James Cambias – 7 May – The Miranda Conspiracy – Baen Books
Jim Cambias writes “I’m making my first visit to Australia in April and May, and I’ll be in Melbourne between May 6 and May 9. I’d love to meet some of Australia’s SF fan community. My seventh novel, The Miranda Conspiracy, just came out.” Jim will be our guest speaker on 7 May!
“Political intrigue on Uranus’s moon Miranda, intertwined mysteries among the super-rich ruling class, and a lost treasure from deep space add up to trouble for Adya, Daslakh, and Zee. Unravel The Miranda Conspiracy, a new Billion Worlds novel now available from Baen Books!”
Face to face
You are invited to an in-person Nova Mob meeting at: Wednesday May 7th 2025 8.00pm – 9.00 (formal close) Melbourne, first floor Creative Hub. Lift access. Stairs access. Both available.
Zoom meeting closes about 9.20pm or so.
Kensington Town Hall 30 – 34 Bellair St Kensington Melbourne VIC 3031
By Zoom – simulcast You are invited to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Please don’t attend if you have symptoms that could be COVID 19 or similar. Our COVID-safe Plan continues to apply and we remain mask-friendly for those who wear them. Murray MacLachlan| Convenor
Murray MacLachlanwrites The meeting is 2 April – Alexandra Pierce on First Contact – Adrian Tchaikovsky’s “Shroud” and other great SF novels”
First Contact is one of the great science fiction themes and award-winning author Adrian Tchaikovsky has outdone himself with Shroud. Published on 25 February, Shroud has been favourably reviewed in Locus by Alexandra Pierce herself and in tonight’s talk she will expand on Tchaikovsky’s achievement in the context of many other impressive First Contact novels.
It’ll be a fine night! Alex will be speaking in person, travelling to our meeting from her home in country Victoria to be with us in person. Of course the Zoom meeting will be part of our meeting as usual, so please join on line if you can’t make it in person.
Other great news – our speaker on 7 May is travelling US author James Cambias who will be here in Melbourne discussing his seventh Baen Books novel, The Miranda Conspiracy, and of his Billion Worlds venue and writing in that “allegedly juveniles, but we know better than that” Robert Heinlein tradition.
Perry Middlemiss will be speaking in July on the novels of award-winning Taswegian author Robbie Arnott.
Nova Mob meeting 2 April 2025 – Alexandra Pierce on First Contact – Adrian Tchaikovsky’s “Shroud” and other great SF novels
“The most common Communications scenario in sf – often but not always Linguistic in nature – involves the meeting of humans with Aliens. These are generally called first-contact stories, and perhaps the best known of them is “First Contact” (May 1945 Astounding) by Murray Leinster…” (Langford et al, SF Encyclopedia)
Pan MacMillan Australia tell us about Shroud –
“They looked into darkness. The darkness looked back . . . An utterly gripping story of survival on a hostile planet from Adrian Tchaikovsky, author of the Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning Children of Time. A commercial expedition to a distant star system discovers a pitch-black moon alive with radio activity. Its high-gravity, high-pressure, zero-oxygen environment is deadly to human life, but ripe for exploitation. They named it Shroud. Under no circumstances can a human survive Shroud’s inhospitable surface – but a catastrophic accident forces Juna Ceelander and Mai Ste Etienne to make an emergency landing in a barely adequate escape vehicle. Alone, and fighting for survival, the two women embark on a gruelling journey across land, sea and air in search of salvation. But as they travel, Juna and Mai begin to understand Shroud’s unnerving alien species. It also begins to understand them. If they escape Shroud, they’ll somehow have to explain the impossible and translate the incredible. That is, if they make it back at all . . .”
“Adrian Tchaikovsky was born in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, has practised law and now writes full time. He’s also studied stage-fighting, perpetrated amateur dramatics and has a keen interest in entomology and table-top games.
“Adrian is the author of the critically acclaimed Shadows of the Apt series, the Echoes of the Fall series and other novels, novellas and short stories. Children of Time won the prestigious Arthur C. Clarke Award, and Children of Ruin and Shards of Earth both won the British Science Fiction Award for Best Novel. The Tiger and the Wolf won the British Fantasy Award for Best Fantasy Novel, while And Put Away Childish Things won the BSFA Award for Best Shorter Fiction.”
Alexandra Pierce reviews novels for Locus and edits Speculative Insight magazine and web site, and we strongly recommend all to you.
Please share this invitation to this forthcoming meeting with like-minded friends and fans
Face to face
You are invited to an in-person Nova Mob meeting at: Wednesday 2 April 2025 8.00pm – 9.00 (formal close), first floor Creative Hub. Lift access. Stairs access. Both available.
Zoom meeting closes about 9.20pm or so.
