see Jack Wodhams, RATHER SOURLY AT TIMES, THAT THERE Who' books the only other sf or fantasy but I understand that the distances ARE TOO MANY AWARDS. DO YOU AGREE? was the three books in 'Sunset Warrior' between where I'm going to be and where he series by Eric Van Lustbader, THE SUNSET lives are considerable, so I'm unlikely AM: Not too many awards, so long as WARRIOR, SHALLOWS OF NIGHT and DAI SAN . to get a chance to see him. they are discriminative, and that your They were published in a slightly ballot base is a substantial portion. larger format than the usual small pb PS: THE TROUBLE WITH AUSTRALIA IS THAT I think the Balrogs for instance went editions. IT'S SO BIG THAT WE'RE SPREAD AROUND out to 10 countries; they had a return ZEBRA (US)PBs QUITE A BIT. of some 700 ballots from which the awards were chosen. That's a significant In January Zebra released two collect AM: And it's empty. number of people who wish to give a ions edited by Lin Carter of stories writer a specific pat. on the back. from "Weird Tales" magazine. WEIRD PS: YES, IT'S NOT UNTIL YOU'RE FLYING That's fair enough. I was glad to TALES # 1 and WEIRD TALES #2. In AROUND BETWEEN PERTH AND ADELAIDE THAT see the booktrade's themselves have February they did another sword and YOU REALIZE JUST HOW BIG IT IS. WELL, decided to award in categories, sorcery title by Mikd Sirota, JOURNEY CAN I ASK YOU WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE including sf paperback, hardcover, and TO MESHARRA. AUTHORS IN THE' SF AND FANTASY FIELD? I think a juvenile sf as well. And this is done on the fairest possible JELM MOUNTAIN PRESS (US) AM: Oh God! I've read practically basis, with a wide readership and everybody. There are stories from This publisher in Laramie, Wyoming, nomination and a judging. They do everybody that I like, others I don't published in pb and he a collection of give the reader who's not too sure like - that's not a fair question. five stories by Eward Bryant, WYOMING of his taste some sort of professional SUN, which includes his award winning stamp of approval, that he's not going "glANTS". PS: SOMETIMES, THOUGH, THERE'S A BOOK to go too far wrong if he reads this THAT WILL PARTICULARLY STICK IN YOUR book. MIND. . . PS: RIGHT. ONE FINAL QUESTION. HAS AM: Oh yes, Islandia by Austen Tappan. ANYBODY APPROACHED YOU YET ABOUT Wright which I read in 1942 at a very MAKING A MOVIE OF THE DRAGON BOOKS, OR impressionable age. I think that's ANY OF YOUR BOOKS? remained the book I read the most. About every two or three years I'll AM: Oh yes, but we're talking in reread it, and I enjoy that thoroughly. terms for the Dragon books of $25 million, and in today's economic climate I PS: HOW IMPORTANT TO YOU ARE AWARDS, don't think it's likely. FOR INSTANCE THE HUGO AND NEBULA AWARDS? PS: THE ONE BOOK I WOULD LIKE TO SEE AM: Well, the Hugo couldn't have come FILMED, AND I THINK IT COULD BE DONE at a better time in my life,and in my VERY WELL ON A REASONABLE BUDGET, professional life. I did have trouble IS DECISION AT POONA. with my ex-husband, my then husband, not appreciating sf, considering it AM: Actually, Gary Youngman almost The unexpected arrival of an Earth ship a rebel who is also a troubadour, but is what triggered the disappearance of who is also a genetic freak in that the aliens. No one knows who they were, he can only breed sons, a characteristic IgWHSWi where they came from or went, or what that is hereditary. This is a bitter they used to do in the fortress they book, a strange contrast to the built on Gaia. It is so totally alien hopefulness of the others, but CAPELLA'S GOLDEN EYES by Christopher they may never understand anything about regrettably relies on chance for Evans it at all. its solution. Faber $ Faber. HC $15.95 rrp Review by John Litchen The people on the Earth ship are also Breeding is again central to THE a surprise for the colonists and they SLAVES OF HEAVEN. Earth has been An excellent first novel. are unsure just how they should act destroyed and savage remnants try to towards these new arrivals. survive hut they are continually On the planet Gaia is an earth colony raided and their women taken by men which has been established almost The novel finishes at this point, leaving who have survived in satellites but 100 years. It was abandoned or many unanswered questions which I feel whose women cannot now bear children. forgotten from the very beginning, not may be resolved in a sequel. I look A male taken by mistake triggers a having had any contact with Earth from forward to that if such is the case "palace revolution" up top and the two the moment the colony was established. because the book was a pleasure to read. parts of mankind are henceforth I also fell that Christopher Evans will destined to become one again and If it had not been for a mysterious be a writer to watch in the future. Do replenish the earth. Alien race which the colonists call read this one, it is well worth the effort the M'threnni the colony would not John Litchen The fundamental difference between have survived beyond the first year. SEA-HORSE IN THE SKY and TRANSIT is They were in serious difficulties with that in the former all the differing crop failures, inability of earth COOPER REBUILDS CIVILIZATION ...... groups pool their resources instead of animals to adapt, and general ill the galaxy being left to one master-race. health when an Alien ship appeared in THE CLOUD WALKER by Edmund Cooper Again a race of has-been aliens, now mere the sky above the colony. Overnight 223 pgs; Coronet. ghosts, have set up an experiment to the aliens contracted a huge fortress SEA-HORSE IN THE SKY by Edmund Cooper find a successor. and ship terminal on an island in the 191 pgs; Coronet river by the colony. In the morning THE SLAVES OF HEAVEN by Edmund Cooper The England of THE CLOUD WALKER has the awestruck colonists were approached 191 pgs; Coronet been reduced to a series of petty