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Category: Weekly

Themes and Cultural References in SFF

Published by atgomes on September 17, 2022

Themes, deeper meanings, and literary and cultural references enrich readers’ experiences, but they can get lost in translation if the reader didn’t grow up with those traditions. Or, they can turn into a fun treasure hunt that keeps on giving. Themes are the underlying inspiration behind a writer’s work. They are the big concepts one might be exploring, the thing at the back of a writer’s mind as they create characters and develop a story. Sometimes, even for the writer,…

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Belief and Religion in SFF

Published by atgomes on September 9, 2022

I attended a fantastic panel during Chicon8 about Belief and Religion in science fiction and fantasy. I appreciated the distinction between belief and religion. In my opinion, religion, faith, and spirituality, which is different from spiritualism, are all part of a theme that can greatly enrich science fiction and fantasy works. This theme encompasses our need as humans to feel like we’re not only part of this universe we’ve been born into, but that, in the big scheme of things,…

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Virtual Chicon8 and My Stubbornness

Published by atgomes on September 5, 2022

Monday, September 5th 2022 I attended the virtual option of Chicon8. My mom arrives in three weeks for a three month stay. I didn’t want to risk getting sick prior to her arrival. One would think staying at home and only going out for basic necessities, like groceries, would suffice. Nah. I’ve got Covid. It started over the weekend. I was way too tired and had to take long breaks after each panel I managed to watch. But as the…

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