The differences between fantasy and science fiction -- and just why is fantasy ascendant these days?

[Sandy]

Maxwell wrote: "I am a published "Fantasy" author. The "industry" defines the difference this way...

Science Fiction is something that can, theoretically, happen. Time Travel, Hyper Drives, Warp Travel, Laser G..."

Maxwell wrote: "I am a published "Fantasy" author. The "industry" defines the difference this way...

Science Fiction is something that can, theoretically, happen. Time Travel, Hyper Drives, Warp Travel, Laser G..."

[Sandy]

Hi What's fantasy and what's SF is is always a matter of opinion for myself I think that where the author has gone for technical solutions (however unlikely) for example Anne McCaffery's ship series it's SF, but her dragon series is fantasy. The dragon series is fantasy on two seperate accounts, mind reading and mythical creatures. As for SM Sterling, his work seems to be me to be a sub-genre of Alternate History.
I also like old style SF of the space wars variety,the SF time traveling detectives (Andre Norton) and the goblins and leprachauns (Charles De Lint).The only type I don't like is paranormal romantic novels, mind you I don't like Mills and Boon either. Anyway who cares what they call it so long as the story is credible in terms of the book, it moves at a fast pace and it reaches a satisfying conclusion

[Marc]

Diana wrote: "Actually I love sites like this one because I learn about books that I wouldn't find by walking in a bookstore and looking at the front table. a NYT bestseller isn't necessarily worth the coin. "

Unfortunately, publishers pay for the placement, the books don't make it to the table by the entrance by merit.