The folks at Penumbra Magazine asked me to craft a writing advice column. I was humbled to say the least. This column is now up at their website, along with a photo of the crazy author.
Author Archives: Michael
A California Wolverine and Science Fiction
On February 28, 2008, a researcher from Oregon State University discovered a thing that many thought had vanished: a wolverine in California. The wolverine was filmed via remote camera at an image acquisition station designed for a smaller member of the weasel family, the marten.
This was the first known wolverine in California since 1920. The wolverine is an incredibly rare animal, with only perhaps 100 left in the lower 48. They dislike roads and development, clinging only to the wildest realms in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Washington (all states with considerable roadless acreage and the space a wolverine requires) It is, without equivocation, an animal that is in deep peril.
As a writer of science fiction and fantasy, I love the idea of exploration. Of looking up at the Milky Way and wondering what is possible, and how all of that is possible. The idea of crafting an interstellar spacecraft, or sending out a Mars Rover is exhilarating, and something we must do. There’s high drama in the future, in possible habitable planets, and the unknown universe. This is what powers the thrumming heart of science fiction.
But sometimes, what we’ve known aligning with what should be, here, on our planet, is just as rewarding. And sometimes, these confluences emerge like ghosts from between dark rows of pines, eyes aglow. As is the case with the last California wolverine.
That we know of…..
Fletcher’s Mountains – Perihelion Science Fiction
I’m thrilled to announce that my story “Fletcher’s Mountains” has been accepted for an upcoming issue of Perihelion Science Fiction.
“Fletcher’s Mountains” is probably my favorite short story. I couldn’t be happier to find a good home for it.
After WW III, a man makes a solitary journey back to an isolated mountain range to find a long lost friend.
Home
She came to him in the dark, between the windblown pine and aspen. For all he knew she was sent down from the mountains in a gesture of trickery. For nothing could be so beautiful, or move with such grace. As she approached in the forest gloom, he thought of scenes from long ago, scenes before he was born.
The wind splayed her hair across her face as she watched her soft steps amongst the pine needles. Beyond the woman, in the dark, Gallatin Creek murmured.
For a moment he could not tell creek from wind or bowing tree.
He wanted to call out, to ask her who she was and where she’d come from. He moved his lips but no sound emerged.
Then she spoke, her voice coalescing with the leaves. “We’re home,” she said.
“Home” is an excerpt from my latest work.
Uncommon Ally, other writing news
I’m pleased to announce that the May 2013 issue of Penumbra Magazine is out. They put together a fantastic ocean-themed issue. Included in the shimmering depths is my story “Uncommon Ally”. I’ll be sharing a TOC with authors such as Beth Cato, Lane Robins, Lindsey Duncan, Elizabeth Porter Birdsall, B. Morris Allen, and Helen Jackson. Also, there’s outstanding poetry in the issue courtesy of Wilda Morris, Rie Sheridan Rose, and John Deakins.
“Uncommon Ally” is sort of a Jaws-in-reverse piece. If you like sharks, or they interest you, give it a spin.
As always with Penumbra, the artwork is fantastic:
In other writing news, I’m working with my agent on edits for the novel. Hopefully it will be out the door soon.
