Far Orbit
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Modern space adventures crafted by a new generation of Grand Tradition science fiction writers.
Edited by Bascomb JamesSeries: Far Orbit Anthology Series
Science Fiction Anthology / Space Opera
Release Date: April 29, 2014
Trade Paperback
ISBN-13: 978-0615959245
Anthology: Approx. 80,000 words / 280 pages
Also available as an ebook
Find it Online:
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Barnes & Noble
Books-A-Million
Goodreads
Independent Bookstores
iTunes/Apple iBooks
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Wholesale: Ingram or direct: publisher [at] WorldWeaverPress [dot] com
Titles in the Far Orbit Anthology Series: Far Orbit, Far Orbit Apogee
Edited by Bascomb JamesSeries: Far Orbit Anthology Series
Science Fiction Anthology / Space Opera
Release Date: April 29, 2014
Trade Paperback
ISBN-13: 978-0615959245
Anthology: Approx. 80,000 words / 280 pages
Also available as an ebook
Find it Online:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Books-A-Million
Goodreads
Independent Bookstores
iTunes/Apple iBooks
Kobo
Wholesale: Ingram or direct: publisher [at] WorldWeaverPress [dot] com
Titles in the Far Orbit Anthology Series: Far Orbit, Far Orbit Apogee
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DescriptionModern space adventures crafted by a new generation of Grand Tradition science fiction writers.
Smart, engaging stories that take us back to a time when science fiction was fun and informative, pithy and piquant—when speculative fiction transported us from the everyday grind and left us wondrously satisfied. Showcasing the breadth of Grand Tradition stories, from 1940s-style pulp to realistic hard SF, from noir and horror SF to spaceships, alien uplift, and action-adventure motifs, Far Orbit’s diversity of Grand Tradition stories makes it easy for every SF fan to find a favorite. ContentsDear Speculative Fiction, I'm Glad We Had This Talk An open letter to SF by Elizabeth Bear
Introduction by Bascomb James Open for Business by Sam S. Kepfield Composition in Death Minor by K. G. Jewell Spaceman Barbecue by Peter Wood Obsidianite by Kat Otis Starship Down by Tracy Canfield Backscatter by Gregory Benford A Game of Hold’em by Wendy Sparrow From a Stone by Eric Choi Charnelhouse by Jonathan Shipley Bear Essentials by Julie Frost The Vringla/Racket Incident by Jakob Drud A Trip to Lagasy by Barbara Davies Saturn Slingshot by David Wesley Hill IntroductionIt all started with a letter…
Yes, that letter. The letter from Elizabeth Bear. The one published in Clarkesworld Issue 68 (May 2012), which we’ve reprinted in this anthology. Her open letter to Speculative Fiction. After reading her letter, we could have applauded like many others and blithely wandered off with our hands in our pockets. Instead, we decided to do something. This is the result—a new anthology that is fun to read and embodies many of the elements found in classic, Grand Tradition science fiction. In short, we decided to put our money where our heart is. So what is Grand Tradition science fiction? I am not going to give you the Wikipedia answer, I am giving my answer. Your mileage may vary. Grand Tradition stories were full of ideas, optimism, inspiration and respect for science. Grand Tradition SF showed us that science was cool. Like many others, I chose a career in science because it was the most exciting thing in my universe. The wonder of discovery; the satisfaction that comes from building new things; and the knowledge that you can make a difference through intellect (or cleverness), hard work and perseverance are heady experiences. There are no magic wands, fairy godpeople, or Miracle Max creations. Grand Tradition stories inspired many of our current technologies and they continue to help scientists understand how these technologies might interact with the real world. Grand Tradition stories were fun to read. In her open letter to SF, Elizabeth Bear asks why “[SF seems] to think that nothing fun can have value.” I obviously agree with her sentiments. I am sorry to say that a derisive public wrote off Grand Tradition SF as mere escapism—as if escapism was something unsavory. This escapist “dreck” taught me about Dyson Spheres, red-shift, general relativity, and put entire cultures and belief systems under the intellectual microscope. Not too bad for escapist literature. Grand Tradition stories embodied a sense of adventure and expectation. I realize that adventure is a relative term. One man’s adventure may be a normal day to another. Communicating this sense of adventure is the important thing. Readers of Grand Tradition stories have a gleeful expectation that interesting things are about to happen; that “normal” events will not remain that way for long. And finally, the best Grand Tradition stories had a strong human element. Great SF is not just about gizmos and spaceships, it’s about us and how we are shaped by, and relate to our environment. Human elements are the Velcro that makes stories stick in our brain. They make them enjoyable, approachable, and memorable. The stories in this volume embody one or more of these elements. Far Orbit is truly a labor of love, but no matter how much I express my ardor, it’s all about the stories. We endeavored to provide a broad mix of SF stories by established, award-wining authors and newly emerging authors. Their stories embody a variety of SF motifs including those from 1940s pulp-fiction, realistic hard SF, noir fiction, spaceship fiction, alien encounters, and action-adventure. The range of subjects is astonishing and includes slimy alien babysitters, an angry sentient bear, walking plants, alien bunnies, and a barbecue. If that is not enough to pique your interest, the anthology also features a cello-playing assassin, high-stakes poker emancipation, space ship crashes/rescues, alien artifacts, and fights with space pirates. We hope every SF fan can find a favorite within these pages. So here it is, our latest creation. We obviously want the Far Orbit anthology to be successful for financial reasons but just as importantly, we know a successful approach will be emulated by more conservative publishers. The net result could be a future where there is a wider variety of fun, Grand Tradition story choices and story markets—good things in my estimation. This anthology isn’t just about us and our desires; it’s also about you, the new SF reader, the SF fan, the aspiring (or established) writer. Let me know what you think of this anthology and where we should go from here. I will be “listening” at: farorbit@worldweaverpress.com. Bascomb James Anthologist, Far Orbit: Speculative Space Adventures AnthologistBascomb James is a clinical virologist, author, and editor who lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He has authored a hat-full of scientific papers, authored or edited four scientific textbooks, contributed numerous textbook chapters, and presented countless scientific lectures and workshops. A science fiction fan since childhood, Bascomb credits his interest in science, engineering, and invention to the sci-fi stories he read as a child. Stories matter. They shape our lives, expectations, and dreams. They are the warp and weave of our human existence, binding us into a fabric far stronger than any individual element. bascombjames.com
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Praise“Daring adventure, protagonists who think on their feet, and out of this world excitement! Welcome to FAR ORBIT, a fine collection of stories in the best SF tradition. Strap in and enjoy!”
— Julie E. Czerneda, author of SPECIES IMPERATIVE “Successfully captures the kinds of stories that were the gateway drugs for many of us who have been reading science fiction for a long time. Well done!” — Tangent "FAR ORBIT is definitely a spectacular sci-fi anthology that is sure to entertain readers and keep them coming back for more. This is definitely one anthology that no sci-fi library should be without!" — Night Owl Reviews (Five Stars) “Need a quick fix of good old-fashioned science fiction? Far Orbit is it!” — Sporadic Reviews "Put aside all of your preconceived notions of what 'sci-fi' is — whether you think you love it or hate, it doesn't matter -- pick up this book and get to reading!" — Good Choice Reading |