by seven aliens who didn't say anything. states, the only unifying force After each group stared at the other In his first novel, DEADLY IMAGE, or apparently a strong Luddite religious for some time, seven colonists joined under its original name, 'The Uncertain organisation which regards any machine the aliens and went into the fortress Midnight', Cooper set the theme for many as heresy to be direly punished. The with them. The aliens were never seen of his succeeding novels, so that they situation is medieval (in the last again, and from time to time those become, in many ways, variations on a medieval period men were trying to fly) colonists who had joined the aliens theme. Civilization has been lost and one man wishes to fly. After somehow and his story deals with the would emerge to communicate with the vicissitudes which make a story colonists on behalf of the aliens. fundamental breakthrough which will after all, he progresses from kites to allow mankind to be itself again. balloons and airships and to aeroplanes, The aliens proposed to assist the colony DEADLY IMAGE was written back in those and dies peacefully in an armchair, happy times when the Americans were providing the earth people left them certainly not the fate of many aviation busy daring the Russians to start alone. This was agreed to and so the pioneers. We find the speed of the something. In the book they apparently colony survived. Alien ships landed action somewhat hurried. did and the world is left shattered regularly and goods and materials were and in the control of androids. There supplied to the colonists. After 100 Perhaps, seeing Cooper often has artists is a revolt by the humans and the power years the colony has thrived and in the front rank, he himself has diversified. Population has increased of the androids is broken and men can interests that way. He certainly paints and there are agricultural communes, pick up the pieces and rebuild a fair picture with words, his landscapes, fishing villages, and light industry. civilization. his buildings and his characters are vividly and realistically portrayed, and In SEED OF LIGHT ten men and women No one knows anything more about the even in the bitterness of FIVE TO TWELVE aliens than they knew at the beginning have set off in a spaceship to find the reader shares the agonies of either a virgin planet where they can start yet political parties are divided into party, and cares. Optimists are so often afresh, the ship being programmed to two factions: Pro-alien who want jumped on nowadays that such a one find a planet like Earth (the old one to keep things as they are, and Anti-alien must have a martyr-complex, yet whilst having gone up in nuclear smoke). who want to kick them off the planet we may not all "live happily ever after", Eventually, and after considerable and let the colony go its own way. The surely we would like to. And that is temporal displacement, the ship finds anti-alien group have no idea of how they important. a planet, Earth, fifty thousand years can achieve their aims since no one can before they started off, and here they get into the fortress except for the THE VENUS HUNTERS by J■ G. Ballard land and begin as "true" men to 144 pgs, Granada, $3.50 seven 'voices'. start human civilizations. Obviously Reviewed by John J. Alderson starting a time loop which would do One day, David, a boy from the communes, comes into the city and inadvertantly justice to Dr Who! This collection of Ballard's has a he sees an alien whose 'voice' dies. healthier tone than previous ones, not With TRANSIT, however, some washed-out David's girl friend is later chosen to so much of an obsession with the replace the voice, and David then vows aliens take a hand and set a small obscenity of death, though some of it party of humans and a equal party of to get into the fortress somehow to remains. He has also condescended the only other intelligent race on a rescue her. He becomes involved in the to notice space ships...possibly like minority political group which is against small island on a remote planet to television and railways, they are a the aliens which in turn involves him see who is the fittest to rule the reality. There does remain, however, stars. Its the humans who "survive in politics and problems within the an undercurrent of pessimism and a lack colony as it searches for its own identity. creatively". It is not without of hope, if not hopelessness. However, interest that the hero of this book he draws his landscapes vividly, his Finally David gets into the fortress only is an artist or would-be artist, and characters precisely and he can tell a to find all the aliens gone. He rescues so are others in other books. good story. his girl friend who is almost catatonic However, with FIVE TO TWELVE, and must be hospitalised. The other WHEEL-WORLD by Harry Harrison civilization has been throttled by voices all die, having been under alien 181 pgs, Bantam Books overgrown women, and the males are control for too many years. Reviewed by John J. Alderson chattels with no rights at all. Enter 18 _ Undoubtedly this is the stuff that human beings with a twist one can't will not succeed against purposeful makes Hollywood epics, and unfortunately, quite see clearly. aggression. The alternatives are to SF epics. Truth to tell, the story is run or die. merely a simple trek against the usual (Darko Suvin's interpretation, in a obstacles over which the hero stumbles longish Introduction, varies from mine, This is a pleasant novel, full of good in the approved way...but there is but he hints that his is tentative. So will, but its arguments are finally nothing in the book except an over is mine. Yours may differ from both.) too simplified, mainly because she padded short story. For those who like has stripped the situation down to formula written books with stock Much of the action is complicated by the basic black and white