Kensington Town Hall 30 – 34 Bellair St Kensington Melbourne VIC 3031
By Zoom – simulcast
Zoom session opened from the Kensington Town Hall. You are invited to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Wednesday 2 April 2025 8.00pm – 9.30 pm Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney time; 7.30pm – 9.00pm Adelaide time; 6.30pm – 8.00 pm Darwin time; 5.00pm – 6.30 pm Perth time; 9.00am – 10.30am London time; 1.00am – 2.30am PST the night before
Melbourne SF pub meetup. Second Wednesday of every month Next meetup: Wednesday 9 April.
It’s an open invitation to all. The Nixon Hotel, 757 Bourke St, Docklands. https://nixonhotel.au/
Time: 6pm+ Westwards towards the Yarra waters from the north end of Southern Cross Station. Nearest train station: Southern Cross (exit the Bourke Street end and turn left) There is a lift outside and to the right of the Channel 9 building at concourse level, which takes you down to Bourke St level.
Convenor: Perry Middlemiss No RSVP required.
💥 💥 💥
The Electric State on Netflix
Very expensive and with many negative reviews, yet The Electric State’s sensibility comes through in the look of the feature-length movie just released. Mob members may recall discussion of Simon Stålenhag’s book as one of the short-listed candidates for the 2019 Clarke Award, this was at a meeting co-ordinated by Justin Ackroyd.
A role-playing game has been launched to accompany the Netflix movie. It includes previously unseen art. Even so, we go back to Simon Stålenhag’s generous web site, which has almost all of The Electric State posted on line. It looks glorious, and the images enlarge to high definition.
Chris Flynn was a fine guest at the Nova Mob as his book Mammoth became UQP’s surprise biggest best-seller of 2020. So when the Guardian reported that woolly mice have been created as a step on the path to recreating mammoths, we got in touch.
“Yes, they’ve been inundated with offers to buy them since the announcement. Not for sale, but how long can they resist that potential goldmine? Next thing we’ll see is tusked dogs and horned cats. Hybrid pets will be en vogue in the coming years. SF comes for us all eventually.
“Wait until some muppet creates a shark/octopus or a crocodile/bear. We won’t be laughing then. What could possibly go wrong?
“Best wishes, Chris Flynn”.
James Cambias – 7 May – The Miranda Conspiracy – Baen Books
Jim Cambias writes “I’m making my first visit to Australia in April and May, and I’ll be in Melbourne between May 6 and May 9. I’d love to meet some of Australia’s SF fan community. My seventh novel, The Miranda Conspiracy, just came out.” Jim will be our guest speaker on 7 May!
“Political intrigue on Uranus’s moon Miranda, intertwined mysteries among the super-rich ruling class, and a lost treasure from deep space add up to trouble for Adya, Daslakh, and Zee. Unravel The Miranda Conspiracy, a new Billion Worlds novel now available from Baen Books!”
Friends, out-of-town guests, and new arrivals – you are always welcome and have an open invitation to the Mob’s face-to-face and Zoom meetings. First time arrivals – free. Otherwise a $5 donation for expenses please. Face-to-face meetings are at the Kensington Town Hall: https://activemelbourne.ymca.org.au/venues/kensington-town-hall Face to face, the Kensington Town Hall has ample parking and excellent disability access. Kensington Railway Station is 13 minutes travel from Flinders St Station on the Craigieburn line. Bus routes via Metlink Journey Planner. Please don’t attend if you have symptoms that could be COVID 19 or similar. Our COVID-safe Plan continues to apply and we remain mask-friendly for those who wear them. Murray MacLachlan| Convenor
For March’s meeting our face to face meeting will be in the Creative Hub room at Kensington Town Hall. The meeting however will be a Zoom meeting, led from the Canberra wing of the Nova Mob – thanks Gillian! – and including a guest speaker from Hamburg or London.
Speakers for April and May also are known, both are Nova Mob members which is great to see the Mob tradition continuing.
Next 3 meetings
5 March – “Germans meet Australian Gothic” – Fifty years after “Picnic at Hanging Rock” and the translation into German of Australian Gothic. Gillian Polack/translation project manager or representative/ Mob discussion.
2 April – Alexandra Pierce on First Contact – Adrian Tchaikovsky’s “Shroud” and other great SF novels
7 May – Perry Middlemiss – “The Novels of Robbie Arnott”
💥 💥 💥
Nova Mob meeting 5 March 2025 – Germans meet Australian Gothic
Did you know there’s a project under way to translate Australian Gothic novels and stories and novels into German?
Also that it’s fifty years since the film of Joan Lindsay’s “Picnic at Hanging Rock” was released?
A first step would be to define Australian Gothic. I’m sure the borders are porous but that there are core works. Is Lindsay’s one of them? Also the German understanding of Australian Gothic differs from the Australian version. There is nuance!
