Definitions

[filkferengi]

So, a few days ago, a self-appointed gate-keeper named Paul Cook opined that Bujold and other award-winning, acclaimed, and notable authors didn't write *real* science fiction because they dared to include romance elements. Lots of loyal fans & other sensible persons got riled up. Instead of joining the general foofaraw, in typical, classy fashion, Lois McMaster Bujold has re-directed the conversation, starting a great, wide-ranging discussion about science fiction, definitions, young adult literature, & all kinds of cool stuff, here:

http://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/4822375-science-fiction-platonic-ideal-or-rorschach-blot

mwt comes in for some love in the comments, from multiple folks.

Comments

[rosaleeluann.livejournal.com]

How can the inclusion of romance make a book non-literary? What makes a book Literary, for that matter? I don't think it would be easy to find a definition that would make everyone happy. So I just read what I like, and then I'm happy. :-)

[filkferengi]

Exactly! But then, we're sensible folks who don't build the security of our identity on excluding other people we're afraid may be cooler than we are. You're very welcome to be cooler than I am [especially in winter, ;)], as long as we all get to read & savor & discuss the good stuff.

Don't you admire the deft way Lois re-directed the discussion, while changing its whole tenor and tone? Take out the vitriol & invective, and add back in the sense of wonder that drew us to the genre in the first place.