Ursula K. Le Guin: A Wellspring of Hope and Joy by John E. O. Stevens #monthofjoy
The literature of imagination, even when tragic, is reassuring, not necessarily in the sense of offering nostalgic comfort, but because it offers a world large enough to contain alternatives and therefore offers hope.” – Ursula K. Le Guin Joy is not something we feel in a vacuum; joy relates us to things, anchors us, unmoors us and sends us off on long voyages. Joy connects and energizes, ensorcels and inspires. It is the result of a powerful instance of interaction; a moment of encounter kindles a feeling of happiness, wonderment, and rejoicing. I can think of many joys I’ve encountered in reading fantastic literature: authors who have invigorated me; ideas that have provoked me; and works that have shattered me. But for persistent joy, for great moments of ecstasy and small moments of guidance, and for a deep feeling of satisfaction, Ursula K. Le Guin remains a primary source. And what makes that joy so special, what often makes the joy I find in fantastika so dynamic, is that it gives me hope.
235. Irish SF w/ Maura McHugh, Gareth Kavanagh, Michael Carroll, & Ruth Frances Long (The World SF Tour)
http://media.blubrry.com/skiffyandfanty/dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/archive.org/download/SandFEpisode235IrishSFPanel/SandF%20–%20Episode%20235%20–%20Irish%20SF%20Panel.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | Podcast Index | Email | TuneIn | Deezer | RSSGhosts, fairies, and the Emerald Isles, oh my! Gareth Kavanagh, Ruth Frances Long, Maura McHugh, and Michael Carroll join us to discuss Irish SF. We tackle Ireland’s relationship to expatriate literature, the character of Irish writing, favorite reads, and much more. We hope you enjoy the episode! Note: If you have iTunes and like this show, please give us a review on our iTunes page, or feel free to email us with your thoughts about the show! Here’s the episode (show notes are below): Episode 235 — Download (MP3) Show Notes: The Panelists Gareth Kavanagh’s Twitter Octocon Maura McHugh’s Website Maura’s Twitter Maura’s Work: Witchfinder: The Mysteries of Unland (w/ Kim Newman) Twisted Fairy Tales Twisted Myths Laydeez Do Comics Michael Carroll’s Website Michael’s Twitter Michael’s Work: Judge Dredd Year One Omnibus Hunter (book seven) Ruth Frances Long’s Website Ruth’s Twitter Ruth’s Work: A Crack in Everything (O’Brien Press) The Big Fat List of Stuff (note: some of these are not of Irish origin; I’ve included everything the panelists mentioned): ArcadeCon Dublin International Comics Expo Eirtakon (anime convention) MCM Expo (London Comic Con) GaelCon British Comic Awards Irish Science Fiction Association Film: Song of the Sea (Will Collins; Tomm Moore)(Cartoon Saloon) The Secret of Kells Showrunners (Des Doyle) Irish 19th Century Gothic Tradition Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu James Joyce Flann O’Brien Anne McCaffrey Harry Harrison Diane Duane Morgan Llewellyn Michael Scott — Nicholas Flamel Eoin Colfer — Artemis Fowl Ian McDonald James White C.E. Murphy Sarah Rees Brennan Lynda E. Rucker Celine Kiernan Derek Landees — Skulduggery Pleasant series Kate Thompson Oisin McGann Lord Dunsany Garth Ennis Steve Dylan Will Simpson (Game of Thrones storyboard artist) Will Sliney Leeann Hamilton Anthea West Darrin O’Toole Maeve Clancy John Connolly Len O’Grady Meeting the Other Crowd Stephen Mooney Steve Walsh Susan Connolly Paul Anthony Short Peter O’Fallon Jordie Bellaire Our new intro music is “Time Flux” by Revolution Void (CC BY 3.0). That’s all, folks! Thanks for listening. See you next week.