From Canberra, Gillian will be interviewing the translation program manager or their representative, prior to Mob general discussion of Picnic at Hanging Rock and other Australian Gothic.
German may be spoken from time to time.
Nova Mob 5 March “Germans meet Australian Gothic”
Face to face
You are invited to an in-person Nova Mob meeting on Wednesday, 5 March 2025 8.00pm – 9.00 Melbourne time, 7:30-8:30pm Adelaide, first floor Creative Hub room.
Zoom meeting closes about 9.20pm or so. Kensington Town Hall 30 – 34 Bellair St Kensington Melbourne VIC 3031
Last time for the pre-refurbishment pre-Mob pub meal in Newmarket
The Quiet Man, 271 Racecourse Road, Kensington, VIC 3031.
On the corner of Rankins Rd and Racecourse Rd. Enjoy it, the pub is closing for a swift refurbishment. The new owners perhaps have decided the Mexican tiled floors don’t go with the Irish pub fittings and fixtures.
Table for 8 booked under the name of the Nova Mob Book Discussion group also Murray, 6.00pm for 6.30, through to 8.00pm.
💥 💥 💥
Melbourne Fannish Drinks
Melbourne SF pub meetup. Second Wednesday of every month
Next meetup: Wednesday 12 March.
It’s an open invitation to all. The Nixon Hotel, 757 Bourke St, Docklands.
Time: 6pm+. Westwards towards the waters from the north end of Southern Cross Station. Nearest train station: Southern Cross (exit the Bourke Street end and turn left) There is a lift outside to the right of the Channel 9 building at concourse level, which takes you down to Bourke St level. Convenor: Perry Middlemiss
No RSVP required.
💥 💥 💥
Nova Mob About and Contact Us
Nova Mob on social media: We’re on Mastodon. Click the invite to follow
Face to face, the Kensington Town Hall has ample parking and excellent disability access. Newmarket Railway Station is 15 minutes travel from Flinders St Station on the Craigieburn line. By tram it’s via the Route 57 and by bus it’s the #83. Other bus routes via Metlink Journey Planner.
Please don’t attend if you have symptoms that could be COVID 19 or similar. Our COVID-safe Plan continues to apply and we remain mask-friendly for those who wear them.
The September Nova Mob meeting will be a shared general discussion about the WorldCon experiences for all members, especially those who travelled to Glasgow and including those who plugged in, to share stories, insights, and highlights from the convention.
That’ll be on Wednesday, 4 September.
4 Sep 2024 – Nova Mob discussion: Glasgow Worldcon
Mob discussion in person and on Zoom, recapping the Glasgow WorldCon by some who were there and others who followed events from afar.
Hoping some of the Mob members still travelling after WorldCon and Eurocon can dial in too.
Invitation – Nova Mob discussion recapping the 2024 WorldCon
Please share this invitation with like-minded friends and fans
Face to face: You are invited to an in-person Nova Mob meeting at: Wednesday 4 September 2024 8.00pm – 9.15pm Melbopurne or so (7:30pm Adelaide time), first floor Conference Room Kensington Town Hall 30 – 34 Bellair St, Kensington Melbourne VIC 3031
By Zoom – simulcast For those who prefer not to travel or are unable to attend face-to-face. Zoom session broadcast from the Kensington Town Hall. Questions or comments typed into the Zoom chat will be discussed and you’ll have as much airtime as the other Mob members at the venue. Wednesday 4 September 2024 8.00pm – 9.30 pm Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney time 7.30pm – 9.00pm Adelaide time Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4177583193?pwd=VjdPL1BhSTBNclN2YnRsejN3Y1hlUT09 Passcode: nova Meeting ID: 417 758 3193
Pre-Mob dining – at the Doutta Galla Hotel
The usual pre-Mob location in Newmarket Doutta Galla Hotel, 339 Racecourse Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3031, Australia
Table for 8 booked under the name of the Nova Mob Book Discussion group also Murray, 6.15pm for 6.30, through to 8.00pm
💥 💥 💥
Reflections on the August meeting
Terry Frost’s talk on the Marvel Cinematic Universe had 15 people at the discussion, 7 in person and 8 in the Zoom videoconference mode. Terry had full notes because he’s decided to re-use his talk at a forthcoming Terry Talks Movies. For those who missed it or want to re-live the experience, here’s the link to Terry’s Youtube channel at which his talk will appear Real Soon Now: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG3hwNZQ6FyrJVyE50fUqRQ
With 34 movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Terry’s Honourable Mentions included Thor, and the Guardians of the Galaxy, and it turns out each of the various phases has a “strongly recommended” movie, and across the MCU are found films of most genres and styles. Thanks again Terry!
