Glimpses of the Extraordinary FAQ Greetings, Internet Traveler~~
So, you have questions about this site. I have answers. Let's see if they match! :)
What is this all about anyhow?
This site has gone through several stages in the evolutionary process. First, it started out as a project for graduate school. Then, it evolved into a tool for librarians. Now, while it is still those other two things, it is more or less a labor of passion. It is passion in that it represents my passion for science fiction and fantasy. But I also hope that it will become a passion of yours--that you will find a book on here that really connects with you and makes your mind to cartwheels and backflips and front handsprings with a full round-off at the end.
Why science fiction and fantasy?
In my heart, I believe science fiction and fantasy to be the best that literature has to offer because it shows us all what is possible--not only what can be, but what might be in our future. Jules Verne showed us submarines. Isaac Asimov introduced us to robotics. George Orwell terrified us with 1984, and yet, we are living some aspects of that today. Science fiction and fantasy can inspire us, give us caution about our steps into the future, or maybe just help us escape the mundane for a while. I elaborate more on this in the section Five Reasons.
Who are you?
So what right do I have to talk about science fiction and fantasy so authoritatively? Well, let's see... I am a graduate of Emporia State University's Masters of Library Science program, a retired librarian of 11 years, a publisher, a writer, an artist, and most importantly, a science fiction and fantasy aficionado. I have been since I was 6 years-old and fell in love with mermaids. Most of the information here is a result of my own reading habits and the experiences I have had working as a public librarian in Colorado. It also reflects a great deal of research from the sources listed on the resource page.
How is this site organized?
The five sub-themes for each genre are my own categories, although they are similar to divisions I have seen elsewhere. I do not think that these 10 themes cover all there is to science fiction and fantasy literature, but I think they do cover a great deal of the terrain, enough so that the person new to the genres can begin to grasp the complex diversities under each label. The books that I suggest in each category are linked to Amazon.com where you can purchase them and read a plethora of other reviews. I also have a brochure for each theme in .pdf format that you may download and print to share with students, patrons, friends, or whoever. I only ask that you do not alter my work in any way. The brochures will always represent the latest version of those bibliographies. The web pages will be a compilation of newly added titles as well as ones from previous versions. In addition to the five major sub-themes of science fiction and fantasy, I will endeavor to create and maintain an ever-growing set of bibliographies on more narrow topics. Some ideas that are definitely in the works are: LGBTQ themed works, teen reads, dystopias, post-apocalpytic fiction, and books on ESP.
How often will this site be updated?
Good question! This latest update comes after a 7 year hiatus. I certainly plan to be more current than that! But I'm not sure I'll be here every day. So the answer is, somewhere between every day and 7 years. I really wish I could offer you a better answer, but I'm just terrible about saying I'll do something by such-and-so and not getting it done (unless it's someone else's deadline). All I can say is that I will do my best to not let this site go stagnate.
How will I know if you've updated the site?
The little date on the front page will always reflect the most recent update. Beyond that, I can add you to the email list for my publishing company where I will be letting folks know about updates. If this interests you, please visit http://www.GrumpyDragon.com
Can I link to you or quote you?
If you wish to link to this site, there is a handy banner here. Also, feel free to use my text for presentations or papers, but please do me the courtesy of proper citation, and pop me an email letting me know where I'm being quoted.
I hope you find something useful here. If you have any questions for me or suggestions for improvements or additions to the book lists, please feel free to email me at slh@springlea.com
Happy reading!
Spring Lea Henry
Home ~ Five Reasons ~ Science Fiction
Fantasy ~ Resources
Spring Lea Henry