J.K. Ullrich's Blog, page 16
March 15, 2017
Drops in the Ocean: A Book Giveaway for Charity on World Water Day
We’re in the midst of kitchen remodeling here at Chez JK, and a wee plumbing issue had us drinking bottled water for a few days (and to think my Laddie laughed at me when I bought an emergency reserve all those months ago). As I trekked down to the basement for a fresh gallon, grumbling, I … Continue reading Drops in the Ocean: A Book Giveaway for Charity on World Water Day
March 12, 2017
Success in Failure: or, an Oddly Empowering Rejection
At the end of 2016, I submitted a short story for a science fiction anthology. If you’ve kept up with my ramblings, you’ll know that the short story format presents huge challenges to me. But I thought this particular effort turned out well. Ambitious in its narrative scope, the story packed a lot of complexity … Continue reading Success in Failure: or, an Oddly Empowering Rejection
February 28, 2017
The Science of “Syzygy”: Terraforming
“How can you terraform long-distance?” “Robots and microbe bombs.” A gleam of enthusiasm lit Ash’s face. “It’s really cool. Our scientists engineer microorganisms that can build up the atmosphere and fix nitrogen in the soil—.” “More gene hacking.” Skye sniffed. “Didn’t you learn anything from Spores?” “Yes. That organisms can thrive even in harsh environments … Continue reading The Science of “Syzygy”: Terraforming
February 14, 2017
Much Ado About Loveplots: How to write romantic subplots in fiction
“So are Ash and Skye going to get together or what?” my mom demanded after reading the latest installment of my Syzygy series. I stifled a groan. “Do you think I’m that predictable?” “No, I just know you.” Meaning she knows I’m a total sucker for a good ship. Since Sesame Street, romantic subplots in … Continue reading Much Ado About Loveplots: How to write romantic subplots in fiction
Much Ado About Loveplots: How to Write Romantic Subplots in Fiction
“So are Ash and Skye going to get together or what?” my mom demanded after reading the latest installment of my Syzygy series. I stifled a groan. “What makes you think that?” “I just know you.” Meaning she knows I’m a total sucker for a good ship. Since Sesame Street, romantic subplots in stories have … Continue reading Much Ado About Loveplots: How to Write Romantic Subplots in Fiction
January 31, 2017
“Syzygy Pt 3” Now Available for Amazon Kindle!
Gentle readers, I’ve been a lousy correspondent this month, but I assure you my excuses are unassailable. First off, my Laddie and I recently bought our first house! I never considered myself the rooted type, but it’s a smart medium-term solution for us. As a result, I’ve spent the last few weeks schlepping boxes (at least I … Continue reading “Syzygy Pt 3” Now Available for Amazon Kindle!
January 30, 2017
Sci-Fi Strikes Back: How Genre Fiction Can Combat Scientific Censorship
No longer content to misshelve his favorite fictions in the non-fiction section of our national discourse, our new Librarian in Chief now wants to ban the entire 500 class of the Dewey decimal system: science. Last week the Trump administration issued a so-called “gag order” banning federal science institutions—including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Agriculture, and Department of … Continue reading Sci-Fi Strikes Back: How Genre Fiction Can Combat Scientific Censorship
January 10, 2017
Recent Reads: “The Three-Body Problem” by Liu Cixin
From my earliest memory of stories, I’ve loved science fiction; however, I admit I’ve had only a small exposure to non-Western examples of the genre. Liu Cixin’s 2015 Hugo winner The Three-Body Problem offered an imagined future with different cultural roots. The result is an intriguing (if imperfectly executed) novel with exquisite historical resonance. The Three-Body Problem weaves … Continue reading Recent Reads: “The Three-Body Problem” by Liu Cixin
January 1, 2017
Looking back, moving forward: 2017 Writeolutions
Maybe it’s my OCD talking, but year’s end always strikes me as a good time for cleaning. As long as I’m packing away the holiday decorations, why not go a bit further and start the new year organized? While tidying my office recently, I unearthed a folder crammed full of writing-related material I’d forgotten I’d … Continue reading Looking back, moving forward: 2017 Writeolutions
December 28, 2016
Farewell to Leading Ladies of Science and Sci-Fi
As if 2016 hadn’t already stolen enough of our beloved icons, this week we said goodbye to a pair of women who changed the face of science and science fiction, respectively: astrophysicist Vera Rubin, whose work confirmed the existence of dark matter, and actress Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia in Star Wars. Rubin made tremendous … Continue reading Farewell to Leading Ladies of Science and Sci-Fi