On technical matters, we tried a different room layout – which worked well – and the new audio system also worked well, it was a much more pleasant listening experience.
SF Commentary
Bruce Gillespie reports – “The response to SF Commentaries 115 to 117 has been so satisfactory that I’ve received five new articles in the last two weeks, with another promised (but probably not for a while). With incoming letters of comment and a packed reviews column from Colin and Anna Steele, I really should produce the next issue right now. I had been hoping for a fan-editor’s holiday!”
The Internet Archive has several collections of pulp and other magazines. Here is a link to their collection of F&SF, which has almost 600 items. Why is 1959’s Vol 17 No 2 the most-read issue?
Friends, out-of-town guests, and new arrivals – you are always welcome and have an open invitation to the Mob’s face-to-face and Zoom meetings. First time arrivals – free. Otherwise a $5 donation for expenses please. Face-to-face meetings are at the Kensington Town Hall: https://activemelbourne.ymca.org.au/venues/kensington-town-hall Face to face, the Kensington Town Hall has ample parking and excellent disability access. Newmarket Railway Station is 15 minutes travel from Flinders St Station on the Craigieburn line. By tram it’s via the Route 57 and by bus it’s the #83. Other bus routes via Metlink Journey Planner. Please don’t attend if you have symptoms that could be SARS-2 COVID 19. Our COVID-safe Plan is available, please email me for a copy.
You might recall the offer from our June guest Janeen Webb for book sales. I purchased Five Star Republic, it’s 500 pages, and it came with a thank-you which I believe is to the entire Mob.
We are charging $25 for Five Star Republic p/b; $25 for the new Aliens & Savages p/b; I also have copies at $35 for Gold-Jade Dragon hardcover, artwork etc; and $25 for Dragon’s Child h/c (these are more expensive because of the cost for postage from the UK). They will all come signed (individually if I know who wants them). I’m happy to send individually if required and use PayPal for payment . Otherwise, I can bring some books to Melbourne and drop them off for the Mob. Janeen Webb janeenwebb@dcsi.net.au
Janeen also reports she is at copy edit and cover art stage for her next book, Scorpion Girl.
💥 💥 💥
Magazines received
With thanks, Van Ikin in Perth has sent us two issues of Science Fiction.
Issue #53 (2023) – The Mists of Avalon, SF and the Puppies, Bruce Shaw on Jet Morgan, Alan Stewart interviews Neal Stephenson, Stephan Dedman interviews Damine Broderick.
Issue #24 (2023) – Catherine Gillard on Aging in SF, Farzaneh Pishro on M. Barnard Eldershaw, Alan Stewart talks with Ben Bova, Colin Yeo on Stephen King
As always, superbly packaged and a delight to receive. Recommended end enduring. $20.00 per issue.paypal: van@ikin.net, also the contact email.
💥 💥 💥
Martin MacInnes Wins Arthur C. Clarke Award for ‘Intense Trip’ of a Novel
The winner of the 2024 Arthur Clarke Award has been announced: In Ascension by Martin MacInnes. MacInnes has previously written Infinite Ground (2016) and Gathering Evidence (2020). In Ascension was also longlisted for the 2023 Booker Prize.
We are told that In Ascension, MacInnes’s third novel, “has captivated both judges and readers alike with its compelling narrative that transitions seamlessly from the ocean’s depths to the vastness of outer space. The story follows marine biologist Leigh as she embarks on a mission to explore a newly discovered trench in the Atlantic Ocean. The novel has been praised for its rich, atmospheric writing and its ability to evoke vivid detail while exploring profound themes about life.
“In a review by Adam Roberts for The Guardian, the novel was described as “beautifully written” and “richly atmospheric,” capturing a unique blend of realism and mystery. Roberts further noted, “Nobody else writes like MacInnes, and this magnificent book is his best yet.”
“The judging panel, chaired by writer Andrew M. Butler, highlighted the novel’s ability to bridge the microcosmic and the macrocosmic, offering readers an intense and immersive experience. Butler commented, “It’s an intense trip and for once it’s a winner that is in the tradition of Clarke’s own novels.”
In Ascension was shortlisted alongside notable works such as Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, The Ten Percent Thief by Lavanya Lakshminarayan, The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler, Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh, and Corey Fah Does Social Mobility by Isabel Waidner.
About the Clarke Award
The Arthur C. Clarke Award was established in 1987 by Clarke himself, known for co-writing the screenplay for the iconic 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey and authoring nearly 100 works of science fiction and nonfiction. The award has a rich history of recognizing groundbreaking works, with past winners including The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead, and Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. Last year’s award went to Ned Beauman for Venomous Lumpsucker.
MacInnes will receive £2,024 as the prize money, a tradition that reflects the current year and has been incremented by a pound annually since 2001.