with little characters and predictable episodes and alternate-chapter presentation, and room for the grey areas of real life. conclusion, then this is the book for you. understanding is often baffled by the It should make a useful work for the Those with more mature tastes had better writers' resolute but justified young who are encountering these problems keep searching. refusal to explain anything. With the of public might and right because it Strugatskys you think or sink. The sets them out clearly, and the fact CONSTELLATIONS Stories of the Future Russian tendency to milk a joke for that the answers are so unsatisfactory Edited by Malcolm Edwards, 189 pgs. more than its content is an occasional should give rise to thought and Gollancz, 4.95p UK ($15.95 Aust) irritation, but this novel is nonetheless argument. Review by J. J. Alderson one for the connoisseur - not as warm or as dramatic as 'Roadside Picnic' Most pacifist sf ignores the simple We have the distinct feeling that all but meatier than 'Hard To Be A God'. biological fact that the abilities these stories are very ordinary. Not to dominate, kill, lie and deceive one of them, examined carefully, could Panther Science Fiction are, in evolutionary terms, survival be described as a bad story, or as traits. They are meant to be used; the something memorable. Together they URSULA race which eliminates them will fall just pile the ordinary on the ordinary KLeGUIN victim to the first enemy which until they remind one of a politician , AHO OTHERS preserves them. Failure to fight back wishing his electorate a Merry Christ is extinction. Our problem is in how mas, a certain vacuousness. Perhaps to control these abilities while the editor succeeded too well in AHO OTHSR STORIES retaining them in useful form. That bringing together so many stories of edited by Virginia Kidd is a far more difficult task than can the same lack of calibre. be graphed in simple story form. John Alderson George Turner THE SNAIL ON THE SLOPE WHEN DEATH BIRDS FLY by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky Reviewed by by Andrew J. Offutt S Keith Taylor Gollancz; 243 pp; $15.50 George Turner Reviewed by Rowena Cory To call the Strugatskys political This novel is part of a series satirists would be stretching the chronicling the adventures of Cormac phrase too far, but political cogitation Mac Art, and Wulfhere the Dane. And is never far from the centre of their though there are characters whose motivations are carried on from the concern and satire sits up and grins THE EYE OF THE HERON earlier novel this tale is satisfying pretty often. There is (contrary to by Ursula K. Le Guin Reviewed by in itself. common belief) plenty of political Granada; 251 pp; $4.75 George Turner satire in modern Russian novels - so It is set in Europe during the eve long as the writer can tread the thin Mrs. Le Guin has, since 'The of the Roman Empire as the Germanic line between 'safe' satire and active Dispossessed', moved in search of fresh Suevi consolidated their conquest dissent - and in this book the brothers frameworks, new ways of presenting her of Spain and the Frankish Kings did tread the line with some agility. metaphors of the human condition. Little battle with the last Roman power in Gaul. of her science fictional beginnings The jacket says the action takes place Against this realistic background remains in such works as 'The Beginning on a far planet but there is no storyline the characters' adventures are inter Place' or those tales of an imaginary indication of this; the setting is more woven. Not only must Wulfhire and country compounded of Central European probably an experimental area on Earth, Cormac survive the traps of those men and Balkan ambiences, and all that and the hardware and software are who wish their demise but they must remains in 'The' Eye Of The Heron' is certainly twentieth century terrestrian. also battle the evil magic of Lucanor a mention of a distant Earth and some Be this as it may, a group of scientists the Sorceror. is examining a strange forest and its deteriorated, useless space ships. Even that mention is only lip service to inhabitants. The forest (like the ocean Hardly a chapter goes by in which the genre, because the story could have in Lem's 'Solaris') obeys its own some blood isn't shed, either in callous been worked out as a Terran historical incomprehensible laws and is a challenge enjoyment or light hearted indifference. novel in any period up to the nineteenth to human intelligence. Wulfhire and his Danes suply the century. fighting force, while Cormac lives up But the scientists and administrators to his namesake - the cunning wolf. A penal colony has been established are bureaucrats; their tight systems ******** on a far planet, followed a generation limit their understanding and create later by a group of peaceful 'protesters' a barrier between themselves and any who have been exiled as political THE WHITE DEATH by Pamela Sargent comprehension of the forest - and the nuisances. The convicts establish a Fontana. Strugatsky view of bureaucracy falling hierarchic, power-based police state over its own feet is spot-on, for An adventure set in the next century (not a joke but a logical extrapolation Russia or any other country. after the appearance of a white star, of the criminal mind) in The City; the which disrupts society. Might is right, peace-loving dissenters live a communal One,of the scientists becomes marooned and corruption is rife. life in Shanty Town. The City tries in the forest and learns to live with its Rowena Cory to exert domination by force; the people, but his real understanding is Townees offer passive resistance and, little greater than that of his colleagues later, civil disobedience. The upshot PUBLISHERS! PLEASE SEND US YOUR BOOKS FOR on the outside. For him the barrier REVIEW AND BOOK COVERS FOR REPRODUCTION. is bloodshed and a move by the Townees