A while back I was delighted to be asked by author and editor, David Gullen, to contribute a story for a forthcoming anthology with a brilliant premise: alien fairy tales. What would be the stories told by the elders of alien civilizations to thrill and instruct the younger members of their society? What might their once-upon-a-times be like?
What a challenge to be set as a science fiction writer. And, I’m not going to lie, it was a challenge. I spent quite a while trying to find a balance between the alienness of a far off planet and the cosy familiarity of a fairy tale, and I’m really happy with how it ended up. My contribution, The Raveller’s Tale, is a cautionary tale set on a world where mastery of DNA allows you to choose your physical form without limitation. A story about being true to yourself, even when you’re in love.
Most exciting of all of course is, with Once Upon A Parsec due to be launched at Worldcon in Dublin in August, I’ll also be able to see how all the other authors tackled the challenge. And what an amazing line-up it is! I really can’t wait to crack this book open and enjoy its wonders.
Should this prospect excite you as much as it does me, Once Upon A Parsec is available for pre-order from NewCon Press.
ayeahmur 