Monster adaptations, what happens when we “add magic”, and a breakdown of the mystery genre, from “fluffies” to “hardboiled”, and beyond — that’s what!

Plus, of course, my May 2 post in the leadership in SpecFic series. But here’s a ‘proper’ listicle:

Great Leaders of Speculative Fiction #4

An in-depth look at the great John Aversin in Barbara Hambly’s Dragonsbane. (An ab-fab classic, imho, & tho’ I’ve heard the rumours of sequels, for me there can be “only one.” 😀 )

The Art of Adaptation — Fantasy Monsters Part 1

Another post-of-awesome from the mighty Kim Falconer. Kim’s looking at the monsters of Fantasy, including dragons, vampires, and fey, and how they’ve changed their shape as the genre’s evolved and adapted.

In What World?

This is a re-feature from the SU backlist, inc which author Margaret Ronald talks worldbuilding, with a particular eye to the effects, positive and/or negative, of adding in magic. It’s a great post and if you click through to the original you’ll find a link to a short story, Letters of Fire, published in Beneath Ceaseless Skies.

“Sex, Gore, and @!*&%! “

Last but far from least, our other backlist re-feature is Dakota Banks’ look at the varied subgenres of Mystery fiction. It’s a fun read, and Dakota also writes mystery thrillers as Shirley Kennett, so you may like to check out her PJ Gray series.

Enjoy!