is not stupidity but the inability WE WILL BE PLEASED TO HAVE READERS SEND US to found a new settlement out of to transcend the limits of habitual reach of the City people. REVIEWS OR IN PARTICULAR ARTICLES ON 'human' thinking, because the aliens of AUTHORS AND THEIR WRITING. the forest, though human in shape and speech, are alien indeed - perhaps the It appears that although Le Guin is OUR THANKS to George Turner, Paul Sto"ens preaching the gospel of non-violence, most alienly-behaving people in all sf, and Rosemary Quinlin for help with this she knows that in practical terms it issue. I am not arguing that George should learning process - perhaps too simple stop criticising fan fiction or fan for George and his convoluted mind to editing, on a case by case basis, or even accept. An added advantage of publishing with a blanket condemnation. What I the 'not the absolute best' is that am saying is that he has no moral it allows the readers (you know, the right, and no acceptable credentials, poor fools who spend in excess r>f $1,00 to allow himself to direct what either per year buying sf and fantasy, the authors or editors should do when both one's for whom we write and publish) to respond in a fashion more articulate groups are still trying to learn the Neville J. Angrove basic of their crafts. Authors and and helpful than what a nonpurchase PO BOX 770 editors who do not learn, who do not of a book would be. Canberra City improve, will fall by the wayside. But in the process better-equiped ones will ACT 2601 We all have to learn - I know of no one (not even George Turner or Lee Harding) come forward to replace them. Dear Merv, who has claimed to be a naturally If George believes that editing is so accomplished author - and the only way ASFN is getting better and better - if bad, let him offer his services - I to learn is by doing. In this case I had known that it would continue to that means writing and getting published. for one would dearly appreciate an editor improve to its present level, I might If only the absolute best were published who would work for nought excepting never have given rebirth to the "Cygnus - or submitted to an editor - there may the satisfaction he receives from Chronicler". guiding budding authors along the not be anything to read. rocky road of literary excellence, But #22 has driven me to write about Since George seems so insistent on who would spend a whole evening in a one of Australia's sf institutions: savaging either the credentials or vain attempt to explain to a new author why his/her story was inadequate, George Turner. efforts of others, let's examine his own work. Leaving aside the Norstrilia who would suffer gladly both the What in hell is he attempting to prove! Press efforts - a much different absolute condemnation and the unstinting category to what we are discussing - praise of the same story from two George, in his letter, makes a series we have two novels that I know of, different reviewers, and who would of less than complimentary remarks about plus several score (nay, hundreds) of get me the stories in on time! the fiction published in several local reviews. On those grounds, George has fannish magazines ("Crux" and "Nexus") no credentials to speak of (if we are In the meantime, could George please and our only fully professional effort, accepting universal acclaim as the be a little more rational. After all, "Futuristic Tales". He argues that the criterion, rather than the "..soft, cosy condemning both poor fiction and the editors are doing a great disservice to in-group treatment..." that George has means of improving it, all in the writers by publishing this "fan stuff", so far received: CASSIDY may have same letter, is a little too much to and need to learn to distinguish been an award winner, but then so was take. between publishable and impossible MOON IN THE GROUND; and BELOVED SON material and how to spot what is wrong left a lot to be desired - a believable PS. with a story etc. As far as I know The printer so screwed-up "The Cygnus plot would not have gone astray). So, he has not commented about the Chronicler" #8 that next to no issues "Chronicler", but I am certain that if on what grounds does he (and you, Merv will make it to bookstores - perhaps with your rather blind acceptance of his he had ever read a copy, I would be in a blessing in disguise, in the light line for the same criticism. carping) does he base his judgements. It of George's feelings on the matter. can't be on his record as a reviewer ********** For the record, in approximately (his award-winning review of THE 150,000 words of magazine over eight DISPOSSESSED attempted to make a literary Peat Nev, issues, I have published fourteen silk purse from a sow's ear: the features George considered so exceptional You ceatainly have. made, some good points stories of which all except three were theae. Pexhaps George is being a bit written by professional authors. Several in that novel were new to neither sf haash in his cAiticism, but sometimes of the stories published have since been nor mainstream, leaving me at a loss to understand his praise of them?) you. have to be cxuel to be kind and if sold to overseas magazines, so my taste nothing else these comments and little hasn't been that bad. Reader response It may not seem fair of me to criticise contAoveasy I have stiAAed up with my has shown that the best received Story George's credentials - in what seems like oxiginal comments,, have made eyexyone was the one written by the rankest a vicious attack (perhaps it is a vicious awaxe of the pxoblem. The quality of amateur! Several stories that I attack) - or his writings per se, but the wxiting mast impxove. The only way rejected have been published since, isn't that just exactly what he has it can impxove is fox the authoxs occasionally with improvements I have done in his letter, but without offering iMiting to be seen