💥 💥 💥
Sean Williams, Steve Roach, Nick Stathopolous in tune
We’ve previously pointed you towards the ambient music of author Sean Williams who composes under the pseudonym TheAdelaidean. Sean’s new album, Parallels, is a collaboration with the renowned ambient artist Steve Roach, has made a remarkable debut. It debuted at #1 on Bandcamp’s All Ambient chart and has reached #5 in the overall Bandcamp chart. The album is available through Projekt Records and comes as a double CD, featuring stunning cover art by Nick Stathopoulos.
Sean has expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported the release, saying, “It’s been an amazing journey. I’m so thrilled to be working with one of my absolute heroes and inspirations!” Sean has shared a promo video for one of his favorite tracks from the album, which you can watch here.
We are chuffed to announce that Terry Frost, renowned film critic, host of the YouTube channel Terry Talks Movies, and Nova Mob member, will be our speaker at August’s Nova Mob meeting on Wednesday, 7 August! For the many people travelling to Glasgow WorldCon, we wish you safe travels and hope you enjoy every moment of the convention – panels, workshops, friends, authors, events, and whatever extracurricular events bring you joy. The September Nova Mob meeting will be a shared general discussion about the WorldCon experiences for all members, especially those who travelled to Glasgow and including those who plugged in, to share stories, insights, and highlights from the convention. That’ll be on Wednesday, 4 September.
Terry Frost – The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU): August Nova Mob
Terry Frost is widely known and respected in the film criticism community for his insightful analyses and engaging commentary on a wide range of films, particularly those that may fly under the mainstream radar. His YouTube channel, Terry Talks Movies, has a large, growing, dedicated following for its deep dives into cinematic history and hidden gems. In our August Nova Mob meeting, Terry will delve into the expansive and captivating realm of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). He will explore how the MCU has revolutionized modern cinema with its interconnected storytelling, groundbreaking special effects, and Marvel comicsTMcharacters. You’ll hear his expert perspective on the impact and future of this cinematic juggernaut, from its inception with Iron Man (2008) to the latest release Deadpool & Wolverine, which is #34 in the series and is doing great box office and yet Ansible tells us:
“RYAN REYNOLDS, co-star with Hugh Jackman of the superhero movie Deadpool & Wolverine, issued a brutally honest disclaimer: ‘This film is as paper thin as a sequel to Battlefield Earth.” (IMDb, 21 May)
The MCU has earned $30 billion to date.
Terry Frost – invite to The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)
Please share this invitation with like-minded friends and fans
Face to face : You are invited to an in-person Nova Mob meeting at: Wednesday 7 August 2024 8.00pm – 9.15pm or so, first floor Conference Room, Kensington Town Hall 30 – 34 Bellair St, Kensington Melbourne VIC 3031
By Zoom – simulcast For those who prefer not to travel or are unable to attend face-to-face. Zoom session broadcast from the Kensington Town Hall. Questions or comments typed into the Zoom chat will be discussed as the opportunity permits, and you’ll have as much airtime as the other Mob members at the venue. Zoom meeting details: Wednesday 7 August 2024 8.00pm – 9.30 pm Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney time 7.30pm – 9.00pm Adelaide time Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4177583193?pwd=VjdPL1BhSTBNclN2YnRsejN3Y1hlUT09 Passcode: nova Meeting ID: 417 758 3193
💥 💥 💥
What Makes the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Special?
We asked ChatGPT.
How has the MCU maintained its popularity and critical acclaim over more than a decade?
What are the unique storytelling techniques used in the MCU?
How do the films balance individual character arcs with the overarching narrative of the universe?
Whether you’re a die-hard Marvel fan or a casual moviegoer, this is an opportunity to gain new insights into one of the most influential film franchises of our time.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is an extensive American media franchise and shared universe that revolves around a series of superhero films produced by Marvel Studios. The films draw inspiration from characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. This franchise also encompasses television series, short films, digital series, and literature, creating a broad and interconnected universe similar to the original Marvel Universe in comic books. The shared universe is crafted through common plot elements, settings, cast, and characters that cross over into various productions.
Marvel Studios organizes its films into “Phases.” The first three phases are collectively known as “The Infinity Saga,” while the subsequent three phases are termed “The Multiverse Saga.”
Phase One began with Iron Man (2008) and culminated in the crossover film The Avengers (2012).
Phase Two started with Iron Man 3 (2013) and concluded with Ant-Man (2015).
Phase Three commenced with Captain America: Civil War (2016) and ended with Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019).
Phase Four kicked off with Black Widow (2021) and wrapped up with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022).
Phase Five began with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) and is set to conclude with Thunderbolts (2025).
Phase Six will launch with The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) and will conclude with Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027).
