Fens of color

[ninamonkey]

Not to make it a big deal or anything, but...well, it *is* a big deal, really.

If you're a fen of color, post here and fly your banner high (if you're so inclined).

No, this isn't a separatist's way of representing oneself. This is something that probably is a long time coming. My mother read science fiction, and my aunt did too (my aunt was the one

Comments

[nefariouscory]

I thought it was such a cool initiative too. I love seeing people come together like that. I wish it wasn't necessary, of course, but stupidity sadly isn't going away anytime soon.

This just encourages me to write more...and to make things more interesting for all of us.
I know what you mean on that front. The various debates on race in SF/F these past few months and initiatives like Verb Noire (though I don't intend to submit there as my first choice) have made me really eager to start on my next novel, which has two black leads. Every little bit helps, right? Sadly, I need to finish editing one of the other two novels, first, but in the meantime... reading, learning, and striving for diversity of all kinds in whatever I write.

(There's one good thing about the Avatar whitewashing - without it, I wouldn't have come across so many people talking about how amazing it is, and it wouldn't be high on my "to watch" list right now. I'm so curious about it!)

[ninamonkey]

It's frustrating when we hear dissension in fandom, too. It should be easy to agree on characters, but the problem is people get *overly* involved and it becomes an "unbreakable rule" in their hearts. The assumption that the hero and heroine should both be the same color with blonde locks and blue eyes (and the unintelligent bad guys having dark hair/darker features) died in the 1950s

[nefariouscory]

I've heard the same about Avatar being great for older audiences. From what I've heard from people whose opinions I trust, I fully expect to love it. Now to find the time to get through all those seasons... eep.

As for reading my stuff: not sure if that applies to just that project, but I lost one of my (already few) betas recently, so if you're interested... Even if you don't have the time for anything in-depth, general opinions are handy feedback, too.

And thanks! Same to you, obviously. I'm still eager to see Mehdi finished and succeed ;)

My goal is to start querying agents this summer (probably late-ish) about my first novel, Wielders. *crosses fingers* I should really pick up some of those short stories I started but never finished/polished, too. There's never enough time!

[ninamonkey]

Definitely check out Avatar! I think you'll like it - and the kids actually age and grow up through the show. They change, and get stronger. I would say if you had American cable that you'd get a chance to see it every day, buuut... ;)

I can beta! I need betas too, actually. I need to jump in and just get someone I trust to look things over. I'll probably give things the once-over, but if you prefer deeper analysis I can do that as well (my POV, though).

No, you're right, there isn't enough time. For anything. Writing is one of those things you just have to create time for, and enjoy. I know if I write I have to calm my mind down enough to enjoy it, and my best writing times are between the hours of midnight and 5am. Which kinda sucks. But if I can go to bed reeeeally early a few nights or force myself to get up reeeeeally early I might get that writing time.

Otherwise, I'm thinkin' a library, coffee shop, or bookstore would do. Especially when they first open.

[lyssie]

I.... I don't actually know what NCIS fandom thought of Leon Vance taking over from Jenny Shepard at the start of this season. I know I was gleeful and sort of proud of NCIS for not making the new director a white male.

I would like to think they thought it was a good thing.

[ninamonkey]

It's kind of nice when fandom *doesn't* make a big deal of things. I'm not sure what was said when Laurence Fishburne took over as head of CSI either, but it looks like the ratings are still fairly strong.

It's hard to say, sometimes, if the changes can help viewership, or not. You hope people will ignore skin color and allow for good acting leading men, but it's hard to say.

Fandom can be a fickle mistress. :\

[lyssie]

I don't know if the producers did it in a "look at us be PC" way. I'd like to think they didn't. Mostly because, as much as NCIS has its moments of awfulness in re: gender and race politics, I do think that they have done a better job than most.

And if the producers really are all patting themselves on the back about it, I DO NOT WANT TO KNOW. I like my illusions.