and cxiticised. Thexe suggested. In spite of this fair any standard, any justification, or any seems to be no way of getting ovex the degree of success, I would happily alternative. Certainly what he has pxoblem until we have competent editoAS admit that as a fiction editor, I am said about the magazines - I mean the who have the ex-pextise, time and bloody awful. I find it nearly quality of the fiction and the quality patience to 'edit' the matexial that is impossible to adequately criticise a of the editing - is true; but George being wAitten. Ole do need a good pxof- story in manuscript - and it is only Scithers, a very recent recipient of essional magazine in Xustxalia. Geoxge when the story has been set and the Hugo, has committed similar sins could edit it, so could a numbex of printed do I discover if I have made (read the December issue of "Asimov's" othex people, is he has pxoved many the correct choice, so I try to err and see for yourself). .times and the woxkshop attendees I am on the conservative side. suae will agxee, he is always wiltcng (As a relevant aside: how much faith can to give advice, but theae is a Unit The point is, it is only when the we have in a reviewer who was so to the time any one peAson can put into story has actually been published that easily taken in by the Banjo Patterson it without some xeeompense. both the author and I can really see hoax in "Futuristic Tales"? Also if it has worked - the collective 'we' The time is xipe fox a good sf magazine relevant is that the "megalomaniac are too accustomed to seeing a story to be published in XuStAolia. Nou) do power-dream" cover on that magazine in print to validly judge a manuscript not ask me to define good. Let us just was designed to catch the eye of the (I was surprised to have these sentiments say one done with a fully paofessional browser - with the abundance of echoed by several local editors and appaoaeh. Meanwhile pexhaps some soAt magazines on the stands, a publication authors when I complained of my of sf wxitexs school could be set up. has to stand out and scream for problems at a recent gabfest, so I am The Canbexxa Confexanee in July could attention; and wasn't that the purpose certain that I am not just a voice in be a good time to discuss this mattex of the 'orrible BEMs and nubile the wilderness in this matter), so the and I hope we can come up with some maidens that decorated the pulps? I stories, both excellent and not so answexs. agree that the layout of that magazine excellent, must be published if the was pretty abominable too, but enough The following lettex fxom GeoAge was writer is to develop, and if the editor readers did not find it too objectionable waitten with him quite unawaxe of youx is to develop also. It is a simple since the following issues sold rather 20 well). comment* -in the. above tettea. I feet on acceptance. Poor but honest - but even an editor has to start somewhere, *uae he w-itt make some fuathea comment* there's no reason why it shouldn't and I find it a lonely rather thankless next time. improve with age and, hopefully, success.) task, but somebody has to do something Meav B. about the deplorable lack of sf outlets ******** Yours Faithfully in this country. And if Mr Turner feels THE EDITOR George Turner. he's qualified for the job, then, as A.S.F.N. 14th May 1981 far as I'm concerned, he is more than ********** welcome to start his own magazine, and I mean that in all sincerity. But Dear Mervyn, See Nev, Geoage did have iome paat*e foa don't give me any of that crap about you. nathen than a tot of catttctim. He there not being enough competent writers. There is, after all, at least one doe* gtve pnadie wheae -it i* due. Thank* There are a good many competent writers Australian semi-pro sf magazine which Geoage, and tf you have any fuathea I never hear from, writers I need not deserves better support than it appears comment* to make I w-itt be happy to paint name, as I'm sure everybody has heard of to be getting. This is THE CYGNUS them -in the next iiiue. Meanwhite a them, because they wouldn't deign to CHRONICLER. The editor, Neville tettea faom an ed-itoa of one of the contribute to such a humble low-paying Angove, sent me a free copy (not for magaztne* tn gue*tion fottowi. struggling publication like CRUX. any friendly reason, as will appear) M.B. and I am glad to be able to report I'm glad at least that Mr Turner finds that, while a long step from true us courageous, and I must admit that professionalism it shows all the signs MICHAEL HAILSTONE it also takes courage to make stern of being capable of upward development. PO BOX 6, COOMA criticisms on the local scene. But let's NSW 2630 1/4/81 keep our criticism constructive. The three stories - by Cherry Wilder, Albert Vann and Paul Collins - while Dear Merv, Yours Sincerely badly flawed, are streets ahead of the Michael Hailstone. local competition in conception and Thanks for the January-February ASFN. development, though Vann's can be I'm glad to see the small-magazines Veaa Mtchaet, called sf only by stretching the term controversy still raging in your letter past its limit. Whether the quality column. I appreciate all those who Theae t* not veay much I can add to is due to good luck or good editing support us of course, but I also what you have iatd. The thaee tettea* (Vann and Collins write far worse for appreciate George Turner taking the heae aae att hetping to cteaa the ata other magazines) I have no way of trouble to read the magazines and on the mattea. Let u* not catt it a knowing, but the present basis seems write an intelligent informed criticism. contaoveuey. We. att know we have paob- sound. However some of his points warrant an temi, *o ted* itaad dotng iomethtng answer. about. I woutd now tike to *ee iome Michal Dudkiewicz's art work is of much iuggeitton* faom othea peopte a* to how better than average quality and its Firstly, my science article