A special shout-out for the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie, released in 2014, described as “a standout in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directed by James Gunn, it introduced audiences to a quirky and diverse group of characters including Peter Quill (Star-Lord), Gamora, Drax the Destroyer, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot. The film is celebrated for its humour, heart, and soundtrack featuring classic hits from the ’70s and ’80s. It’s blend of action, comedy, and compelling story about friendship and redemption made it a fan favourite.”
About Terry Frost
Terry Frost’s extensive knowledge and passion for cinema have made him a respected voice in the film community. In addition to his YouTube channel, Terry also hosts the Paleo-Cinema Podcast, where he discusses a wide array of films, often spotlighting older and lesser-known movies.
You can find more about Terry Frost and his work through the following links:
We are delighted to announce that Dr Janeen Webb, author, critic, critic, editor, World Fantasy Award winner, is our speaker at June’s Nova Mob meeting on Wednesday 5 June!
Janeen’s recent published works have explored alternate histories to great effect, receiving recognition in overseas markets that her home Australian market would do well to meet. Comment from critics are that her novels and stories are strong additions to the subgenre of alternate history (counterfactuals), a realm of the science fiction landscape where it’s hard to tell stories well but when you do get it right, you wield large enduring narrative power which stays with the reader and achieves that conceptual breakthrough and reframing of perception which is at the heart of successful science fiction.
Excellent memorable powerful stories.
What makes for excellence in alternate history? What makes special this particular realm of sf? You are invited to a fireside chat on these and similar questions.
If you’ve not encountered Janeen’s fiction over the past decade, now is your opportunity.
You may know Janeen Webb’s work from many perspectives. Perhaps the award-winning anthologies of Australian SF she co-edited, Dreaming Down Under and Dreaming Again, or the republication of Kenneth MacKay’s 1895 Yellow Peril novel The Yellow Wave (co-edited with Andrew Enstice). Or as a critic, including as a member of the ASFR (Australian Science Fiction Review) collective. Perhaps as an academic, “I spent way too many years as a professor, and I’ve recently been lecturing on counterfactuals for a post-grad College in Canberra”. Or as author of the nonfiction work of note Aliens & Savages: Fiction, Politics, and Prejudice in Australia (1998, 2023) with Andrew Enstice. Maybe by way of her short stories. Or maybe as author of the young adult fantasy Sinbad Chronicles series, of Sailing to Atlantis (2001) and The Silken Road to Samarkand (2003). Or novelist of the fantasy satires The Gold-Jade Dragon and The Dragon’s Child, or the alternate history author of The City of the Sun series (also co-authored with Andrew Enstice).
It is these latter works to which Janeen will be talking in particular. In the best tradition of fannish discourse however it’s likely all these various aspects will be touched on.
“The date is 1854. The place is the Australian goldfields in the British colony of Victoria—the richest prize on earth. The story begins with a stockade. The flag of independence is unfurled. Men driven beyond endurance take arms against British redcoats. At their forefront are two hundred Colt-wielding Americans, the California Rangers, led by the charismatic and idealistic Captain James McGill. The stockade falls. The Rangers are scattered.
But from the ashes will rise a new revolution—a revolution powered by the sun. And this one will not fail. In the 19th century, just how close did we come to a world run on solar power? The Five Star Republic is history with a twist, the story of a world that might easily have been—the future you’ll wish we’d had. For more information visit the publisher’s page.” Link to video of the book launch
Introduction by Andrew Enstice & Janeen Webb “He was a mate of Banjo Paterson, and hailed as a possible poetic successor to Henry Kendall. He was a champion jockey, a prospector, a station owner. He sat for thirty-five years in the New South Wales parliament. He was a friend of Churchill, of Cecil Rhodes, and a champion of the rights of the ordinary soldier. He founded the Australian Light Horse, and led them into battle in South Africa. And yet you’ve probably never heard of Kenneth Mackay. But the themes of The Yellow Wave: A Romance of the Asiatic Invasion of Australia resonate as much today as they did a century and a quarter ago: nationalism, racism, and fear of a resurgent China.”
“Janeen Webb holds a PhD in literature from the University of Newcastle. A lecturer in literature at Australian Catholic University in Melbourne, Janeen is also co-editor, with Jack Dann, of the anthology Dreaming Down-Under, which won the 1999 international World Fantasy Award for Best Anthology, as well as the 1999 Ditmar (Australian Science Fiction Award). She has won both the Aurealis and the Ditmar awards for her short stories. She splits her time between Melbourne and her country retreat in Foster in South Gippsland.” https://www.harpercollins.com.au/cr-107969/janeen-webb/
May’s Nova Mob is just days away, Wednesday 1 May, which entails cries of May Day and shouts of pure joy as David Grigg and Perry Middlemiss resolve that knottiest of questions, which novel is the best science fiction novel of the 1960’s?
