Tag Archives: Larry Niven

Returning to Niven’s Known Space

In a recent post, I mentioned That I was listening to the audio books of the Fleet of Worlds sereis by Larry Niven and Edward M. Lerner. I’ve got about an hour left in the third book, Destoryer of Worlds. It relies heavily on the events in Protector.

I’ve read that one twice, once in high school and most recently, seven years ago. While I remember a lot of it, some of the details have faded.

Next week is fall break at the university, so I won’t be going down but three days. I’ll listen to some ghost stories or something and take a break from the series before listening to the fourth and fifth audiobooks. In the meantime, I’m going to reread most of the Known Space stories that take place before the events in the audiobooks.

t has been good to remember why I fell in love with Niven’s universe as a teenager. I mioght post some thoughts here as I read along. I’m probably not going to reread the Gil “the Arm” Hamilton stories just yet since they haven’t really played a role in the audiobooks. I will reread them, though. I love a blend of science fiction and mystery when done well, and the Hamilton stories are well done.

It’s Beginning to Feel Like Fall

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For those of you who don’t live in Texas, let me explain what the title of this post means.

The daily high temperature will usually be in the nineties rather than triple digits.

Although things have been a bit cooler this last week because of some cold fronts and rain last weekend. This next week, we’re back int he nineties.

Classes are going well. I’ll be ~~ruining some people’s day~~ giving exams the first psrt of the week. Then I’ll be ~~ruining my weekend~~ grading next weekend.

On the writing front, I’ve maintained my streak (one hundred words per day, minimum) althaough some days I’ve barely hit the minimum. I’m writing a science fiction novelette right now that should be wrapped up sometime in the next week.

I’ve been listening to the audiobooks of Larry Niven and Edward M. Lerner’s fleet of worlds series driving back and forth to work. I’ve completed the first two. Some of the second book retells some of the Beowulf Schaeffer stories from a different character’s point of view. I’ve read all of those, of course, more than once, but it’s been years. I”m rereading those in the evening to refresh my memory.

Niven has always been one of my favorite writers, one I will reread regularly. There aren’t many I wouls say that about.

Another is the Commonwealth stories of Alan Dean Foster, although I still have a few to catch up on. I’ve been listening to some of those on audiobook as well.

That’s about all for now. What’s up with ya’ll?

Niven

Happy Birthday, Larry Niven

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Today, April 30, marks the birth of science fiction and fantasy author Larry Niven (b. 1938). I’ve been away from the house for most of the day, so I’ve not had a chance to read anything by him. Niven was one of the first authors I read when I was getting into science fiction and fantasy, and he’s someone I reread when I get a chance.

So Happy Birthday, Mr. Niven, and many happy returns.

Larry Niven Named SFWA Grand Master

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And about time, too. Niven is one of the most influential authors of science fiction and fantasy of the last century. He’s written or cowritten such classics as Ringworld and The Mote in God’s Eye. My most recent reviews of his books are The Goliath Stone with Matthew Joseph Harrington (review here) and Bowl of Heaven with Gregory Benford (review here; really need to read Shipstar).

Niven will be presented with the Award at the Nebula Awards Banquet this Junes. For more details, the SFWA press release is here.

Adventures Fantastic would like to offer Mr. Niven congratulations on being named a Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master. Well done, sir. Well done.

Again? Really!?

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You may remember the controversy last summer over the SFWA bulletin, which encompassed, among other things, people being offended by some things said by Mike Resnick and Barry Malzberg, some other articles deemed sexist, and of course, the cover you see on the left. I discussed the situation in this post.

Well, now there’s another controversy brewing. Steve Davidson of Amazing Stories does a fine job of summarizing it here.

I’ll hit the high points, but you’ll have to track down some of the details on your own. During last summer’s fiasco, publication of the Bulletin was suspended. Plans are for it to resume. A few things need to happen first, like a new editor has to be hired. And there’s some sort of oversight committee that will be put in place to see to it that the Bulletin doesn’t publish anything that isn’t up to SFWA standards.

And that’s got some people upset. Continue reading →