that he we can paovtde a ptatfoam foa new if conceptions more adventurous than is mentions has tacked onto it a kind of authoa* tn the countay and hetp them usual in local sf illustration; Fred stop press, which consists of a letter impaove theta waiting and get it pub- Michelthwaite's is closer to common from the Viking Project Scientist, tiihed. M.B. genre work but still acceptable. The Conway Snyder, and my comments on his ****************** 'bits and pieces' - science notes, news, letter. I have checked the facts as Mr G Holttmans letters - are interesting and the layout far as I can, and if the reader is in 7 Park Rd and printing attractive. total confusion, then so am I; that's Greenwich NSW the whole point. I fully agree that The reviews section is patchy - but this is not the best way to make my Dear Mr Binns, aren't they all, the world over? The point, and for this reason I have review of Tolkien's UNFINISHED TALES written a far more concise article I have just come across one of your is by an acknowledged expert, David using the material in the articles in magazines. It certainly contains all Harvey, and is factually excellent; it CRUX 1 and 3 and am seeking to get the information one could want on the suffers only from his lack of awareness it published elsewhere. It has been Australian science fiction scene. The of any faults in his idol. tentatively accepted by Nev Angove for letter from Van Ikin shows just how THE CYGNUS CHRONICLER. strongly you have tapped the sf scene Only Neville Angove lets down the when his advertisement pulled more reviewing team in curious fashion. His More importantly, Turner slates the responses than the daily papers, description of THE STELLAR GAUGE is fiction for its fannish standard. Well, and I'll bet it was cheaper too. fannishly enthusiastic rather than I can publish only the best I receive, thoughtful. However, his really to which his answer is that there are The letter by George Turner was enthusiastic put-down of my own essay not enough competent Australian sf interesting. I have bought some of the in it is even more idiosyncratic in writers to keep even one medium magazines he mentions. The stories about a dozen lines than he accuses me quality magazine going. Bloody hell, in Futuristic are too science oriented of being. At any rate, he considered Mr Turner ought to know that competence for me and always are about faster than his view sufficiently important to send isn't something that just appears out light ships and jungle planets, which me a free copy with the passage of thin air; it has to be nurtured and was alright ten years ago, but the prominently marked so that 1 shouldn't developed, but how the hell are literature has progressed now to miss my humiliation and shame. More Australian writers going to become examining the deeper problems like say to the point, he doesn't seem to have competent if they can't find outlets? an office worker and his illusory observed that the book contains an And don't give me that crap about perception and so forth, and pollution essay by John Sladek which must rank as getting established through the overseas and the energy crisis. one of the finest anywhere yet in sf magazines: that's hopeless. Turner criticism. It has my vote for the William himself professes to believe in George is right in panning the Banjo Atheling Award at Advention in Adelaide developing a truly Australian brand of Patterson robot story they had. this year. sf, and there's no way that'll happen Although I was fooled at first I see without some regular local outlet. after reading his review that it Was The'editorial points out that with rising just a newspaper filler of Patterson's. costs and diminishing exchequer, several Next he says that we editors lack Futuristic has not apparently heard of hundred new subscribers are required - expertise, and aspiring writers need Einstein's theory of relativity and urgently. I hope Angove gets them. At "the stem no-bloody-nonsense criticism you cannot go faster than light. We $5.00 per annum and the reasonable that will bring out what they have." will always be on Earth and we have hope of steady improvement in quality Okay, taking-the second point first, to fix these problems here. There will of content, TCC should be a proper for one thing, until I get more support, never be Australian construction crews investment for those who want to see the I can ill afford to be hard on contribut building airports on distant star's as local product flourish. (Note for ors, for fear of losing potential Futuristic is always harping about. authors: Payment is one cent a word, subscribers. As for the first point, well I agree with everything Mr Turner said NEW RELEASES FROM AUSTRALIAN CROWNED KINGS by Robert Chilton,THE except for one thing where he said DISTRIBUTORS continued from page 9. FLUGER by Doris Piserchia.THE LUCIFER Futuristic's book review thought Crux COMET by Ian Wallace, PURSUIT OF THE could compare with Isaac Asimov's SF Mary Danby and THE HELL HOUND AND OTHER SCREAMER by Ansen Dibell, THE STOLEN Magazine if it had an expensive cover MYSTERIES by Peter Haining. May was a GODDESS by Richard Purtill, THE YEARS and layout. I think Mr Turner has very quiet month for F$SF with only BEST FANTASY STORIES ed.by Terry Carr, not examined the science fiction EARTH BOOK OF STORMGATE Volume 3 from and other sf releases included CRISIS magazines very closely, because in your NEL and POPEYE The Story Of The Movie ON CONSHELF TEN by Monica Hughes in own same issue of your magazine you and SHERLOCK HOLMES MEETS THE THE SUSSEX MAGNUM and also her KEEPER OF THE ISIS have an interview with America's greatest VAMPIRE by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, both LIGHT. DARK IS THE SUN by P.J.Farmer writer in my opinion, Joe Haldeman. Paul from Armada. JUNE is not much better with was also due in HC from Granada. Stevens said: "There seems to be