Apparently a shortlist or two has been shortlisted (ahem) with the evening’s discussion to involve deeper, more rigorous scrutiny. Forensics, post-mortems, that sort of thing. Says David: “My cunning plan is that Perry and I will take turns in picking a novel for our “draft” of the 10 best SF novels of the 1960s.”
Audience participation is encouraged; indeed it may well be requested by our two lead debaters. Mob members whose preferred style of engagement is to observe should feel free to continue to do so, of course.
Nova Mob 1 May 2024
Perry Middlemiss and David Grigg argue or agree.
Please share this invitation to this forthcoming meeting with like-minded friends and fans
Face to face
You are invited to an in-person Nova Mob meeting at: Wednesday 1 May 2024 8.00pm – 9.15pm or so (Melbourne), first floor Conference Room. Kensington Town Hall 30 – 34 Bellair St, Kensington Melbourne VIC 3031
By Zoom – simulcast
For those who prefer not to travel or are unable to attend face-to-face. Zoom session broadcast from the Kensington Town Hall. Questions or comments typed into the Zoom chat will be discussed as the opportunity permits, and you’ll have as much airtime as the other Mob members at the venue. Wednesday 1 May 2024 8.00pm – 9.30 pm Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney time; 7.30pm – 9.00pm Adelaide time Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4177583193?pwd=VjdPL1BhSTBNclN2YnRsejN3Y1hlUT09
Passcode: nova Meeting ID: 417 758 3193
Pre-Mob dining – at the Doutta Galla Hotel The usual pre-Mob location in Newmarket Doutta Galla Hotel, 339 Racecourse Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3031, Australia Table for 8 booked under the name of the Nova Mob Book Discussion group also Murray, 6.00pm for 6.30, through to 8.00pm. https://douttagallahotel.com
💥 💥 💥
Nova Mob email change of address
Please change your address book because of autocomplete.
Please update your address book so your autocomplete doesn’t send you to the old address in error. That address, now out of date, had been scraped by nefarious types and added to some spam lists. The last straw was some phishing attempts, and last month’s email bouncing because the good guys now block those spam lists.
💥 💥 💥
The Cupboard under the Stairs
Sighted at Dymocks, new edition of George Turner’s award-winner
George Turner’s Miles Franklin Award-winning novel “The Cupboard Under the Stairs” has been sighted at Dymocks in a new edition and (how does this happen?) remaindered at the nifty price of $10.00. (Reported by Rob Gerrand).
As mentioned at his Nova Mob talk, John Clute’s investigation into the cultural legacy of dustwrappers has entered print. At Norstrilia Press!
“The first known dust-jacket to appear on a book in the UK dates from 1819.
Sadly, almost none of these jackets have survived. The one institution primarily responsible for this vandalism is the British Library, which removed dust-jackets from every book it accessioned, and destroyed almost all of them.
In The Book Blinders, distinguished critic, editor and novelist John Clute looks at 115 books whose jackets have survived out here in the real world. They escaped the burning. Each has a story to tell.”
Does anyone want to represent or publicise the Nova Mob at Continuum? And congrats to Vanessa Len!
Continuum 16: Reboot – and 62nd NatCon
After a germ-induced hiatus, we are delighted to announce that Continuum is returning to Melbourne, bigger and brighter than ever.
Continuum 16: Reboot will be held 17-19 May, 2024 at Hotel Jasper, 489 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne.”
Guests are Shannon Chakraborty, Nova Mob guest Vanessa Len, and Cienan Muir. Congratulations Vanessa!
Vanessa Len
“Vanessa Len is an internationally bestselling Australian author and educational editor. Her first novel, Only a Monster, won the 2022 Aurealis Award for Best Young Adult Novel, and has been translated into nine languages. The sequel, Never a Hero, is out now.”
Last month we farewelled several noteworthy authors and friends in an illuminating and at times joyously celebratory send-off. Without turning this newsletter into Ansible, wherein Dave Langford has lamented the size of the list of departeds, we must note two recent losses. John Barth’s works at one time took centre stage at the Nova Mob, and Wikipedia’s entry on The Sot Weed Factor provides a plot synopsis of that picaresque novel which is almost as enervating as the novel itself. Trina Robbins shifted the American comix culture to something more welcoming and less misogynist.
John Simmons Barth May 27, 1930 – April 2, 2024) was an American writer best known for his postmodern and metafictional fiction. His most highly regarded and influential works were published in the 1960s, and include The Sot-Weed Factor, a whimsical retelling of Maryland’s colonial history; Giles Goat-Boy, a satirical fantasy in which a university is a microcosm of the Cold War world; and Lost in the Funhouse, a self-referential and experimental collection of short stories. He was co-recipient of the National Book Award in 1973 for his episodic novel Chimera.
