Once Upon a Time…

Four simple words which, when strung together, throw wide the doors of imagination. From our earliest recollection these words began journeys so meaningful and so profound that they were woven into the fabric of our existence, causing us to return to the gateway of fiction year after year, decade after decade, to travel new roads or to trod once more on familiar paths.

Once Upon a Time…

“I felt a curious thrill, as if something had stirred in me, half wakened from sleep. There was something very remote and strange and beautiful behind those words, if I could grasp it, far beyond ancient English.”

~J.R.R. Tolkien, on reading the Cynewulf lines about the star Earendel

For as long as I can remember, fantastical literature has given me that same “curious thrill” that Tolkien references. Fantasy, fairy tales, folklore and mythology are “remote and strange and beautiful”, in part because of the way in which these types or storytelling have their foundation laid firmly in a past so remote that it is hard to truly fathom just how long people have been sitting down across from family, friends, and even strangers telling their own versions of “once upon a time”.

Five years ago I set out to celebrate my own deep affection for this literature by inviting others to set aside the period of the year that in the Western Hemisphere is known as Spring (March 21st to June 20th) to journey together into the magical lands of fantasy, fairy tales, folklore and mythology. This event, known as the Once Upon a Time Challenge, has been a great success because of its most important ingredient: you! Over the past four springs bonds of friendship have been formed, new favorite authors have been discovered, and we have all become keenly aware of just how precious a treasure it is to be able to read good books and talk about them with each other. Allow me to thank each and every one of you who have participated, from one time to all four previous times, for making this so special. It is my honor to announce that the 5th annual Once Upon a Time Challenge has begun.

Now, for the particulars:

Continue reading Once Upon a Time V →

For my part I know nothing with any certainty,
but the sight of the stars makes me dream.

~Vincent Van Gogh

And dream we did. On January first of this fine year a band of intrepid explorers set out on a grand journey among the stars, some seasoned spacers, others still green but eager. Together we took solace in the pages of science fiction. The months of January and February flew by quickly, as they always seem to do. For those who do not believe in time travel, the swift passage of time makes you wonder. The Sci Fi Experience 2011 is over, though the “experiences” we all took part in will surely resonate for a long time to come.

For those of you who participated I wanted to give you this rather belated opportunity to share about your experience, what you read, what did or did not thrill you or surprise you. What books others simply must read and what stories you think should be avoided. Really this is a chance to just wrap things up.

Continue reading We Boldly Went →