a lack only a reprint of Frank Herbert's THE BARLOW'S GUIDE TO EXTRATERRESTRIALS of magazines now, they seem to be dying EYES OF HEISENBERG and HAWK THE SLAYER, was put out at a reduced price. all the time. How important is it, being an historical fantasy from an up-coming a writer to get published and see your movie, by T.Marcel, both in NEL, SONGS PENGUIN BOOKS published in June a com work in print ? " OF SUMMER by Robert Silverberg in PAN plete SHERLOCK HOLMES in a big fat pb. and reprints of WEIRDSTONE OF BRISING- ROOMS OF PARADISE by Lee Harding. Joe Haldeman said: " I think it is all AMEN and MOON OF GOMRATH by Alan Garner. THOMAS NELSON had a new edition of important. I know the first time you see AUSTRALIAN PUBLISHING COMPANY VOYAGE TO ARCTURUS by David Lindsay, your story in an actual magazine that other From JONATATHON CAPE we see the third BROTHER TO DEMONS,BROTHER TO GODS by people are reading the sensation is indes- in the "Archives in Canopus " series , Jack Williamson, THE GRAIL WAR by James cribale, it is a turning point in your life. THE SIRIAN EXPERIMENTS by Doris Lessing Monaco, ASTERISK DESTINY by Campbell There must be 5 or 6 sf magazines and they and from N.E.L in cloth WARRIOR OF MARS Black, NECROPOLIS by Basil Copper, can't get enough short fiction by Michael Moorcock which is the first SOMEWHERE IN TIME by Richard Matheson, obviously since most of them are filled combined volume and hard cover edition and NINE PRINCES IN AMBER by Roger with crap and most good editors bemoan of his E R B - like Martian series. Also Zelazny, all in SPHERE. There were also the fact that they can't get enough from N.E.L. is a fantasy art book, THE reissues of LEST DARKNESS FALL by L.S. good fiction. If there's a good story SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY WORLD OF de Camp, THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF ROBERT in there it stands out like a jewel in TIM WHITE. THE THIRD PLANET FROM ALTAIR SHECKLEY, BELOVED SON by George Turner, a dung heap. " by Packard is we believe a juvenile sf SPACE WAR BLUES by Richard Lupoff, novel from EVANS. HOT RAIN by Orson Scott Card and Although I agree with George Turner CARNACKI THE GHOST FINDER by W.Hope about Banjo Patterson and the other GORDON § GOTCH in March released MAGIC Hodgson. Also his GHOST PRIRATES in a writers being crap, he appears to have LABYRINTH by Philip Jose Farmer, PLANET new edition. SURVIVOR by Octavia Butler turned a blind eye to the other US OF TREACHERY by E.E."Doc"Smith from and WAR IN 2080 by Dave Langford were dung heaps on the market. PANTHER. In Fawcett they had FUTURE I June releases. edited by Isaac Asimov. April saw But all in all I have to admit I do buy NINJA, an historical fantasy by Eric TRANSWORLD CORGI and BANTAM releases these magazines now and then, and I Van Lustbader, DRAWING OF THE DARK by included CRYSTAL PHOENIX by Michael am pleased that there is a jewel like Tim Powers, another fantasy, from Panther Berlyn, THE GALACTIC WHIRLPOOL by David Australian SF News around so keep up and Mayflower respectively and from Gerrold and THE DRAGON LENSMAN by the good work. DELL a reprint of WOLFLING by Gordon R. David Kyle. Dickson. The May releases saw from TUDOR DISTRIBUTORS starting in March Sincerely Yours, PANTHER: WHEELWORLD by Harry Harrison, released the BALLANTINE editions of G. Holttmans the second in his new series, RIVERWORLD TIK TOK OF OZ, RINKITINK OF 0Z - both ★★*★★***★★★ a collection of stories set on the by L.Frank Baum, MASTER OF FIVE MAGICS "Riverworld" by P.J.Farmer. In Mayflower by Lyndon Hardy and COLD WIND FROM ORION a reissue of Jack Vance's DYING EARTH. by Scott Asnin. STAR WEB by Joan Cox C Obituaries The DELL double BINARY STAR 5, with in AVON. OUTCASTS OF HEAVEN BELT by NIGHTFLYERS by George R.Martin and Joan Vinge in FUTURA with TECHNICOLOUR TRUE NAMES by Verner Vinge was also TIME MACHINE by Harry Harrison and J.VERNAN SHEA, 68, died on February 1. out in May. OUTLAND by Alan Dean Foster, TWIGHLIGHT AT THE WELL OF SOULS by Shea edited two anthologies, STRANGE the book of the Sean Connery sf movie Jack Chalker in BALLANTINE/DEL REY. DESIRES and STRANGE BARRIERS, and had was scheduled from May release, but has In the fantastic horror line we saw the fiction published in Doc Lowndes maga either been held over for the movie final 'Damien' book, THE FINAL CONFLICT zines. He corresponded with Lovecraft release or delayed by industrial prob by Gordon McGill. Two big titles for from 1931 to 1937 and wrote a long lems like a lot of other things at this May release which did not make it till article about it (H.P.Lovecraft: The time. June were THE RINGWORLD ENGINEERS by House and the Shadows, Fantasy & SF HODDER 8 STOUGHTON released in CORONET Larry Niven and SNOWQUEEN by Joan D. May 1966). In recent years he edited Poul Anderson's BEYOND THE BEYOND again Vinge, both in FUTURA. OUTRE, a fanzine, for Lovecraft amateur and in KNIGHT Books STAR KA'AT WORLD press association, and spoke on panels and STAR KA'AT AND THE PLANET PEOPLE by FANZINES. Many people are sending me at Iguanacon and Noreascon II. Andre Norton § Doroth Madlee. In ARROW their zines. I usually have time only to (Crispin Burnham-Locus) Book they had SOVEREIGN by R.M.Meluch. give them a passing glance. From the SUSAN C.PETRY who had sold a number of In the following months we saw three next issue on Daryl Mannell will be sf stories mostly to F8SF Magazine, Edmund Cooper titles in CORONET; a col reviewing them for me. We will be happy died on December last, at her home in ection new in pb JUPITER LAUGHS plus to trade on a one for one basis. Portland. She was only 35. the novels TRANSIT and ALL FOOL'S DAY, both rps.INCIDENT ON ATH is a first THE NOVA MOB Meetings of this group of JAMES HENRY SCHMITZ, 69, died of con time in ARROW edition of # 18 in the people who discuss the works of various gestive lung failure after a five week E.C.Tubb 