Trina Robbins (néePerlson; August 17, 1938 – April 10, 2024) was an American cartoonist. She was an early participant in the underground comix movement, and one of the first women in the movement. She co-produced the 1970 underground comic It Ain’t Me, Babe, which was the first comic book entirely created by women. She co-founded the Wimmen’s Comix collective, wrote for Wonder Woman, and produced adaptations of Dope and [Tanith Lee’s] The Silver Metal Lover. She was inducted into the Will Eisner Hall of Fame in 2013 and received Eisner Awards in 2017 and 2021.
Robbins was an active member of science fiction fandom in the 1950s and 1960s and attended sf conventions. Her illustrations appeared in science fiction fanzines like the Hugo–nominatedHabakkuk. In New York in 1966 she lived in Manhattan’s East Village, where she worked as a stylist and ran a clothing boutique called “Broccoli”. Robbins’ first comics were printed in the East Village Other in 1966. In the late 1960s, she designed clothes for Mama Cass,Donovan, David Crosby, among others. She was intimately involved in the 1960s rock scene, where she was close friends with Jim Morrison and members of The Byrds. Robbins was the first of the three “Ladies of the Canyon” in Joni Mitchell‘s classic song from the album of the same name.
Robbins spoke out against the misogyny and “boy’s club” of comics creators, criticizing underground comix artist Robert Crumb for the perceived misogyny of many of his comics. As a scholar and historian, Robbins researched the history of women in cartooning. She wrote several nonfiction books including Women and the Comics (1985), A Century of Women Cartoonists (1993), The Great Women Superheroes (1996), From Girls to Grrrlz (1999), Pretty In Ink (2013), and Flapper Queens: Women Cartoonists of the Jazz Age (2020).
What’s your favourite Neanderthal-related film, novel, story, TV series? Please rummage your bookcases, hard drives, DVD storage for your answer, bring along that artifact or be prepared to wave it at your camera, and perhaps contribute to the general discussion at next Wednesday’s Nova Mob.
The Neanderthal-themed meeting will be run by Lucy Sussex and includes –
Geelong author Melissa Ferguson, author of The Shining Wall (Aurealis nominated! Free download of first chapter!),
General discussion “My Favourite Neanderthal fictions”,
“My favourite Neanderthal” commentary from two other Big Name Writers.
Melissa Ferguson is a scientist and Aurealis Award nominated author who writes fiction about Neandertals, cyborgs, cults, future science, evil scientists and infectious diseases. Her debut novel, The Shining Wall, and her eco-punk science fantasy novel,Star-Scorched Fingertipsare both available now.
“A shining metal wall separates the wealthy, but highly controlled Citizens of LeaderCorp’s City 1 from the slum dwellers struggling for survival in its shadow. Gutsy slum-dweller, Alida, is forced into dangerous and illegal activities by her mother’s death and her sister’s illness. She befriends cloned Neandertal Security Force Officer, Shuqba, who tries to help Alida escape her dire circumstances. When their society, built on exploitation and inequality, tilts dangerously toward collapse Shuqba and Alida question their beliefs about justice and humanity and find reason for hope in each other. Read Chapter 1
“Brick Bradford is a science fiction comic strip created by writer William Ritt, a journalist based in Cleveland, and artist Clarence Gray. It was first distributed on August 21, 1933 by Central Press Association, a subsidiary of King Features Syndicate which specialized in producing material for small-town newspapers. The strip ended in 1987.
“Brick Bradford achieved its greatest popularity outside the United States. The series was carried by both newspapers and comic books in Australia and New Zealand.
“In France the strip was known as Luc Bradefer (“Luke Ironarm”) and was published in many newspapers. The strip was also widely published in Italy where it was known variously as Giorgio Ventura and Marco Spada and in Greece in the newspaper Ethnos (as Princess Palona) during the 1960s.
“Brick Bradford was an athletic and adventurous redheaded (later blond) aviator from Kentucky who continually encountered fantastic situations. … As the strip developed, Brick Bradford increasingly featured fantastic elements in the manner of Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon.
“Ritt was an admirer of science fiction writers H. G. Wells, EdgarRiceBurroughs and AbrahamMerritt, and drew on some of their ideas when writing Brick Bradford. Brick Bradford now became more of a space opera/adventure story, with its tales of dinosaurs, lost civilizations, intergalactic villains, robots and subatomic worlds.” [Wikipedia]
Face to face : You are invited to an in-person Nova Mob meeting at: Wednesday 7 February 2024, 8.00pm – 9.15pm or so, first floor Conference Room Kensington Town Hall, 30 – 34 Bellair St, Kensington Melbourne VIC 3031
The Adelaide Fan Review 
You must be logged in to post a comment.