Speculative Fiction (3:29)

Our first guest today on Worlds Awaiting has a real hankering for speculative fiction. So just what is ‘speculative fiction’? Well, let’s speculate: it could be science fiction or fantasy … or maybe space opera, steampunk, or cyberpunk. Let’s include any story you care to add from among the many superhero stories, and dystopian fiction or horror (if you have the stomach for these!). The list goes on. David John Butler’s career in writing springs from his childhood love of just such genres. He talks to Rachel about his work and passion as an author of speculative fiction for readers of all ages. His publications include 2 series: The Extraordinary Journeys of Clockwork Charlie and Witchy Eye. He also performs with the Space Balrogs, a troupe of authors and artists who attend Sci-Fi and Fantasy conventions where they lead entertaining audience participation games. 

Adult vs. Kid Books (16:02)

Next, Rachel welcomes Young Adult Literature expert Teri Lesesne. Lesene suggests that grown-ups encourage children to choose their own books. But she also encourages the grown-ups to follow up with some intergenerational discussion. Teri also shares some of her favorite books for kids – including graphic novels. Teri Lesesne teaches classes in children's and young adult literature in the Department of Library Science at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. She is author of professional books and numerous articles in her field and has served on the selection committees of the National Book Award, the Walden Award, and the Printz award. Teri Lesesne is also author of Reading Ladders.

 

Lifetime of Reading (24:55)

We finish up the show with Tessa Ostvig, Worlds Awaiting Social Media Coordinator, who talks about her love of reading. It began with her mother’s influence and later, was fostered by a good teacher. These early experiences made her not only a lover of books, but also of words. In fact, to this day, she reads the dictionary on a regular basis!