'Dumarest' series. SONGS OF authors, are again being held. For more hospital stay in Los Angeles. He will Stars AND SHADOWS by George R.R.Martin details contact John Foyster, P.O.Box be best remembered for his colorful and was the CORONET release in sf for May. 4039, Melbourne, 3001, Victoria. fast paced 'Telzey Amberdon' series, BLACK EASTER and DAY OF JUDGEMENT is THE UNIVERSE AGAINST HER ('64) THE LION SUPPORT THE PROMOTION OF SPACE DEVELOPEMENT a June ARROW double by James Blish. GAME and THE TELZEY TOY (both '73). JOIN THE L 5 SOCIETY. For full details His best known novel was probably the K.G.MEDIA DISTRIBUTORS are handling write to Kim Paert, 2 Staff Road, Electrona WITCHES OF KARRES, a story expanded ACE Books now in Australia. They have 7100, TASMANIA. from its original publication in ASF a wide range of back titles and recent Australian Fan CHARLES TAYLOR is in ZIMBABWE, which was nominated for the Hugo. He new titles included PATCHWORK GIRL by teaching. He has joined the ZIMBABWE SF wrote approximately 60 shorts and nov Larry Niven and SCIENCE FICTION STUDIES ASSOCIATION, P.O.Box 4745, Salisbury, elettes including the novels THE DEMON IN FILM by Frederik Pohl § Son. Zimbabwe. I am sure he would like to hear BREED and TALE OF TWO CLOCKS and a METHUEN AUSTRALIA are handling DAW books from his friends at home. collection,THE AGENT OF VEGA,which are and they recently released DAYSTAR AND amongst his best known works. SHADOW by James B.Johnson, THE STAR 22 There will be quite a few Aussie fans going THE FANTASY FILM SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA is to the World con in DENVER,I believe,in still recovering from CINECON, but September and on the way some of us will information on future activities is now be attending BUBONICON,which is held annu being prepared. Regular screenings will ally in Albuquerque in New Mexico. It is be held, a small CINECON in 198X some always a good con I have been told and time and a big Film Festival and it will give you a chance to meet people in CINECON in 1983. For details on the a relaxed atmosphere, before the mad hustle current activities write 305/307 of the World con. BUBONICON 13, August 28, Swanston Street, Melbourne, 3000. A major event for Science Fiction 29, 30th 1981. Winrock Inn, Louisiana Blvd, literature in Australia is the seminar and Interstate 40. Albuquerque. For more SPECULATIVE FICTION:THE AUSTRALIAN Nextyear's Australian National Convention details write 429 Graceland Se., Albuquerque is TSCHAICON. The Guest of Honour of CONTEXT, which is being held at the NM 87108, U.S.A National University, Canberra, ACT course has to be JACK VANCE. It will be July 18-19 1981. The speakers will In October CIRCULATION ONE will be held held in Melbourne on the Easter week include Dr R.Brissenden, Dr Van Ikin, in Canberra, ACT. 3rd to 4th 1981. For end, at the Melbourne Town House Hotel. George Turner, Bruce Gillespie, more details contact Jean Weber on Memberships from now to Tolkon will Michael Tolly, Pat Woolley, Jackie (062) 475814 , P.O.Box 544, Civic Square, cost $16.00, but will rise in easy Yowell, Cary Handfield, Lee Harding ACT 2608 stage up to $30.00 at the door. More details later. and others. Details from: The Secretary THE CONVENTION OF THE GREAT KLINGON Humanities Research Centre, Australian EMPIRE, to be held in Adelaide on We do not usually mention overseas National University, P.O.Box 4, October 24th and 25th. For details conventions part from the Worldcons Canberra, ACT (Tel. (062) 49 4786) contact SASTREK on (08) 2556569. because of space, but we have received so much material from JERUCON, we TOLKON will also be held over the weekend DENVENTION. If at this late stage you thought that they deserve a plug. It of the 21st to 24th of August, at the want information on this year's Worldcon is billed as the 1st International NEW CREST HOTEL at King's Cross in Sydney. being held in Denver, USA September 4 to G.O.H.Jon Noble. Memberships until August 7 contact us now, or if in Sydney I am Integrative Congress on Science Fiction, Fantasy and Speculative Science held 1st are $10.00 attending and $5.00 support sure Shayne McCormack at Galaxy Bookshop in Jerusalem. The date is June 17th to ing. More details from Box 272, Wentworth will be happy to give you any information July 2nd, 1982. We have a number of Building, University of Sydney, 2006, NSW you need. Voting for the site for the spare circulars and will send you one world con in 1983 is our big concern PHANTASTACON '81 will be held in on request if interested. and you must be a member of DENVENTION Melbourne over the 21st and 23rd of August at The Melbourne Town House. so that you can vote for Australia in '83. Next year's Worldcon will be held in I would be interested in hearing from It will feature, panels, slide shows, anybody who would be intersted in contrib displays, films, a masquerade, auction, Chicago and our own A.BERTRAM CHANDLER will be the GUEST OF HONOUR. More uting to a fanzine devoted to conventions. games,quizzes and comics. An cbviously details later or on request. That is, comments and observations by any War Games and Comic orientated gath body but particularly those who have been ering. The Town House by the way is SWANCON 7 is the next convention to be directly involved in running cons. I now under new management. Details on held in Perth. It will be held over would also like to put together a booklet this con from The Australian Comic the Australia Day weekend of January with information for new writers. Tips Collector, P.O.Box 45, Mitcham 3122. 27th to 30th 1982. For details write on writing, presentation , and where to Victoria. P.O.Box 318, Nedlands, 6009, WA. send stories and such. If anybody would like to help, please let me know. 23 JUNE'S TOPSELLERS 0 ------$4.95 BOTH NOMINATED FOR THE HUGO, The SNOW QUEEN Joan Vinge BOTH AVAILABLE IN JUNE & ------$4.95 BOTH ONLY $4.95 * * RECOMMENDED RETAIL